Kokoni: Your Complete Guide

If you love small, affectionate dogs, the kokoni might be your ideal pet. This charming Greek breed has a rich history dating back to at least the 5th century BC, with depictions found in ancient art. 

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this charming little Greek breed–its rich history, its temperament and care needs, and whether it’s the best fit for your home.

The kokoni is a loyal dog that’s both cuddly and vigilant. Some of the breed’s features we’ll look at in this guide include grooming, exercise, trainability, and compatibility with children and other pets, helping you decide if it really is the right addition to your life.

A Quick Look at the Kokoni

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament and grooming needs. 

Weight/Height	9-11 inches, 9-18 pounds
Coat Type	Double coat, medium length, silky
Grooming Needs
Shedding
Temperament	Smart, loyal, and jolly
Good With Kids
Good With Other Animals
Intelligence
Easy to Train
Energy Level
Barking Habits
Lifespan	16-19 years

What Is the History of Kokonis?

The kokoni is an ancient breed with deep roots in Greek history. It originated in Greece, developing over centuries as a landrace rather than through formal breeding programs. These dogs were primarily bred as companion and pest control dogs, living alongside people in homes and on farms.

The kokoni’s history is characterized by its organic development, shaped by natural selection and the needs of the Greek people. Unlike many modern breeds, it wasn’t selectively bred for specific traits beyond those necessary for survival and companionship. This natural selection resulted in a hardy and resilient dog well-suited to the Greek climate and lifestyle. 

Notably, the breed’s survival is a testament to its adaptability and usefulness, as it has persisted through various periods of Greek history without formal recognition or breeding standards. In fact, it wasn’t until 2004 that it was recognized as a breed by the Greek Kennel Club. 

This lack of formalization, while preserving the breed’s natural traits, also means that the kokoni faces challenges in gaining international recognition and standardized breed status even today.

What Do Kokonis Look Like?

The kokoni is a small dog with a medium-length, slightly wavy coat, though some may have shorter or longer fur. This breed comes in a wide range of coat colors and patterns, including black, brown, cream, and white, often with markings like tan points, patches, or brindling.

What Size Is a Kokoni?

The kokoni typically stands between 9 and 11 inches (23 and 28 cm) tall at the withers and weighs between 8.8 and 17.6 pounds (4 to 8 kg). As a landrace breed, some dogs occasionally fall slightly outside these averages.

What Is a Kokonis Coat Type and Length?

The kokoni usually has a medium-length coat, though variations can occur as discussed. The hair is generally slightly wavy, but some may have straighter or longer fur. The texture is neither overly coarse nor particularly silky. 

They are not a hairless breed, and they do not have curly coats. While the standard is a medium length, the exact length can vary, with some dogs having shorter or longer hair depending on their lineage and individual genetics.

What Is a Kokoni’s Temperament? 

This breed is best known for its affectionate, cheerful, and intelligent temperament. They are highly people-oriented and will form strong bonds with you. They thrive on companionship, and their loyalty and eagerness to please make them excellent family pets. 

Kokoni dogs are typically gentle and friendly, even with strangers and other animals when properly socialized. Their playful nature and adaptability also make them suitable for various living situations, so if you’re living in an apartment, they’ll be a good fit.

Are Kokonis Good With Kids?

Yes, kokonis are excellent companions for children. People that are looking for a dog that can integrate well into a family environment will almost certainly find the kokoni to be a good fit. 

These dogs are known for their gentle and playful nature, which makes them great for children of many ages. However, like with any dog, you should always supervise interactions between young children and your kokoni, especially toddlers.

Since they are small dogs, it’s important that you teach your children to handle them gently and respectfully. A kokoni will do well in a family where you can provide consistent training and socialization. If you’re able to create this environment, you’ll find that your kokoni will become a loving and loyal playmate for your kids.

Are Kokonis Good With Other Animals?

Kokonis generally get along well with other animals, but as with any dog, there’s nothing more important than early socialization. If you introduce your kokoni to other dogs and cats from a young age, you’ll likely find they form harmonious relationships. This is true for most breeds, but the adaptable and friendly nature of kokonis makes them particularly easy to integrate into multi-pet households.

When it comes to prey animals like guinea pigs or hamsters, you should exercise caution. Kokonis aren’t usually known for high prey drive, but they may still have an instinct to chase small animals. If you have these types of pets, you’ll need to monitor their interactions closely. We would generally advise letting them have open interactions–secure enclosures should be used.

As for chasing wild animals, your kokoni’s propensity to do so will probably vary. They are alert and active dogs, so they may have some chasing behavior, especially if they see squirrels or birds. However, they are not usually considered high-drive hunters. 

