Greek Shepherd
Also called Ellinikós Pimenikós, Greek Sheepdog, Hellenic Shepherd Dog, Greek Shepherd Dog
From Greece1
At a glance the quick version
Wide range reflecting a working landrace; figures from Wikipedia.
Coat and looks how to spot one
dense double coat
A big, powerful livestock guardian with a thick double coat that shields it from mountain weather.1
Personality what they are like
A serious, self-reliant guardian that takes its job of protecting the flock to heart. It is a working dog first and is best understood by experienced owners who respect its independence.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Built for a working life alongside moving flocks; needs space and a purpose rather than just walks.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Regular brushing of the double coat, especially during seasonal shedding.1
Home where they are happiest
Traditionally lives outdoors with sheep and goats in rural and mountain areas.1
The story where it all began
A very old livestock guardian type from Greece, linked to flock dogs of the Epirus region mentioned in ancient writing. It still travels with shepherds on the seasonal migration between winter lowlands and summer mountain pastures.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Kennel Club of Greece
- Recognised nationally; not recognised by the FCI1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Greek Shepherd. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Greek Shepherd en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.