Distant ancestors of the Alopekis first appear in ancient Greece. Its name comes from the Greek word alopecis, which means "fox-like" and aptly describes this dog. The Alopekis was a developed naturally on the streets of ancient Greece, though today dog breeders carefully select breeding pairs. This breed is so similar in type to the Small Greek Domestic Dog that they were originally considered variations of the same breed. Today, however, they are considered their own breeds with their own standards in most associations.
The Alopekis really does look like a little fox. The ears are perky and wedge-shaped and the tail is bushy. The body is longer than it is high (at the shoulders) and allows for quick and graceful movements. The eyes are large and almond shaped and should be the same color. Eyes that are blue, yellow, or transparent (so they appear watery) are not encouraged.
The coat should be medium-short in length, never exceeding 2 inches. The coat should generally lie flat, though a slight wave is acceptable. The coat should have some sheen and should have a hard and smooth outer coat. The under coat should be soft and dense. Colors vary and should coordinate with the color of the eyes. Albinos are not an acceptable variety.
There are some wirehaired Alopekis in existence, but this variety is rare. With some careful breeding, the wirehaired variety could be developed, but this hasn't happened just yet.
Weighing anywhere from 6.5 to 15.5 pounds, the Alopekis is a small dog used to city life. This small breed is strong, healthy, tireless, intelligent, pleasant, and incredibly hardy. Friendly and even-tempered, the Alopekis is great with children and can usually adapt to living with other pets. Though small, they are protective of their family and will defend their people if need be. They are easily bored, however, so you should make sure your dog has something to do, especially when you're away from home.
This breed is highly adaptable. They can make their home on the farm or in a tiny apartment. They do like exercise and benefit from daily walks, but they don't need as much room to run as many other breeds. The Alopekis is a hardy dog with no known genetic problems. They are easy to care for and need only a casual brushing every week or so.
In the distant past there was a hairless variety of the Alopekis, sometimes called the Turkish Naked Dog (though it really was just a hairless Alopekis). Unfortunately, this variety has since become extinct. Today, we have only single variety of Alopekis, and hopefully this breed will continue to thrive.
The Alaskan Malamute is a direct descendant of the Arctic Wolf. These dogs get their name from the Mahlemuts, an ancient tribe that raised and cared for these dogs in the area we now call Alaska. The Mahlemuts used the ancestors of the Alaskan Malamute as their only form of transportation across the frozen north. This breed pulled light sleds and heavy loads all across the tundra using their inherent strength and endurance. As the centuries flew past and the north was explored, these dogs spread throughout the world.
This northern breed is actually the largest of all the Arctic dogs, sometimes weighing as much as 100 pounds. The Alaskan Malamute is sturdy, solid, and strong. They have a plumed tail that is usually carried over the back and a coarse double coat which is typically between 1 and 3 inches long. This thick coat insulates the dog in the coldest of climates and is found in a range of colors from light grey to black. Sable and even red are also common. Color combinations for this breed include black and white, wolf sable (red undercoat with a darker grey outercoat), wolf grey, and red. Solid colors are not generally acceptable, the single exception being a solid white coat. The highlights of the coat are usually darker, sometimes with a dark mask or cap. The legs and muzzle are usually white, though there are some exceptions to this standard.
The head of the Alaskan Malamute is wide and the ears are large and erect. The eyes should be of a medium size, almond in shape, and placed obliquely on the skull. The eyes themselves should be dark in color according to most associations. Blue eyes are typically grounds for disqualification in the show ring, but many enthusiasts and fans of the breed find blue eyes desirable.
Grooming is fairly easy with this breed. They don't really need to be bathed since the coat of an Alaskan Malamute almost repels dirt. You might want to use a dry shampoo a few times a year, but otherwise don't worry about it. This breed is clean and virtually odorless. You will, however, have to brush your dog frequently. Twice a week most of the time and daily during the spring and falls seasons when this breed drops an incredible amount of hair. Brushing will help keep the shedding under control and relieve any itching your dog may experience, but there's no getting away from all the shedding.
The temperament of the Alaskan Malamute will either make you love them or hate them. This dog is intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and sweet. They are good with older children and tend to be rather mellow as adults (though as puppies they can be terrors). They enjoy cooler temperatures and living outdoors, though they really do need the presence of their "people" to be happy. Ideally, this breed should live with people who enjoy outdoor activities.
