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The Alopekis is a dog in the Working Group. The have no known common genetic problems, and are easy to care for. This dog is not associated with the American Kennel Club, and it will do well in a small apartment, a farm, and in both rural and urban settings.
Appearance
The Alopekis is fox-like with graceful movement, and it has a wedge-shaped head. This breed comes in a large array of colors and combinations of colors, such as black and beige. It is also relatively small.
Coat
The coat of the Alopekis is of good quality, and is easy to groom. There are two types of coats: shorthaired and wirehaired. The outer coat is hard and smooth, and the under coat is soft and dense. The double coat is short and smooth. The coat is medium length, the maximum being 2 inches, or 5 centimeters, and it lies flat on the dog's body. Sometimes, it is slightly wavy, but it should always feel silky.
Tail
The sickle-shaped tail of the Alopekis is usually long. The dog holds its tail up high, and has an elegant curve. It is always in motion, showing the dog's joy. The coat of this dog forms a brush under its tail.
Eyes
This breed of dog has large eyes which vary in shape from round to an almond shape. They are bright, intelligent, and are not deep-set. The color goes with the color of the coat, but they will never be transparent or blue. They both must be of the same color. However, if they are light yellow, there is a serious problem with the dog's eyes.
Muzzle, nose and jaws
The muzzle "tapers easily to the nose", and the topline is level. The nose of the Alopekis has well-opened nostrils. It is flat, and level on the front surface. The Alopekis has strong jaws with scissor-bite teeth.
Character traits and exercise
The Alopekis can adapt easily to urban environments, and can live in an apartment. It is a strong companion, who is devoted to its family and does not tire easily. This dog is also an eager helper, and can easily be trained.
Exercise
The Alopekis needs free play, as with any dog. However, it can adjust to small households with little running space, as long as they are walked frequently. They can take any amount of exercise, and do well in mini-agility competitions. They are very athletic.
Breeding / Reproduction
In domestic dogs, sexual maturity begins to happen around age six to twelve months for both males and females, although this can be delayed until up to two years old for some large breeds. This is the time at which female dogs will have their first estrous cycle. They will experience subsequent estrous cycles biannually, during which the body prepares for pregnancy. At the peak of the cycle, females will come into estrus, being mentally and physically receptive to copulation. Because the ova survive and are capable of being fertilized for a week after ovulation, it is possible for a female to mate with more than one male.
Dogs bear their litters roughly 56 to 72 days after fertilization, with an average of 63 days, although the length of gestation can vary. An average litter consists of about six puppies, though this number may vary widely based on the breed of dog. Toy dogs generally produce from one to four puppies in each litter, while much larger breeds may average as many as twelve.
Some dog breeds have acquired traits through selective breeding that interfere with reproduction. Male French Bulldogs, for instance, are incapable of mounting the female. For many dogs of this breed, the female must be artificially inseminated in order to reproduce
Neutering
Neutering refers to the sterilization of animals, usually by removal of the male's testicles or the female's ovaries and uterus, in order to eliminate the ability to procreate and reduce sex drive. Because of the overpopulation of dogs in some countries, animal control agencies, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), advise that dogs not intended for further breeding should be neutered, so that they do not have undesired puppies that may have to later be euthanized.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, 3–4 million dogs and cats are put down each year in the United States and many more are confined to cages in shelters because there are many more animals than there are homes. Spaying or castrating dogs helps keep overpopulation down. Local humane societies, SPCAs, and other animal protection organizations urge people to neuter their pets and to adopt animals from shelters instead of purchasing them.
Neutering reduces problems caused by hypersexuality, especially in male dogs. Spayed female dogs are less likely to develop some forms of cancer, affecting mammary glands, ovaries, and other reproductive organs. However, neutering increases the risk of urinary incontinence in female dogs, and prostate cancer in males, as well as osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, cruciate ligament rupture, obesity, and diabetes mellitus in either gender.
Dog Communication
Dog communication refers to body movements and sounds dogs use to send signals to other dogs, and other animals (usually humans). Dog communication comes in a variety of forms, and is part of the foundation of dog social behavior (see Dog Society). Dogs use certain movements of their bodies and body parts and different vocalizations to send signals. There are a number of basic ways a dog can communicate. These are movements of the ears, eyes, eyebrows, mouth, head, tail, and entire body, as well as barks, growls, whines and whimpers, and howls.