Are Kokonis Aggressive?

Kokonis are not an aggressive breed; they’re usually quite the opposite. If you’re looking for a dog with a gentle temperament, you’ll love this breed. However, they are still dogs, so keep in mind that individual kokonis might have behavioral issues if they aren’t properly trained or socialized.

Snapping or growling can occur if they feel threatened or anxious, but this isn’t an indicator of aggressive behavior in a breed. Instead, it emphasizes their need for a safe and positive environment. 

Territoriality or food aggression can also develop, but this is often preventable with early and consistent training. If you provide proper socialization from a young age, and use positive reinforcement training, you’ll be able to minimize the risk of aggressive behaviors in any breed, especially Kokonis.

Do Kokonis Bark?

Kokonis do bark and they can be quite vocal. If you’re considering a kokoni, you should be prepared for them to alert you to visitors or unusual noises. They are naturally alert dogs, and their watchdog instincts mean they’ll likely bark to announce anything they perceive as out of the ordinary.

However, if you’re concerned about excessive barking, you can take steps to manage it. If you consistently train your kokoni, you can teach them to bark less frequently.

Whether or not they’re a good fit for apartments with noise restrictions depends on your specific kokoni and how you manage their barking. If you live in an apartment, you’ll need to be committed to training your kokoni and providing them with adequate exercise and mental stimulation to reduce their barking. 

You also need to think about your neighbors. If you have thin walls, or neighbors who are sensitive to noise, you may want to reconsider. While they are a small breed, they certainly can be quite loud.

Are Kokonis Affectionate?

Kokonis are some of the most affectionate dogs out there! If you’re looking for a cuddly dog, you’ll love a kokoni. They enjoy interacting with people and form strong bonds with their families in particular. They also like being petted and will seek it out often.

Kokonis are small dogs, which means they enjoy being lap dogs too! They love nothing more than being close to you, whether it’s snuggling on the couch or curling up at your feet. While they are loyal to their families, they’ll usually be aloof around strangers, especially when meeting them for the first time.

If you properly socialize your kokoni, they will generally warm up quickly to new people. They are not usually shy or fearful, and their friendly nature usually shines through after a brief period of getting acquainted.

Are Kokonis Intelligent?

Kokonis are highly intelligent dogs. They’re a common mention on lists of breeds that are quick to learn and eager to please. Specifically, they are known for their alertness and curiosity, both of which contribute to their trainability.

You’ll find that they are highly observant and responsive to their environment. This makes them excellent watchdogs, as we’ll discuss later. Their intelligence also means they benefit from mental stimulation. If you provide them with puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games, you’ll keep them mentally engaged and prevent boredom.

Since they are intelligent, you may find that they pick up on training commands quickly. This doesn’t eliminate the need to be consistent and patient in your approach, however. Their curiosity can also lead them to explore and investigate their surroundings, so you’ll want to make sure they have safe and stimulating surroundings.

Are Kokonis Energetic?

Kokonis are quite energetic indeed, and if you’re considering one, you should be prepared to provide them with lots of exercise. They are lively and playful, and their small size doesn’t diminish their need for activity.

You’ll find they benefit from daily walks, and ideally, you should aim for at least two walks per day, each lasting 30 minutes or more. In addition to walks, they need plenty of playtime to burn off their energy. Interactive games like fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek are excellent ways to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

If you don’t provide them with enough exercise, your kokoni will likely get restless and perhaps even destructive. They need outlets for their energy, and if you can provide those, you’ll have a much happier and well-behaved companion. 

If you live in an apartment, you’ll need to be especially mindful of their exercise needs and make sure they get enough outdoor activity. If you are an active person, though, you’ll find that a kokoni can easily keep up with you!

Are Kokonis Easy to Train?

Kokonis are intelligent and loyal, two traits that generally make a breed easy to train. Their intelligence plays a big role here, which, when combined with their eagerness to please and quick learning abilities, makes them responsive to positive reinforcement techniques.

Their intelligence allows them to learn many different commands and tricks, including basic obedience commands, and with consistent training, even more complex tricks. Their small build makes them quite agile, which in turn makes them excellent candidates for agility training. 

If you’re interested in participating in dog sports, your kokoni can really excel in agility, obedience, and even trick training.

When training any breed, including kokonis, you’ll need to be consistent and patient. Even though they are intelligent, these dogs still require regular training sessions to reinforce learned behaviors. Positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and toys, works best for making sure your kokoni is highly motivated to learn.

Are Kokonis Good Watchdogs?