Of course, no breed is all sunshine and roses. These dogs need a firm leader and something to do. If they are lacking either of these things, they can become destructive, sometimes doing thousands of dollars worth of damage in very little time. Alaskan Malamutes are also incredibly stubborn, which can make them difficult to train. They need constant attention and consistency in order to grow into well-mannered adult dogs.
This dog has a strong prey drive, so supervise them when they're around small children and animals. Under normal circumstances, it's perfectly safe to have them around children and other animals, but be cautious anyway. These dogs are very like wolves, so if you wouldn't leave a wolf alone with your child, don't leave an Alaskan Malamute alone with your child. Also be careful of allowing this dog free reign with other dogs, especially dogs of the same gender. Fights can sometimes occur, and breaking up a dog fight is never any fun. They need a lot of socialization early in life to overcome these tendencies.
Alaskan Malamutes have another trait that either annoys or amuses their owners. They tend to bury their food. These dogs are thrifty eaters and often bury the food they don't need for later use. This is annoying when they're burying food in laundry baskets (as one of our own Malamutes used to do). Those that don't bury their food may scarf down everything and eventually become obese and unhealthy. Careful feeding is recommended.
These dogs do not do well in apartments. They need exercise and must lead an active life, so a large yard is almost a must. A fence is a necessity, but make sure the fence is at least 6 feet high and is buried at least 2 feet underground. They can both jump and dig, so they do tend to escape. Some of them even climb, so supervise your dog. Some people chain their Alaskan Malamutes, but chains aren't necessarily all that effective. Once upon a time my father used a chain to try to keep his Malamute from roaming. It was a cow chain attached to a sturdy leather collar at one end and a long metal spike driven deep into the ground at the other end. The dog actually broke the cow chain in order to "visit" what he considered to be his territory. The collar was intact. The lesson? You're better off with a fenced yard. If you're worried about your dog climbing over the fence, think about building a dog run with a roof. Trust me, it's better than a chain.
Like many breeds, the Alaskan Malamute has its share of health problems. They do tend to be prone to bloat and many suffer from hip dysplasia. A few even suffer from chondrodysplasia, otherwise known as dwarfism. But the biggest problem with this breed, at least from a health perspective, is that they are prone to heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Their thick coat protects them from even the coldest temperatures, but the heat can really do them in. They must have shade and plenty of water whenever the temperature rises. Consider a large container (perhaps a kiddie pool) filled with water for the dog to stand in. It will help keep your dog cool in warm temperatures. In extreme heat, bring to dog into an air conditioned area.
This breed is related to the Samoyed, Siberian Husky, and American Eskimo Dog and excels at pulling, racing, sledding, and search and rescue. If you're willing to brush out your dog twice a week and put up with excessive shedding twice a year, this might be the right companion for you.
The Alaskan Klee Kai, otherwise known as the Miniature Alaskan Husky or the Mini Husky, is basically a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky (though some people seem to think that this breed resembles the Siberian Husky). This breed has great variety and may weigh anyway from 10 to 40 pounds. There are also three color variations to choose from.
Developed in the 1970s, this breed is still relatively new in the dog world. They look like a smaller Alaskan Husky, but they actually have a little of three distinct breeds -- Alaskan Huksy, Siberian Husky, and American Eskimo. With the focus shifting from large dogs to smaller companion dogs, the Alaskan Klee Kai is becoming more common throughout North America. They are still seldom seen worldwide.
This dog sheds a lot, has an off-the-charts energy level, and can be yappy. Because of this, they are not suitable for apartments or families with irritable neighbors. The Alaskan Klee Kai needs quite a bit of exercise on a daily basis to keep from becoming high strung and even neurotic, so even though they are small in size they need room to move. They are friendly but sometimes distrustful of strangers and they bond very closely to their own family. Because they do tend towards neurotic, they need a calm and loving home where the "pack order" is clearly established.
The Alaskan Klee Kai comes in three basic varieties -- standard, miniature, and toy. Standard Alaskan Klee Kais are usually between 15 and 17.5 inches high at the shoulder. Miniatures typically stand between 13 and 15 inches, again at the shoulder. Toys are considered anything under 13 inches. All varieties are prone to stomach ailments, but toys are particularly susceptible.
With the right home and weekly brushing, the Alaskan Klee Kai can make a delightful companion for anyone from a young teenager to a senior citizen.