It is important to note that while many gestures and actions have common, stereotypical meanings, researchers regularly seem to find that animal communication is often more complex and subtle than previously believed, and that the same gesture may have multiple distinct meanings depending on context and other behaviors. So, generalizations such as "X means Y" are often, but not always accurate. For example, even a simple tail wag may (depending on context) convey many meanings including:
• Excitement
• Anticipation
• Playfulness
• Contentment/enjoyment
• Happy, self-confidence
But also:
• Anxiety
• Questioning another animal or a human as to intentions
• Tentative role assessment on meeting another animal
• Reassurance ("I'm friendly, are you?")
• Reconciliation (after an aggressive interaction: "I still want to be friends")
• Uncertainty/apprehension
• Submissive placation
Combined with other body language, in a specific context, many gestures such as yawns and direction of vision all convey meaning. Panting may mean "Too hot"; it might also mean either emotional anxiety or happiness. Thus statements that a particular action "means" something should always be interpreted to mean "often means" something. As with human beings, who may smile or hug or stand a particular way for multiple reasons, many animals reuse gestures too.
Health risks to humans
In the USA, dogs cause 88% of the 86,000 falls caused by pets. Dog feces can cause a number of human diseases, including toxocariasis, which can cause blindness, and can also cause human hookworm. In the United States, about 10,000 cases of Toxocara infection are reported in humans each year. Almost 14% of the US population is infected with Toxocara, a parasite of dogs and cats that can be passed from animals to humans.
The incidence of dog bites, and especially fatal dog bites, is extremely rare in America considering the number of pet dogs in the country. Fatalities from dog bites occur in America at the rate of one per four million dogs. A Colorado study found that bites in children were less severe than bites in adults. The incidence of dog bites in the US is 12.9 per 10,000 inhabitants, but for boys aged 5 to 9 the incidence rate is 60.7 per 10,000. Moreover, children have a much higher chance to be bitten in the face or neck. Sharp claws with powerful muscles behind them can lacerate flesh in a scratch that can lead to serious infections.
In the UK between 2003 and 2004, there were 5,868 dog attacks on humans resulting in 5,770 working days lost in sick leave.
Appearance
The Alopekis is fox-like with graceful movement, and it has a wedge-shaped head. This breed comes in a large array of colors and combinations of colors, such as black and beige. It is also relatively small.
Coat
The coat of the Alopekis is of good quality, and is easy to groom. There are two types of coats: shorthaired and wirehaired. The outer coat is hard and smooth, and the under coat is soft and dense. The double coat is short and smooth. The coat is medium length, the maximum being 2 inches, or 5 centimeters, and it lies flat on the dog's body. Sometimes, it is slightly wavy, but it should always feel silky.
Tail
The sickle-shaped tail of the Alopekis is usually long. The dog holds its tail up high, and has an elegant curve. It is always in motion, showing the dog's joy. The coat of this dog forms a brush under its tail.
Eyes
This breed of dog has large eyes which vary in shape from round to an almond shape. They are bright, intelligent, and are not deep-set. The color goes with the color of the coat, but they will never be transparent or blue. They both must be of the same color. However, if they are light yellow, there is a serious problem with the dog's eyes.
Muzzle, nose and jaws
The muzzle "tapers easily to the nose", and the topline is level. The nose of the Alopekis has well-opened nostrils. It is flat, and level on the front surface. The Alopekis has strong jaws with scissor-bite teeth.
Character traits and exercise
The Alopekis can adapt easily to urban environments, and can live in an apartment. It is a strong companion, who is devoted to its family and does not tire easily. This dog is also an eager helper, and can easily be trained.
Exercise
The Alopekis needs free play, as with any dog. However, it can adjust to small households with little running space, as long as they are walked frequently. They can take any amount of exercise, and do well in mini-agility competitions. They are very athletic.
Breeding / Reproduction
In domestic dogs, sexual maturity begins to happen around age six to twelve months for both males and females, although this can be delayed until up to two years old for some large breeds. This is the time at which female dogs will have their first estrous cycle. They will experience subsequent estrous cycles biannually, during which the body prepares for pregnancy. At the peak of the cycle, females will come into estrus, being mentally and physically receptive to copulation. Because the ova survive and are capable of being fertilized for a week after ovulation, it is possible for a female to mate with more than one male.
