Not only are there many dog breeds, they also come in all different sizes.
Maybe you are looking for a particularly large dog to move in with you?
Then the Greek shepherd dog – also called Hellenikos Poimenikos – might be just the right roommate.
experience in our breed portrait everything you need to know about him.
Greek shepherd wanted poster
Size Male: Up to 75 cm Female: Approx. 65 cmWeightMale: Up to 60 kgFemale: Approx. 50 kgColorsBlack, brown, white, either one, two or three colorsLife expectancy8 to 12 yearsOriginGreececharacter/temperamentConfident, fearless, intelligent, courageous, brave, calm, even-tempered, confident, foolhardy, ruggedFCI groupNot recognized as a separate breed
Look
With a shoulder height of up to 75 centimeters, the Greek shepherd dog is definitely an impressive sight – and that alone makes it noticeable.
He has one muscular and powerful bodythe of long and quite slender legs will be carried.
The head is another «feature» because its shape is reminiscent of the head of a Molosser.
They are also striking triangular earsthe always as floppy ears to be «carried».
The will be completed stocky body from one fanned tailwhich can hang down, be curled up or be directed upwards.
Coat, coat texture & coat colors
There is something special about the coat of the Greek shepherd dog. It can be stock-haired as well as long-haired.
Depending on the type of fur, this naturally also has an effect on the texture of the fur. during that long-haired fur soft and fluffy is, is that Stick hair rather wiry and straight.
Those who originally come from the mountains also have an undercoat – and the Ellenikos Poimenikos has a lot of this.
Especially with males it can happen that these Undercoat for a real lion’s mane cares, while in bitches this is not the case.
There are usually three colors in the Greek Shepherd Dog: Black, white and brown. The dog can do both monochrome as well as two or three colors be.
Since it is not a recognized breed, there is no breed standard here regarding the markings.
eye colors
The almond shaped eyes are commonly dark brown. When the Greek Shepherd meets you for the first time, those eyes may well be looking at you a little grumpily.
Height Weight
You now know that the Greek Shepherd Dog is a very stately dog.
A male can here one Shoulder height of up to 75 centimeters achieve and at it up to 60 kilograms weigh.
The female of this breed are a bit smaller and lighter – although that is indeed relative.
Because with an estimated shoulder height of up to 65 centimeters bring the girls too up to 50 kilograms and more on the scales.
History & Origin of the Greek Shepherd Dog
The name already gives it away: The Greek Shepherd Dog, also known as Hellenikos Poimenikos or Ellenikos Poimenikos, comes from Greece. Exactly how it came about is unclear.
However, it is assumed that he from Greek mountain dogs and Molossers developed.
And these should already be the faithful companion of Alexander the Great have been.
In this race, the not recognized by the FCI as a separate breed is recognized, there is, so to speak, no «comprehensible» breeding history.
In fact, people who know and love the Greek Shepherd Dog complain that it is almost no breeding guidelines gives.
And so that breeds are also bred, which unfortunately can have a negative effect on the nature of the Hellenikos Poimenikos.
Nature & Character of the Greek Shepherd Dog
And that brings us to the nature and character of the Greek Shepherd Dog.
Unless bred «wildly» with challenging dog breeds, he is a very calm dog with an even temperament.
As a herding dog, he naturally has a strong guard and protective instinct, he is brave and courageous.
Incidentally, these properties can be traced back to its origin in the Greek mountains.
Because there are still wolves and bears there – and a scaredy-cat is really out of place here.
In addition, the Greek Shepherd Dog very intelligent and confident.
Also a certain stubbornness as well as one rugged type can show up in this breed. This can be important for the upbringing of the puppy, which will be discussed in more detail below.
attitude & upbringing
Is about the attitude and upbringing of our furry friends, some criteria play an important role here. This includes the size of the dog and of course its character.
attitude
The Greek Shepherd is a very large dog. He is also used to spending a lot of time in the fresh air.
The attitude in a city apartment is accordingly not recommendable.
Because this dog needs space and exercise. So it would be ideal if you have a garden and almost direct access to the great outdoors.
This is where the Greek shepherd prefers to hang out. However, you should only leave him alone here if, for example, he cannot disappear from the garden.
Upbringing
The Greek Shepherd Dog isn’t just big – it’s also heavy. And males in particular weigh at least as much as their owners.
Glad that Education of the Ellenikos Poimenikos already in puppy age should take place.
Otherwise, the weight of an adult dog would probably present you with the first challenge.
Consistency and finesse are of course also necessary for the little Greeks.
Because the self-confident and sometimes rugged character requires these two educational qualities.
Don’t underestimate the breed with this breed either Guardian and protective instinct. Because this can definitely mean that your fur nose pulls hard on the leash, among other things.
If you don’t have the necessary stability here, it can happen that your dog goes for a walk with you and not you with him.
So it makes more sense to get the puppy used to being on a leashto avoid later «disasters».
Health & Care
Character, upbringing and attitude are just a few of the points that interest you about your potential new roommate.
How about care and health ordered is of course also very important.
Grooming & General Grooming
The Greek Shepherd Dog is considered to be very easy to care for. This means that excessive grooming is not necessary here, as long as it is the stock-haired variant.
With long-haired Greeks you should above all in Assist in grooming more often at times when the dog is shedding.
This is mainly true for the males, for whom the coat mane can be a challenge.
Because this breed Has floppy ears, you should check them regularly. Moisture can collect here quickly.
And this is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which in turn can trigger an ear infection.
Health
The Greek Shepherd in relation to its health as very robust. Nothing is known about hereditary diseases.
Of course, health is always dependent on breeding and the breeds that may have been crossed here.
One of the sore spots in the Hellenikos Poimenikos can be the ears.
As mentioned, there is a increased risk of ear infectionswhich can cause problems in terms of diseases.
Because this is a relatively active dog that also has to carry some body weight around, they can also later in life Joint diseases and problems appear.
Life expectancy
So that your Greek shepherd a long, healthy and happy life can lead, he needs next to one species-appropriate husbandry and upbringing of course one too species-appropriate nutrition.
Together with a lot of love, attention and affection, the Ellenikos Poimenikos can then between 8 and 12 years be by your side
Is the Greek Shepherd Dog right for me?
The Greek Shepherd is a herding dog that likes to guard its territory and also prefers to be out and about all day long.
Because of his size and strength, he is not suitable for you if you are a novice dog are you.
And also for families with small children is this breed not ideal. The reason is simple: there is an increased risk of children being knocked over.
Are you against it? nature loving and active and have one strong self-esteem?
Then nothing stands in the way of you two living happily together.
Fun facts about the Greek shepherd
Now that we have given you everything you need to know about the Greek shepherd, here are a few more fun facts or other interesting facts.
The Greek Shepherd Dog is not a friend of large groups or many people. He is happiest when he can be with his human.
The Ellenikos Poimenikos is one of those quiet dogs that don’t attack easily. Of course, you shouldn’t tease this dog.
The Greek shepherd dog is thought to have descended from Turkish shepherd dogs that came to Greece with Turkish travelers many hundreds of years ago.
The Hellenikos Poimenikos loves it when his intelligence is challenged.
The ancestors of the Greek shepherd, the Molossians, were already very popular with the ancient Greeks and the Babylonians.
Already living with a Greek Shepherd Dog? So, can you tell us some more interesting facts and stories about this amazing breed?
Then we would be happy if you share them with us in the comments 😊