On May 17 and 18, enthusiasts of the Kritikos Lagonikos—that venerable hunter of Crete’s hills—will descend on the town of Gouves Pediados, part of the Hersonissos municipality, for an event that is as much about pride as it is about preservation. The Kritikos Lagonikos Club has organized an official exhibition dedicated to the recognition and morphology of this ancient hound, adding another notch to Crete’s storied cultural belt.
And because no proper event is complete without civic backing, this year’s festivities enjoy the full support of the Hersonissos municipality. Special thanks go to Evangelos Kokodroulis, President of the Municipal Council, whose assistance underscores the dog’s importance not just to island life but to Crete’s broader cultural and natural heritage.
Why This Event Matters
If you can picture an Aegean island without imagining its resilient flora, fauna, and cultural staples, congratulations on having no imagination. For everyone else, the Kritikos Lagonikos is a key player in that picture—an integral part of the island’s native wildlife and cultural legacy. This noble breed isn’t just a functional relic; it’s a symbol of Crete itself, which is why enthusiasts and experts alike are coming together to ensure its recognition and preservation.
Key details for prospective attendees include:
- Dates: Saturday, May 17 – Sunday, May 18
- Location: Gouves Pediados, Municipality of Hersonissos
- Entry and Participation: Absolutely free
- Eligibility for Recognition: Dogs must be aged 6 months or older, microchipped, and have a digital health booklet
Visitors can also witness the morphology segment, where owners can showcase their hounds’ physique and attributes. Veterinarian Michalis Daskalakis, from VET 365, will ensure all participants are in tip-top shape—one could call him Crete’s unofficial doctor in canine diplomacy.
Who’s Judging the Critters?
This year’s exhibition boasts a duo of esteemed judges who know their way around a canine critique. Mata Skoura and Christos Psiharis, both recognized authorities in their field, have graciously accepted the invitation to lend their discerning eyes to the event.
For owners looking to make their furry companions the star of the morphology section, registration happens quickly and painlessly by emailing cretandog@gmail.com. Of course, all participating dogs must meet some basic requirements beyond just having good manners—they must be healthy, physically sound, properly documented, and unmistakably loved.
Wrapping It All Up (With a Tail Wag)
There’s neither fee to enter nor cost to marvel at this unique celebration of Crete’s living heritage, proving that the best things in life are free—and sometimes covered in fur. Whether you’re a tourist, a dog lover, or someone who simply enjoys watching history trot by on four legs, this event promises to be memorable.
Interested parties are encouraged to stay tuned for updates. After all, every good story deserves a sequel, and the Kritikos Lagonikos is one tale worth telling again and again.
