At a glance
The Kokoni lives 14 to 17 years, weighs 4 to 8 kg and stands up to 38 cm tall. It is lively, affectionate and child-friendly, originating in Greece where it has been kept as a companion dog for centuries. One important note: the Kokoni is not recognised by the FCI, AKC or UK Kennel Club, only by the Kennel Club of Greece (KCG) since 2004. Verified puppies outside Greece cost 600 to 2,000 GBP/USD depending on country; unverified "Kokoni" dogs are often mixed breeds.
Characteristics
The Kokoni is a small, compact dog with a well-proportioned build and an elegant aura. Its coat is medium-length to long, silky and usually slightly wavy, giving it a particularly soft appearance. The color palette of this breed is diverse, ranging from solid to multicolored variants. Its ears are characteristically set high, slightly rounded and fall gently forward. With its expressive, dark eyes and alert gaze, the Kokoni always conveys friendliness and intelligence. The bushy tail is often carried cheerfully over the back, underscoring its lively and adaptable nature.
Information
The Kokoni is a lively and friendly companion distinguished by its bright and adaptable nature. It is intelligent, attentive and always eager to please its owner, making it easy to train. With its playful disposition and cheerful temperament, it brings much joy to its family's daily life. Despite its small size, it shows a brave character and can be a very watchful dog that keeps a close eye on its surroundings. At the same time, it is extremely affectionate and enjoys closeness to its primary caregivers, making it particularly suited for people who want to spend a lot of time with their dog. Its social and friendly nature also makes it a pleasant companion in dealings with other dogs and pets.
Nutrition
The Kokoni is a lively and adaptable companion that needs a balanced, high-quality diet to stay healthy and vital. High-quality wet food is particularly suitable, as it comes closer to the dog's natural eating behavior and has a high moisture content that supports hydration. High-quality meat sources should form the main component of the diet, supplemented by healthy vegetable and fruit varieties as well as valuable oils. Compared to dry food, wet food is often more easily digestible and contains fewer artificial additives, which can have a positive effect on the Kokoni's digestion and overall well-being. Appropriate feeding amounts should also be monitored to avoid obesity, as these small and active dogs tend to gain weight quickly if they consume more calories than they burn.
Care
The Kokoni is an adaptable and affectionate companion dog that feels at home both in an apartment and in a house with a garden. Important is that it receives enough activity and exercise, as it is an active and intelligent dog. Daily walks, mental stimulation and shared games promote its well-being and strengthen the bond with its family. Its medium-length coat requires regular brushing to keep it clean and well-groomed, though it is generally considered easy to care for. Since the Kokoni is very people-oriented, it should not be left alone for extended periods. Loving, consistent training and sufficient social contact contribute to it developing into a balanced and cheerful companion.
Accessories
The Kokoni is a small, lively dog distinguished by its adaptability and close bond with its family. To ensure it feels completely comfortable, the accessories should be tailored to its needs. A well-fitting harness is ideal for walks, as it better protects the delicate body than a collar. Since Kokonis are playful and intelligent, they benefit from interactive toys that challenge them mentally. A cozy dog bed in a quiet spot gives them the necessary retreat, while a soft brush helps maintain the medium-length coat regularly. High-quality bowls and a robust leash round out the basic equipment for this bright companion.
History
The Kokoni is a small, lively dog breed with roots in Greece, where it has been valued as a loyal companion of people for centuries. Already in antiquity, depictions of dogs resembling today's Kokoni can be found, suggesting that this breed has a long history. Originally, it was primarily widespread in rural areas, where it served as a watchful yard dog and skilled mouse hunter. Due to its adaptability and friendly nature, it also became a popular companion in cities. Despite its long tradition as a Greek household dog, the breed remained little known outside its homeland for a long time.
Health
The Kokoni is considered a robust and resilient breed that generally enjoys good health. Nevertheless, as with many small dog breeds, occasional health problems can occur. These include genetically determined joint diseases as well as dental problems that are more common in small dogs. A balanced diet, regular exercise and veterinary preventive examinations help maintain the Kokoni's health and address potential issues early. Weight should also be monitored, as excess weight can place additional strain on the joints.
Trainability
The Kokoni is a lively and intelligent companion distinguished by its bright and adaptable nature. It has a moderate to high energy level and loves to stay active, whether on extended walks or during shared play. Despite its lively nature, it shows itself willing to learn and cooperative, making it easy to train. With the right mix of patience, positive reinforcement and consistency, it learns new commands quickly and adapts well to various living situations. Its close bond with its people makes it particularly receptive to training and education, making it suited for both families and individuals.
Kokoni price: what to expect and why it varies so much
The Kokoni's rarity outside Greece is the single biggest factor affecting price. Because no FCI-affiliated kennel club recognises the breed internationally, there are no official breed registers in the UK, US, Canada, Australia or Ireland. Anyone wanting a genetically verified Kokoni needs to source from a Kennel Club of Greece (KCG)-registered breeder, which typically means importing.
Two very different types of dog are sold under the "Kokoni" label abroad: verified imports with KCG pedigree papers, and unverified dogs, often Maltese mixes or Greek street dog crosses, sold informally at much lower prices. The latter are not necessarily worse as pets, but buyers should know they are getting a mixed breed.
In Greece itself, KCG-registered breeders charge 200 to 700 EUR per puppy. This is the most transparent market with the most verifiable standards.
Prices by country (2026)
| Country | Typical range | Minimum from verified KCG breeder |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 600–1,500 GBP | 800 GBP |
| United States | 800–2,000 USD | 1,000 USD |
| Canada | 900–2,200 CAD | 1,100 CAD |
| Australia | 1,200–2,500 AUD | 1,400 AUD |
| Ireland | 700–1,500 EUR | 900 EUR |
Before buying, verify the breeder is listed on the KCG register and that the puppy comes with a KCG pedigree certificate. The absence of FCI recognition does not prevent responsible breeding, but it does place more due diligence on the buyer.
Monthly running costs
A Kokoni is economical to keep. Expect roughly £30 to £50 (or equivalent) per month on quality wet food, £10 to £20 on grooming supplies, and £20 to £40 on pet insurance. First-year setup costs for harness, bed, toys and initial vet visits (vaccinations, microchip) typically run £250 to £500. All in, budget £1,000 to £1,500 in year one beyond the purchase price.
