A Present from Zeus, the Olympian God
This hound is considered the oldest in Europe, and according to legend, it is said to be one of the gifts bestowed by Zeus following his union with Europa.
According to the Kennel Club of Greece (http://www.koe.gr/index.php/el...), this is a medium-sized hunting dog, characterised as slender, athletic, and swift.
This dog is intelligent, gentle, and enthusiastic in hunting. It displays persistence, bravery, and resilience. Known for being gentle and obedient, it makes an excellent companion and is closely bonded with the family. While it may be reserved around strangers, it is not inherently aggressive.
Text editing: DiscoverCrete Editorial Team
Photos: Kardamaki,A. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete
The fauna of Crete
The Cretan endemic butterfly Zerynthia cretica
Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus Barbatus)
Griffon Vulture (Gyps Fulvus)
Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)
Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) (Hieraaetus fasciatus)
Eleonora's Falcon
Giorgalidiko: Domestic Horse, North-western European Horse
The Cretan Badger
Golden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos)
Mute Swan
Cretan wildcat
Butterflies and Moths of the island
Cretan shrew
Kri-kri, the Cretan Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus cretica)
Least Weasel
Bats
The Balkan Terrapin or Western Caspian Terrapin (Mauremys Rivulata)
Cat Snake
Balkan Whip Snake
Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata)
Greek turtle
Water Snake
European Ratsnake or Leopard Snake
The Bullfrog
Common Kingfisher
Caretta Caretta (Loggerhead Sea Turtle)
Coleoptera