Kokonis are excellent watchdogs! They’re small dogs, but they’re blessed with a keen sense of awareness, which makes them well-suited for the role. Their alertness is a primary asset; they are quick to notice any unusual sounds or activity. They’re also loud, so you’ll know when they want to alert you to something.

You’ll see they are also protective of their families, and while not overly aggressive, they will bark to alert you to potential intruders. They’re brave in nature, which means they won’t hesitate to voice anything unusual. This is helpful for deterring unwanted visitors as well as detecting unusual activity.

Are Kokonis Good Service Dogs?

Kokonis have a number of traits that make them good for certain service dog tasks, particularly those requiring alertness and companionship. If you’re considering a kokoni for service work, their intelligence and trainability will prove to be invaluable. 

Their affectionate nature also makes them excellent candidates for emotional support animals and therapy dogs, as they readily bond with people and provide comfort. 

Their small size doesn’t hinder them in most tasks, but unfortunately, in service work, it may limit their ability to perform tasks requiring physical strength or mobility assistance. 

Plus, while they can be trained for psychiatric service dog tasks, you should remember that their vocal nature may not be suitable in all environments. Their suitability will largely depend on the specific needs of the individual and the type of service required.

It’s important to mention here, though, that despite all these traits, kokonis are generally not used as service dogs, at least not as much as other breeds like golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers.

How to Care for a Kokoni?

If you own a kokoni, you’ll need to provide consistent care to keep it happy and healthy. This includes regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime, to burn off their energy, alongside consistent training and socialization from a young age to make sure they are well-behaved and comfortable around others. 

You’ll need to adjust their diet accordingly as well, making sure it’s appropriate for their size and activity level, and regular grooming, including brushing their medium-length coat, will help prevent matting. We’ll discuss each of these factors in detail ahead.

Do You Need to Groom a Kokoni?

Yes, but you’ll find their grooming needs are relatively manageable, especially compared to other, similar breeds. You’ll need to brush them multiple times a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting in their medium-length coat. 

You can usually handle this yourself at home with a slicker brush or a similar tool. You won’t necessarily need to take them to a professional groomer regularly unless you prefer a specific style or if they get especially dirty. 

Bathing should only be done as needed, as over-bathing can dry out their skin. You should also regularly check and clean their ears and trim their nails to maintain their hygiene. If you’re comfortable doing these tasks yourself, you can save money on professional grooming services.

Do Kokonis Shed?

Kokonis do shed, but they are not considered heavy shedders. You’ll likely notice moderate shedding throughout the year, with potential increases during seasonal changes. Unfortunately, kokonis are not hypoallergenic. 

If you or someone in your household has allergies, you’ll likely experience symptoms around a kokoni.

What Health Problems Do Kokonis Have?

As a relatively healthy landrace breed, kokonis don’t have any known hereditary health problems. However, they do still suffer from issues that affect quite a lot of dogs. If you own a kokoni, you should be aware of a few potential issues that include (but are not limited to) patellar luxation, a common small-breed concern, where the kneecap dislocates.

You can help minimize this risk by maintaining your dog’s healthy weight and avoiding excessive jumping. You’ll also want to keep an eye on their ears, as their floppy ears can trap moisture, potentially leading to infections. Regular ear cleaning can help prevent this.

How Long Do Kokonis Live?

The average kokoni lifespan is 16-19 years.

What Should a Kokoni Eat?

Kokoni owners should always choose a kibble formulated for small breeds, as these formulas usually have smaller kibble sizes and are tailored to meet their specific nutritional needs. 

You’ll need to make sure the food is rich in protein to support their high-energy behaviors. At the same time, you’ll need to pay close attention to portion sizes to prevent obesity, as small breeds can easily gain weight. 

If needed, you can also supplement their diet with occasional healthy treats, but you should avoid giving them table scraps or human food, as these can be harmful. Lastly, always provide fresh, clean water for your Kokoni to drink throughout the day.

Is a Kokoni the Right Dog for Me?

You’ll love a kokoni if you enjoy spending time with your dog. These dogs are highly people-oriented and love to cuddle, making them an incredibly affectionate breed. You’ll also appreciate their alert nature if you want a watchdog to alert you to visitors or unusual noises. 

If you’re an active person who enjoys daily walks and playtime in general, your kokoni will match your energy every step of the way.

Families with children will find kokonis to be gentle and playful dogs, and if you have other pets, early socialization will help them get along well. However, if you’re sensitive to barking or unable to provide consistent training and exercise, you may want to reconsider. All in all, it’s hard to go wrong with this breed, so consider this your sign to go ahead and adopt one!