The Ellenikos Poimenikos is the traditional shepherd dog of the Greek sheep breeders.
The origin of the Ellenikos Poimenikos
The Ellenikos Poimenikos or also Hellenikos Poimenikos (from "Hellas" for "Greece") probably developed from Molossians and large mountain dogs. Molossians are said to have accompanied the glorious general Alexander the Great on his numerous battles.
A breeding selection in the sense never existed. With the decline of agriculture, the Greek Shepherd Dog also increasingly disappeared. Some still brought it into the city, but since it was not specifically bred, these animals soon disappeared there again. When the need was very great after the Second World War, owners simply disposed of animals that had become superfluous.
Today, connoisseurs of the breed complain that breeding is taking place, but without a goal or system. Indiscriminately further animals would be crossed, what partly unusable up to difficult types of this dog lets develop.
The breed characteristics of the Greek Shepherd Dog
In the countryside it is still considered a cultural symbol of the sheep breeders and cattle herders. In the cities the sense for the attitude of such primitive and large dogs is not present at the moment. Thereby the Ellenikos Poimenikos is said to be quite suitable as a guard dog for larger houses and estates.
The Greek Kennel Club (KOE) has recognized the dog breed on a national level, the FCI has not yet.
- primitive shepherd dog
- goes back to Molosser and mountain dogs
- no systematized breeding
- not recognized by the FCI