At first, “Small Greek Domestic Dog” has the same ring to it as “large American car,” but this really is a breed, and that really is its name.
Locals know the dog as the Μελιταίο Κυνίδιο, or “Meliteo Kokoni” which means “small dog” in Greek. The Hellenic breed is believed to have been developed in Militos which explains its ancient Greek name, Melitaion Kunidion: “Melita,” the ancient Greek name for Malta, and kunidion the diminutive of kuōn, or “dog.” Put together, and “Melitaion Kunidion” is translated as “little dog from Malta.” That image of these dogs were found on ancient pottery, statues, figurines and coins testify to their antiquity, and to their close relationship with the ancient Greek family.
These days, the dogs are found more in cities than in the countryside, and have been popular companions along with their cousins, the Alopekis, a breed once thought to be a different variety of the same breed. This thinking has since changed leading to provisional standards written for each since both breed true to type. The SGDD, however, is more common in terms of numbers than the Alopekis.
Small Greek Domestic Dogs are described as highly expressive, very perceptive, and (this is our favorite part), they sigh and use their eyes like humans. This makes them an entertaining breed to live with, but also extremely adaptable.
Far from being “useless” (as if any dog could be), they are very capable small game and bird hunters, and make good all around farm dogs, even to the extent of being able to herd. They pick up new commands quickly, and are very trainable; this may be part of the reason a Small Greek Domestic Dog appeared as “Satchel” in the 2005 movie, “Bewitched,” with Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell:
After years of research by international judge and breeder, Stelios Makaritis, the breed was formally recognized by the Greek Kennel Club in 2004. They are not yet recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, AKC, or any other large registry to our knowledge.
Thumbnail image from Wikicommons