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GREEK SHEEPDOG |
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Greece, just
across the isthmus from Turkey, probably acquired its flock guards with
early migrations of people to the West. These dogs have been used throughout
Greece, particularly around the northern provinces in the Balkan foothills.
Said to look
much like the Maremma or the Kuvasz, the breed is renowned for its ferocity.
The dogs occasionally took it upon themselves to protect the whole countryside.
A heavy log or other object attached to the collar curbed this zealotry.
People walking in rural areas—sometimes even the shepherds—armed themselves
with stout sticks or a pocketful of rocks.
According to Hughes, "Travels
in Greece" (1800s), a traveler tells how he "was attacked by
one of those fierce . . . dogs which shepherds use to protect their flocks.
He flew at my horse's heels. I had to wheel the horse and discharge my
fowling piece over his head." Shepherds of
the old school felt cropping the right ear improved the dog's hearing.
This practice caused a peculiar lopsided look with a short stub on the
right and a drop ear on the left.
Since there
are no kennel clubs in Greece and few dogs are raised for pleasure, it
is difficult to know the modern status of this ancient breed. They have
never been introduced to any other country, but the great white dogs are
still used by Greek shepherds. They breed them in the practical sense;
best worker to best worker, with little regard for "fine points."
But the type has remained pure. Modern Greek cynologists lament the fact
that many Greeks feel imported breeds such as Dobermans and Rottweilers
create more snob appeal and status that the native breeds.
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