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The Greek Domestic Dog is a unique breed that has been a beloved companion in Greece for thousands of years. Its origins date back to ancient times, where it was used for hunting and guarding.
This breed is known for its intelligence and loyalty, making it an excellent family pet. With proper training, they can be well-behaved and obedient.
Greek Domestic Dogs are relatively small in size, typically weighing between 20-40 pounds. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
Their friendly nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children, as they are patient and gentle.
Breed Characteristics
The Greek domestic dog is a versatile breed that excels in various roles.
They are known for their intelligence, making them highly trainable and adaptable to different living situations.
Their high energy level requires regular exercise, which can range from daily walks to more intense physical activities.
Greek domestic dogs are generally good with children and can make excellent family pets, but they do require patient and consistent training.
Their loyalty and affection towards their families are well-documented, making them a popular choice for those seeking a loving companion.
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Size and Weight
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The Small Greek Domestic Dog is a compact breed, with males weighing between 8-18 pounds (4-8 kg) and females weighing between 7-17 pounds (3.5-7.5 kg).
On average, a male Small Greek Domestic Dog weighs around 13 pounds (6 kg), while a female weighs about 12 pounds (5.5 kg).
Their height is equally impressive, with males standing between 10-13 inches (25-32 cm) tall and females standing between 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) tall.
The average height for a male is 11.5 inches (28.5 cm), while the average height for a female is 10.5 inches (26.5 cm).
Here's a quick reference guide to the Small Greek Domestic Dog's size and weight:
This compact size makes them a great fit for city living or families with small spaces.
Bite Characteristics
The Small Greek Domestic Dog has a relatively weak bite force, typically falling between 100 and 200 PSI. This means their bite is not as strong as some other breeds.
Despite their weak bite force, it's essential to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. I've seen many dog owners underestimate the power of their pet's bite, only to regret it later.
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The Small Greek Domestic Dog's bite force is considered weak compared to other breeds, making them one of the breeds with the lowest bite force. This is a good thing, as it reduces the risk of severe injuries.
Their bite force is not the only factor to consider when it comes to their behavior. The Small Greek Domestic Dog has a low chance of biting humans, with a low biting potential.
Here's a rough estimate of their biting potential compared to other breeds:
Keep in mind that this is a general guideline and individual dogs can vary. The top reasons for dog bites include protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, and being provoked.
It's worth noting that Small Greek Domestic Dog puppies often exhibit mouthing and nipping behavior, which is a common habit during puppyhood. However, this behavior is not aggressive and can be taught to stop with proper training and socialization.
Temperament and Behavior
The Small Greek Domestic Dog is a loving and protective breed, known for its gentle and cheerful nature. They are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time owners.
They are not the most sensitive breed, so they can handle moderate punishment without getting emotional. However, they do bond closely with their owners and respond strongly to their emotions.
One of the best things about the Small Greek Domestic Dog is its high affection level. They are genuinely loyal and loving, making them great therapy dogs. They thrive on quality time with their owners and are considered great family dogs.
In terms of social needs, the Small Greek Domestic Dog is average. They like being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours.
Here's a breakdown of their temperament and behavior:
Health and Safety
Greek domestic dogs are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health issues.
Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.
Greek domestic dogs are relatively small in size, weighing between 10-20 pounds.
They are known for their gentle nature, making them a great fit for families with children.
Greek domestic dogs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, requiring only short daily walks.
Their calm demeanor makes them a great choice for apartment living.
Greek domestic dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement techniques.
For more insights, see: Short Haired Guard Dogs
Care and Management
The Greek domestic dog is a beloved companion, and with proper care and management, it can thrive. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their thick coats.
To keep your Greek domestic dog's coat in top condition, brush them at least three times a week. This will help prevent matting and tangling, especially in areas where the fur is longest.
Their exercise needs are moderate, with daily walks and playtime sufficient for most adult dogs. However, puppies require more frequent, shorter exercise sessions to prevent joint damage.
Price and Availability
If you're considering bringing a Small Greek Domestic Dog into your family, you'll want to know what to expect in terms of price and availability.
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The price range for a Small Greek Domestic Dog puppy is $300-$500, which is an average of data collected from breeders' sites and puppy finder places.
It's worth noting that these dogs are quite rare, and you may rarely see them in everyday life. They can be spotted at dog shows, but there are very few of them in the world.
If you're interested in purchasing a Small Greek Domestic Dog, be prepared to pay within this price range.
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Diet and Weight
Feeding your Small Greek Domestic Dog 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals, is a good starting point.
