MyDogBreeds
Kooikerhondje is originated from Netherlands but Alopekis is originated from Greece. Kooikerhondje may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Alopekis. Kooikerhondje may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than Alopekis. Both Kooikerhondje and Alopekis has almost same life span. Both Kooikerhondje and Alopekis has almost same litter size. Kooikerhondje requires Low maintenance. But Alopekis requires Moderate maintenance
The Kooikerhondje is of Dutch ancestry and is a medium-sized spaniel-type dog breed that has always been a working dog, being used to attract ducks into traps but being bred as an all-purpose dog.
They were particularly sought after in the 17th and 18th century, appearing in paintings of Rembrandt. The breed died out during World War II, but it was rescued by Baroness van Hardenbroek van Ammerstol and recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club.
In January 2018 the Nederlnadse Kooikerhondje is fully recognized by the American Kennel Club, competing in the Sporting Group.
The courageous Alopekis is said to have run with and fought with bulls. To this day they escort bulls in Greece. They were used by the Greeks to contain the vermin populations, guard the chickens and ducks, and assist larger dogs in working with sheep. At one time it was thought that they originated from breeding of dogs and foxes, but this proved not to be true. It was also once considered to be the same breed as the Small Greek Domestic Dog, but it has since been declared its own breed.
The Alopekis is not a recognized breed with any of the current national or international dog organizations. The Kennel Club of Greece will recognize them once their population is large enough. They cannot be recognized by the AKC, IKC, or International groups until they are a much larger group.
The Kooikerhondje is a medium sized dog standing at 35 – 40cm at the withers and weighing anything between 9 – 11kg. He has a medium length coat which is a red and white color, with floppy ears.
A distinctive feature with this dog is the black tips of the long ears, and which are referred to as earrings. The coat can be wavy or straight. Typical of spaniel-like dog his plumed white tail moves jauntily, as though always happy. When you look at him he has a gentle expression, while being alert too.
Friendly, content, cheerful, good-natured and quiet – these are some of the words which describe the amicable Kooikerhondje.
He is also intelligent, wanting to please his owner. He is good around children too, but make sure your children are taught to respect and be kind to animals.
The Kooikerhondje is an adaptable dog and can be as as quiet or as jaunty as you want. He is adaptable to city life or life in the country, but he will need to be exercised and taken for walks.
The Alopekis is a small, fox-like dog with pricked ears on a head that is wedge shaped. They have large eyes, a deep and tapered muzzle with a broad nose. They are short but have long backs and a deep, wide chest with strong legs and feet. They have a beautiful tail that cures upward and a double coat.
Kooiker, as he’s fondly referred to for short, has a happy personality, and bringing him into your home will be like bringing in some joy and sunshine.
He is a fun, energetic companion and you can count him in for all your outdoor activities such as walk, hikes and swimming. He’ll love to fetch every ball you throw, and that’s because he is such a playful dog.
He is a loving dog too, making a great playmate for children. Treat him like one of the family, and the Kooiker will surprise you with the amount of pleasure he brings.
The lifespan of the Kooikerhondje is about 12 – 14 years, and looked after well, he can be your canine friend for many years.
He loves his food and can put on weight easily, and obesity is one of the health problems he may have to deal with. Kidney- and eye problems might also be something that you may have to deal with with this dog breed, although most unlikely.
Obesity in dogs is very sad because its a disease that can be avoided. Dogs that are over fed are at particular risk because they can't exercise, and this in itself can lead to serious health issues.
There are different causes of obesity, but it is mostly caused by the dog being fed- and eating more than he can expend. Just like with humans, obesity becomes more common in old age as the metabolism slows down. A dog that has been neutered or spayed also tends to put on weight more easily.
If you're unsure what to do for your obese dog, speak to your vet who can recommend a diet for your pet. Remember that with feeding your dog, prevention is better than cure.
Kidney problems, though more common with older dogs, can strike at any age. The kidneys play a host of important functions such as regulating blood pressure. Sometimes kidney failure is slow and the symptoms may not be obvious.
With renal failure, your pet will be lethargic, they will be vomiting, be depressed and have weight loss. Other possible symptoms are increased thirst, blood in the urine and seizures. Chronic renal failure can't be cured but treatment is aimed at making your pet comfortable.
The Alopekis is an endangered species of canine due to a variety of factors. Traditionally this has been a healthy gene pool and the breed has been an example of the evolution of small canines. Factors such as farm pesticides, urbanization and cross breeding have affected the breed’s future.
This is made worse by the fact that the female Alopekis only breeds once a year, the litters are small, and the puppy mortality is high. In addition, the dogs are regularly neutered as part of a program to control strays, despite their status as an endangered species.
Your Kooikerhondje is smart, happy-go-lucky dog and it is important to know your pet's needs so you can care properly for him. Exercise your Kooikerhondje daily as he is a high-energy dog and even short walks can be good for him.
He absolutely loves balls games too. He can live in the city or the country but will do better when he has the chance for exercise. Urban- and city environments can work if there are nearby parks to cater for his energy.
The Kooikehondje has long hair but he is surprisingly low maintenance and will simply require a brush once or twice a week.
If you love your pet but just can't find the time to see to his grooming needs, take him to the vet for regular checkups to check ears, teeth and eyes. They can come down with problems with the eyes or have some or other skin allergy.
Give your Kooikerhondje the right food, and make sure its the highest quality. If you buy him commercially manufactured food, pay attention to the ingredients list and make sure that proper meat is at the top of the list.
Add cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables to his dry kibble as a tasty treat sometimes. Learn to recognize the less nutritious ingredients such as wheat or grain. Also learn to avoid foods which are bad for your dog such as chocolate and onions.
This is a high energy dog and the puppies need to be fed a high-quality puppy food. Feed about 1/3 of a cup twice a day.
Feed high- quality dry dog food and dog treats to this active dog. Feed about ¼ of a cup twice a day – more if below average weight and less if overweight.
Keep them active and away from pesticides if possible.
This is a very active dog that needs a lot of exercise, games and if possible – a job.
Children – fine once socialized