Fruggle vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

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 Fruggle is a mixed breed/hybrid crossover between a Pug and a French Bulldog. The “Frug” is considered a designer breed, developed in the United States and growing in popularity. These hybrid dogs all can be different taking their looks and characteristics from one or both of the parent dogs in different ways. Within the same litter you can have pups that look like pugs and act like French Bulldogs or look like French Bulldogs and act like pugs.

Also known as a Frenchie Pug, the hybrid is growing in popularity and new to the United Kingdom but recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. It is not recognized by the AKC or American Kennel Club. They are developed from purebred dogs but are not a purebred breed at this time. It would take generations of breeding true for that to happen. At the same time the Fruggle is an adorable little dog with characteristics of both its purebred parents.

The French Bulldog is a descendent of dogs that lived with ancient Greeks, the Molossians Phoenician traders spread the dog throughout the known world. These dogs were used in dogs fights and sporting until 1835 when these were outlawed. The Frenchie became a companion dog for the ladies of Paris, writers, artists and fashion designers. The Pug, on the other hand, can trace their history as far back as Confucius in 700BC. They are one of the most ancient dog breeds in existence today. They were the property of the Imperial Family in China, guarded by soldiers. Stealing a pug in Imperial China was punishable by death.

There is no real history or the Fruggle as it is too young in its existence as a separate type of dog. It is considered a breed – just a hybrid breed. In addition to the American Canine Hybrid Club, it is also recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry, the Designer Breed Registry, the Dog Registry of America and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.

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.

Being a designer dog, the appearance and characteristics of the Fruggle varies from pup to pup. Most do have flat faces, large eyes, and short muzzles. The Frug is a short, sturdy and compact dog. Their tail is over the back in a tight curl, and the ears are round and large. They are called Rose Ears. The nose and eyes are black or very dark and they have wrinkles on the forehead. This is the basic generalization of a mix between the Pug and the French Bulldog. The reality is they are all different. Most often they have a Pugs face with the French Bulldogs ears. They are a little smaller than the French Bulldog and a little larger than the Pug. Their hair is fine, glossy, smooth and short.

Children – fine once socialized

Special Talents - These are herding, watch dog, loyal and brave dogs.

Adaptability – They are very adaptable and highly intelligent.

Learning Ability – Alopekis are highly intelligent and very trainable.

Children friendliness

The Fruggle is very child friendly

Special talents

The Fruggle is a good watchdog and can be taught many tricks.

Adaptability

He is not very adaptable. He can live in city and in apartments much better than in the country or on farms. He needs air conditioning

Learning ability

Is very high as the Fruggle is very intelligent

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.

The Fruggle can inherit any of the health issues of either parent or they might be healthier than either parent. Some of the issues that the Fruggle might face include:

1. Infections in wrinkles
2. Keep them clean to avoid skin infections
3. Glaucoma
4. Must be treated to avoid blindness
5. Allergies
6. Might face seasonal allergies/ some might need allergy shots
7. Hip Dysplasia
8. Can cause arthritis or lameness
9. Patellar Luxation
10. Otherwise known as “floating” kneecap. Can cause lameness
11. Brachycephalic Syndrome
12. Short, smashed face cannot tolerate heat or a lot of exercise.
13. Cataracts
14. Not as serious as other eye issues but should be watched

Feeding the Puppy

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.

Feeding the Adult

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.

Points for Good Health

Keep them active and away from pesticides if possible.

Games and Exercises

This is a very active dog that needs a lot of exercise, games and if possible – a job.

Feeding the puppy

1/2 cup should be fed daily in two to three meals of high quality dry puppy food

Feeding the adult

1/2 to 2 cups should be fed daily in two meals of high quality dry adult food

Points for Good Health

Quite often the first generation hybrid has much better health than either of the founding breeds. The same is not true of the second and third generations.

Games and Exercises

The Fruggle is a laid back dog requiring very little exercise. A daily walk or rolling a ball around the apartment is enough for him. The Fruggle should NOT be exercise vigorously or excessively due to its smashed face and Brachycephalic Syndrome. Weekly visits to a dog park would be sufficient as well. Do not take him out in excessive cold or heat.