The Greek Shepherd or Greek Sheepdog (Greek: Ελληνικός Ποιμενικός, Ellinikós Pimenikós) is a Greek livestock guardian dog that has been bred for centuries for guarding livestock in the mountainous regions of the country.
A Greek Shepherd might not be suitable for first-time dog owners. As all livestock guardian dogs, they tend to be independent thinkers. They are considered brave, decisive, loyal, working dogs with a high sense of duty and strong protective instinct towards flock animals and their environment.
Naturally wary, loyal only to the flock leader-shepherd, the Greek Sheepdog can be characterized as the Big Mountain shepherd’s dog of Greece.
They do not tolerate violent behavior or training. These independent dogs need consistent training and intelligent guidance. They need an owner who understands their flock guardian ways. When placed in a pack situation, this dog could seek to be top dog by fights.
Suspicious but tactful in the presence of strangers, they do not make friends easily. They may appear calm, but are ready to protect at all costs at any time. When protecting their flock they move along the border, selecting places from where they will be able to see a wide area. They are aggressive towards the wild animals and able to drive them back with their deep bark. If their deep bark does not drive them away they will pursue the intruder and attack.
Early socialization is vital if the dog is to be a trustworthy companion. They can be well trained but have a tendency to judge a situation before taking any action.
Greek Shepherd today
The decline of livestock farming and uncontrolled interbreeding with other dogs altered its distinctive characteristics and it has been estimated that currently, less than 3,000 pure Greek Shepherd dogs have remained in the country. In an attempt to rescue it, ARCTUROS (ΑΡΚΤΟΥΡΟΣ) has been implementing the Greek Shepherd Dog Breeding Program since 1998.