Meliteo Kinidio

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
Greece
Translation
Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as
Small Greek Domestic Dog
Melitaia Kynidia
Miletos Dog

A brief presentation of the Meliteo Kinidio

Developed in Miletos, the small Greek domestic dog is the larger cousin of the Alopekis. Considered the more attractive of the two, the Meliteo Kinidio has traditionally been more common in urban areas and was a popular companion of the Greek aristocracy for centuries. This beautiful breed still retains some of its working abilities and can be a good farm guard dog, livestock breeder and impressive vermin killer, but today the Melitaia Kynidia is most often seen as a family pet. Intelligent, trainable and famous for its owner, the small Greek domestic dog is gradually gaining acceptance outside its homeland. Although there are some unusual specimens, the Meliteo Kinidio should be floppy-eared, long-coated and taller than the Alopekis. It also has a more reliable and friendly personality, but this robust dog can still be very hostile towards strange dogs and requires early socialization and training. This is a deep-chested, robust and agile breed, capable of great speed and prized for its endurance. The coat is rich, dense and weather-resistant, in all colors. Average height is around 32 centimeters.

History of the Meliteo Kinidio

Originating in Greece, the Melitea Kinidio is also known as the small Greek domestic dog. It's an ancient breed of dog. The dog has always been a skilled hunter of small game and birds. The dog breed is thought to have originated in Malta, which explains its Greek name, Melitaion Kunidion. Efforts have been made to recognize the Meliteo Kinidio as a distinct and unique breed of Greek dog, but no official breed club exists to date. Nor has the dog been recognized by any reputable registry. Today, these common dogs are found in large numbers throughout most of Greece.

Appearance of the Meliteo Kinidio

The Meliteo Kinidio is a small, deep-chested dog weighing 3 to 8 kg and measuring 23 to 32 cm in height. The dog has a shiny fox-like face, floppy ears and a tail that curls over the back and is feathery or hairless. The body is longer than it is tall. It is available with two coat types, long-haired and short-haired, long-haired being the more common of the two. People often confuse this dog with the longhaired Dachshund. The coat is dense, weather-resistant, silky and wavy. Coat colors can be beige, blonde, white or black, as the color is not standardized.

Temperament of the Meliteo Kinidio

These courageous little Greek domestic dogs are affectionate and loyal, loving to be with their human family but not afraid to spend time alone. These are dogs that listen to their owners and are also intelligent enough to learn easily. You can expect a good friend when you allow this companion dog into your home. These Greek dogs fear nothing and are actually quite brave dogs, possessive of the human family, anxious to protect them and, consequently, territorial. They make excellent pets, being very sensitive to their owners, sensing their different moods.

Needs and activities of the Meliteo Kinidio

The little Greek dog is an ancient breed. Popular in its historic homeland, it's quite rare in other countries. This is a small, fluffy breed of dog, gentle and cheerful towards the owner and all the inhabitants of the house, but does not recognize strangers. In terms of apartment living, the Meliteo Kinidio is an ideal breed, getting along easily in all conditions, unpretentious in its diet and requiring no special grooming. The breed requires regular long walks and close contact with the owner.

Maintenance of the Meliteo Kinidio

Brushing your dog's teeth 2 or 3 times a week can prevent dental problems. Small dogs are more prone to plaque formation and gum recession. Many small dogs lose their teeth due to dental problems. Plaque left on the tooth surface is detrimental to the dog's immune system and triggers an inflammatory reaction. Without good oral hygiene, other health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, can become a factor. Ear infections in dogs, especially those with floppy ears, are common and can be painful. Scratching the ear while shaking the head is a common sign that your dog has an ear infection, as is the presence of redness and swelling. The inside of the ear should be cleaned with an ear cleaner, but many people don't like this, fearing it will damage the ear. So it's important that your vet or professional groomer does it for you. The small Greek domestic dog is easy to groom, and the moderately fluffy coat simply needs brushing twice a week to keep it silky and shiny.

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