Dogs bear their litters roughly 56 to 72 days after fertilization, with an average of 63 days, although the length of gestation can vary. An average litter consists of about six puppies, though this number may vary widely based on the breed of dog. Toy dogs generally produce from one to four puppies in each litter, while much larger breeds may average as many as twelve.
Some dog breeds have acquired traits through selective breeding that interfere with reproduction. Male French Bulldogs, for instance, are incapable of mounting the female. For many dogs of this breed, the female must be artificially inseminated in order to reproduce
Neutering
Neutering refers to the sterilization of animals, usually by removal of the male's testicles or the female's ovaries and uterus, in order to eliminate the ability to procreate and reduce sex drive. Because of the overpopulation of dogs in some countries, animal control agencies, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), advise that dogs not intended for further breeding should be neutered, so that they do not have undesired puppies that may have to later be euthanized.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, 3–4 million dogs and cats are put down each year in the United States and many more are confined to cages in shelters because there are many more animals than there are homes. Spaying or castrating dogs helps keep overpopulation down. Local humane societies, SPCAs, and other animal protection organizations urge people to neuter their pets and to adopt animals from shelters instead of purchasing them.
Neutering reduces problems caused by hypersexuality, especially in male dogs. Spayed female dogs are less likely to develop some forms of cancer, affecting mammary glands, ovaries, and other reproductive organs. However, neutering increases the risk of urinary incontinence in female dogs, and prostate cancer in males, as well as osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, cruciate ligament rupture, obesity, and diabetes mellitus in either gender.
Dog Communication
Dog communication refers to body movements and sounds dogs use to send signals to other dogs, and other animals (usually humans). Dog communication comes in a variety of forms, and is part of the foundation of dog social behavior (see Dog Society). Dogs use certain movements of their bodies and body parts and different vocalizations to send signals. There are a number of basic ways a dog can communicate. These are movements of the ears, eyes, eyebrows, mouth, head, tail, and entire body, as well as barks, growls, whines and whimpers, and howls.
It is important to note that while many gestures and actions have common, stereotypical meanings, researchers regularly seem to find that animal communication is often more complex and subtle than previously believed, and that the same gesture may have multiple distinct meanings depending on context and other behaviors. So, generalizations such as "X means Y" are often, but not always accurate. For example, even a simple tail wag may (depending on context) convey many meanings including:
• Excitement
• Anticipation
• Playfulness
• Contentment/enjoyment
• Happy, self-confidence
But also:
• Anxiety
• Questioning another animal or a human as to intentions
• Tentative role assessment on meeting another animal
• Reassurance ("I'm friendly, are you?")
• Reconciliation (after an aggressive interaction: "I still want to be friends")
• Uncertainty/apprehension
• Submissive placation
Combined with other body language, in a specific context, many gestures such as yawns and direction of vision all convey meaning. Panting may mean "Too hot"; it might also mean either emotional anxiety or happiness. Thus statements that a particular action "means" something should always be interpreted to mean "often means" something. As with human beings, who may smile or hug or stand a particular way for multiple reasons, many animals reuse gestures too.
Health risks to humans
In the USA, dogs cause 88% of the 86,000 falls caused by pets. Dog feces can cause a number of human diseases, including toxocariasis, which can cause blindness, and can also cause human hookworm. In the United States, about 10,000 cases of Toxocara infection are reported in humans each year. Almost 14% of the US population is infected with Toxocara, a parasite of dogs and cats that can be passed from animals to humans.
The incidence of dog bites, and especially fatal dog bites, is extremely rare in America considering the number of pet dogs in the country. Fatalities from dog bites occur in America at the rate of one per four million dogs. A Colorado study found that bites in children were less severe than bites in adults. The incidence of dog bites in the US is 12.9 per 10,000 inhabitants, but for boys aged 5 to 9 the incidence rate is 60.7 per 10,000. Moreover, children have a much higher chance to be bitten in the face or neck. Sharp claws with powerful muscles behind them can lacerate flesh in a scratch that can lead to serious infections.
In the UK between 2003 and 2004, there were 5,868 dog attacks on humans resulting in 5,770 working days lost in sick leave.
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