To prevent weight gain, it's essential to maintain an active lifestyle with your dog. This breed has a low to average risk for obesity.
A happy and healthy weight can be achieved by finding a balance between exercise and feeding. Reducing unhealthy food and snacks is also crucial.
Regular weight measurements with your veterinarian will help you monitor your dog's progress and make necessary adjustments to their diet plan.
Reproduction and Ownership
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Greek domestic dogs are known for their unique characteristics and needs.
They typically have a short or medium-length coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Breeding and reproduction in Greek domestic dogs is a serious matter, as they are often used for guarding and companionship.
In ideal circumstances, a female Greek domestic dog can have 2-4 litters of 2-5 puppies per year.
Greek domestic dogs are often considered family pets and are not typically bred for sale or profit.
Their offspring are usually kept by their owners or given to trusted friends and family, maintaining a sense of community and social responsibility.
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History and Naming
The Small Greek Domestic Dog, also known as the Kokoni, has a rich history that dates back hundreds of years to Malta, when the island was part of the Greek Empire.
The breed's origins are uncertain due to a lack of knowledge and records, but its existence can be seen in various ancient artifacts such as vases, statues, and coins.
The name "Kokoni" means "little dog" in Greek, which is fitting for this small and loyal breed.
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History
The Small Greek Domestic Dog has a fascinating history that spans hundreds of years. It originated in Malta during the Greek Empire.
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The breed's exact history is uncertain due to a lack of knowledge and records. However, vases, statues, and other artifacts portray images that resemble the breed.
The Small Greek Domestic Dog was a beloved companion for the upper classes in aristocracy and nobility. It was also used as a multipurpose dog for hunting and herding.
The breed developed into an outstandingly healthy one, with no specific disorders prevalent to its breed. This is likely due to the unrestricted breeding practices of the time.
The Small Greek Domestic Dog is well-known in and around Greece, but has minimal representation outside of its native country. It gained recognition from the GKC (Greek Kennel Club), but is not recognized by major kennel clubs.
Names
Naming a dog is a big decision, and it's interesting to see how different cultures approach it.
In Greece, there are specific categories for dog names, including Small Greek Domestic Dog Names, Male Small Greek Domestic Dog Names, and Female Small Greek Domestic Dog Names.
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If you're looking for inspiration, you can start by considering these categories, but keep in mind that they're just a starting point.
The categories mentioned earlier are a good place to begin your search, but you may also want to consider other factors, such as your dog's personality or appearance.
Here are some examples of categories to consider:
- Small Greek Domestic Dog Names
- Male Small Greek Domestic Dog Names
- Female Small Greek Domestic Dog Names
Specific Breeds
The Greek domestic dog has several breeds that are worth mentioning. The Greek Shepherd is a large dog that was bred to protect livestock in the mountainous regions of Greece, often weighing more than 100 pounds.
These dogs are usually black, white, gray, or a mixture of the three, and they have big heads and broad chests, perfect for fending off predators. They're also known as the Greek Sheepdog.
The Cretan Hound, on the other hand, is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, originating on the island of Crete at least 3,500 years ago. They're incredibly fast and agile, making them perfect for hunting smaller game like hares.
Shepherd
The Greek Shepherd, also known as the Greek Sheepdog, is a large dog that was bred to protect livestock in the mountainous regions of Greece.
Weighing in at over 100 pounds, these dogs are built for protection, with big heads and broad chests that are perfect for fending off predators.
Greek Shepherds usually come in black, white, gray, or a combination of these three colors.
Alopekis
The Alopekis is a tiny breed that looks more like a fox than a dog, with the name meaning "fox-like" in Greek. They're friendly, outgoing, and eager to please, making them ideal companions for city- and country-dwellers alike.
Aristophanes and Aristotle have both mentioned the breed in their works, giving the Alopekis a distinguished pedigree. They're on the verge of extinction, which is why concerted efforts need to be made to rescue them from fading into oblivion.
Cretan Hound
The Cretan Hound is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, with origins dating back at least 3,500 years to the time of the Ancient Greeks.
They're incredibly fast and agile, making them perfect for hunting smaller game like hares.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dog is native to Greece?
The Hellenic shepherd dog is a breed native to Greece, known for its loyalty and sharp senses. Originating from Greece, this majestic creature is a guardian, companion, and integral part of Greek military operations.
What domestic dogs did they have in ancient Greece?
In ancient Greece, domestic dogs included the swift Laconian and powerful Molossian breeds, which were used for hunting and guarding. These breeds were highly valued for their skills and were also used by the Romans.
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