Kokoni

The Kokoni dog breed is native to Greece, but some claim that he originally came from Malta. Kokoni means “small dog” in Greek. So, he is known as the Small Greek Domestic Dog. His other nicknames are Greek Kokoni and Meliteo Kinidio. In the UK, he is dubbed as Kokoni Spaniel. That’s because he has the same coat colours as the Spaniel.

The Kokoni dog breed’s history is vague. However, this little dog was depicted in many artefacts of ancient Greece. He was illustrated in coins, figurines, statues, and potteries. Kokonis were bred as companion dogs for aristocrats, especially women and children.

Over time, the Kokonis slowly became versatile working dogs of the commoners. They were skilled enough to hunt vermin and other small game. Kokonis were also capable of herding livestock.

Unfortunately, as these small dogs have integrated into the poorer parts of Greece, some were not taken in by any family. Thus, Kokonis were forced to live their lives as street dogs.

As a result, the mating of this dog breed was unrestricted. Surprisingly, this has a positive effect on the breed, as he developed to be healthier than other dogs.

The Kokoni and his Greek cousin, the Alopekis, were once different varieties of the same breed. However, provisional standards were made, and these two dogs became separate breeds.

Kokonis remained to be popular companion dogs in Greece and Cyprus, but they are not well known to the rest of the world. For this reason, they are not yet acknowledged by any major kennel clubs. On the brighter side, Kokonis are officially recognised by the Greek Kennel Club.

There is only a little representation of the breed outside Greece. The most notable one is the Kokoni dog named Satchel who was featured in the 2005 movie, Bewitched.

The Kokoni breed is diminutive in size. Male Kokonis measure around 24–28 centimetres (9–11 inches) in height, whilst female Kokonis stand approximately 23–27 centimetres (9–11 inches) tall. Both can weigh about 4–8 kilos (9–18 pounds).

A litter of this breed can approximately comprise up 4–6 puppies. As small domestic dogs, Kokonis tend to mature quickly. It will take at least 12–15 months for Kokoni puppies to become fully grown. They will reach their full weight once they are 18 months old.

The Kokoni has a body that is rather long than tall. This dog possesses a small, slightly domed head. His brown eyes are round and almond-shaped. Other eye colours are acceptable except blue. He has a black medium-sized nose and short and faintly tapered muzzle. He has medium-length triangular drop ears.

The Kokoni breed’s chest is wide and deep and his legs are straight and sturdy. He has small, round paws, whilst his feathered tail curls up and over his back.

The Kokoni has a thick and silky double-layered coat that can either be straight or slightly wavy. The coat is medium in length, but the feathering around his face belly, tail, and ears are slightly longer.

The breed’s coat has many colour combinations. It can be black and tan, white with blond, rust, or black spots. There is also a tricolour coat that usually has a white blaze in the middle of the face.

Do Kokonis shed?

Do Kokonis moult? Yes, they are a moderate shedder. Kokonis are also non-hypoallergenic, so they are not the best option for dog lovers with pet allergies.

To keep their coat healthy and shiny, Kokonis should be brushed daily with a firm bristle brush. Spare at least 15 minutes of your time to comb through your dog's hair. This will prevent nasty matts and tangles from forming. Bathing can be done once a month. Avoid washing him frequently as it can damage his skin and coat.

Other grooming needs to take care of are weekly nail trimming and ear cleaning. Trim overgrown fur found in the ear's entrance. It will help lessen the chances of ear infections from occurring. The breed is prone to gum and teeth diseases. Make sure to brush your dog’s teeth every day to prevent plaque and tartar build-up.

Kokonis are very sociable dogs with a lively and loyal personality. They form a strong bond with their families and welcome cuddles and other forms of affection. Despite their enjoyment of human interaction, these dogs are not prone to separation anxiety. It can be attributed to their independent nature.

The Kokoni breed is protective of his family. His small size does not stop him from becoming an effective watchdog. This loyal dog is sharp and alert to any possible threats that may put his loved ones in danger.

Be sure to properly socialise your dog to ensure that he has a sound judgment of the people and animals around him. It will also prevent him from barking at anything or anyone in sight.

Kokoni dogs are ideal companions for families with children. They match the high energy of children well. Their playtimes allow these dogs to have additional exercise. Always warn children to avoid roughly handling their furry friends. Since Kokonis have a diminutive size, their bodies are more susceptible to injuries.

This small dog can get along well with other dogs. However, the breed is prone to Small Dog Syndrome. He may try to challenge other dogs that are larger than him. To prevent accidents such as dog aggression from happening, socialise your dog at a young age. It will help him easily befriend and be comfortable with other canines.

Kokonis and cats can become best of friends too, provided that they grew up together. Be sure to follow proper gradual introduction to help them quickly form a bond. As the Kokoni breed was used to hunt small game in the past, he may try to chase after smaller pets. If you have a rabbit, mice, or hamster, this dog may not be the best addition to your family.

The Kokoni loves to please his owner. Moreover, unlike other dog breeds, he is not stubborn, thus he is easy to train. However, note that he may have Small Dog Syndrome. It is crucial for you to be a calm and consistent pack leader. This will prevent your dog from becoming territorial and possessive.

Train Kokonis through using positive reinforcement. As they are an eager pleaser, shower them with praises. Giving them treats and playing a fun game are also motivating rewards. Avoid rough treatment and punishment during training. Kokoni dogs do not take these methods well and it would only yield destructive results. Your dog might lose his trust in you and even develop behavioural problems.

Make sure to choose a premium quality dog food specifically designed for the breed’s size. Doing so will guarantee that he receives the right amount of essential nutrients in every meal.

A full-grown Kokoni dog requires around ¼–1 cup of dog food per day. Divide it into two smaller portions to keep your pooch from overfeeding. Fresh water should always be available for him, especially during hotter seasons to avoid overheating or dehydration.

The breed has an impressively long lifespan compared to other dogs. He can live between 13 and 19 years. Because Kokonis are very hardy dogs, currently there are no major health issues linked to them. However, once more research is done by the experts, this may change.

Periodontal diseases are minor but prevalent health problems in Kokonis. Prevent the onset of periodontal problems by maintaining consistent dental care for your dog. Tooth brushing should be done daily. You can also supplement it with dental dog chews. It will help get rid of plaque and keeps his breath fresh.

Kokonis have moderate energy levels. They need at least 45 minutes of physical exercise and mental stimulation every day. Puppies need a longer time for exercise than full-grown Kokonis. Long walks are the simplest activities that can quickly burn out their energy.

You can couple it with enjoyable games at home such as hide-and-seek and fetch. If you have a back garden, allow your dog to run off-lead. However, make sure that the fences are secure beforehand to keep him from accidentally escaping.

The price of Kokoni puppies can range from £600 to £800. Your dog’s annual food cost can total up to £200–£300. Buying his necessities will cost you around £200.

The fee for each vet check-up session is approximately £30–£60. Initial vaccine shots will cost £100 and £50 for boosters. If you acquire pet insurance, around £28 will be added to your monthly bills.