Adult cream and white Kokoni
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.
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: Males 9 - 11 inches (24 - 28 cm) Females 9 - 11 inches (23 - 27 cm)
Weight: 9 - 18 pounds (4 - 8 kg)
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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.
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.
Some as long as 16 years or more.
About 4 to 6 puppies
Comb and brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
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.
Companion
Lou the tricolor Kokoni at 3 years old
Adult female Kokoni
Adult brown Kokoni
Littermates Markos, Areti and Beba the Kokonis
Beba the Kokoni as a puppy
Male Kokoni puppy, son of Beba
Adult brindle Kokoni
Billy the orange and white Kokoni living in Cyprus
Billy the orange and white Kokoni living in Cyprus
Female tricolor Kokoni