The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

The Purebred Kokoni

Information and Pictures

A tan with white Kokoni dog is standing in grass

Adult cream and white Kokoni

Other Dog Breed Names
  • Greek Kokoni
  • Small Greek Domestic Dog
  • Meliteo Kinidio
Description

The Kokoni is a small dog with a body length that is longer than its height. The skull is moderately domed when viewed from the front or from the side. The snout is shorter than the length of the skull with a shallow stop. The skull is slightly wider from ear to ear than the length. The head is in proportion to the body. The medium sized nose is black with open nostrils. The head is triangular in shape with drop ears. The black lips are moderately fine and tight. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The medium sized eyes are almond shaped with tight lids and dark brown irises. The triangular drop ears are moderate in size and set high above the imaginary line of the eyes. The neck is slightly arched with tight skin. The chest is wide and deep. The tail forms a semicircle carried over the back. The front legs are straight with small, round paws. It has short hair on the face and inner parts of the legs. The medium length coat can be straight or slightly wavy with longer fringes on the belly, ears, tail and the back of the legs. The undercoat is short and dense. All colors and combinations of colors are acceptable.

Temperament

The Kokoni loves human interaction and is fearless despite its small size. The breed is a cheerful, smart and loyal. They are great companion dogs. Alert, it makes a good watchdog. The Kokoni is fast and lively. Be sure to provide the Kokoni with calm leadership to prevent small dog syndrome.

An ancient breed of the Hellenic (Greek) dog, Small Greek Domestic Dog, the Kokoni is an ideal companion, extremely expressive and highly perceptive. It is an adept hunter of small game and birds. It needs a daily pack walks to burn mental and physical energy. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behavior problems. Always remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be sure to meet their natural instincts as animals. If you are not this dog's pack leader, he can become fearless and territorial and possessive of his owners. These are not breed traits, but rather behaviors brought on by the lack of a true human leader.

Height, weight

Height: Males 9 - 11 inches (24 - 28 cm) Females 9 - 11 inches (23 - 27 cm)
Weight: 9 - 18 pounds (4 - 8 kg)

Health Problems

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Living conditions

The Kokoni loves to run and play, but with the proper amount of exercise can adjust to a small household and pretty much to your lifestyle.

Exercise

The Kokoni needs a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of its exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill its primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off-lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard.

Life Expectancy

Some as long as 16 years or more.

Litter Size

About 4 to 6 puppies

Grooming

Comb and brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Origin

The Kokoni is a Greek dog found throughout Greece. “Kokoni” means “small dog” in Greek. The breed has ancient origins. It can be found on ancient artifacts such as vases, statues, figurines and coins, revealing the existence of a close relationship with the ancient Greek family. The breed continues to be represented on newer items throughout the entire country.

At one time the Alopekis and Small Greek Domestic Dog were considered to be different types of the same breed. This has since changed and provisional standards have been written for each breed since both breed true to type. In terms of numbers, this breed is more common than the Alopekis, although both breeds would be the easiest and most likely breeds to be exported from Greece and established elsewhere. Due to their small size, people seem to instinctively keep them as companions, sometimes for generations. This is a tradition that goes all the way back to ancient Greece. A large number of images on ancient friezes, pottery and amphorae show this breed as a companion to women and children. Meliteo Kinidio translates to Honey (Small) Dog, probably due to its sweet (like honey) disposition and the name Alopekis translates to "Fox," due to its foxy looks and size.

Group

Companion

Recognition
  • GKC = Greek Kennel Club
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
A tricolor black with tan and white Kokoni is laying in brown grass and looking forward

Lou the tricolor Kokoni at 3 years old

A tan with black and white Kokoni dog is standing in sand with patchy grass growing and looking to the right.

Adult female Kokoni

A tan with brown Kokoni is standing on a table and being posed by a person behind it

Adult brown Kokoni

Three panting white and brown Kokonis are standing and sitting on a beach with a big cliff behind them.

Littermates Markos, Areti and Beba the Kokonis

A white with black and brown Kokoni puppy is standing on a brick red tiled floor with its ittermates behind it.

Beba the Kokoni as a puppy

A tan with white and black Kokoni puppy is standing on top of a blue jacket outside in grass.

Male Kokoni puppy, son of Beba

A brown with black brindle and white Kokoni is standing in front of a red railing

Adult brindle Kokoni

A white with brown Kokoni dog is standing on a sidewalk next to a pink potted plant with flowers in it. Its mouth is open and tongue is out

Billy the orange and white Kokoni living in Cyprus

View from above - A white with brown Kokoni is laying out on a concrete surface.

Billy the orange and white Kokoni living in Cyprus

A black with white Kokoni dog is laying in grass looking like it is about to get up.

Female tricolor Kokoni

See more examples of the Kokoni