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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
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The fauna of Crete
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The Cretan endemic butterfly Zerynthia cretica
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Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus Barbatus)
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Griffon Vulture (Gyps Fulvus)
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Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)
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Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) (Hieraaetus fasciatus)
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Eleonora's Falcon
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Giorgalidiko: Domestic Horse, North-western European Horse
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The Cretan Badger
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Golden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos)
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Mute Swan
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Cretan wildcat
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Butterflies and Moths of the island
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Cretan shrew
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Kri-kri, the Cretan Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus cretica)
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Least Weasel
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Bats
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The Balkan Terrapin or Western Caspian Terrapin (Mauremys Rivulata)
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Cat Snake
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Balkan Whip Snake
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Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata)
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Greek turtle
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Water Snake
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European Ratsnake or Leopard Snake
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The Bullfrog
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Common Kingfisher
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Caretta Caretta (Loggerhead Sea Turtle)
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Coleoptera