Galgo Espanol

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Galgo Espanol is also known as Spanish Galgo or Spanish Greyhound. It is an ancient sight hound dog breed originating in Spain and believed to have originated from Ibizian Hound though other theories indicate that these dogs may have originated from Asian Greyhounds. This breed got enormous popularity with Spanish nobility for its great hunting capabilities. It was also exported to English and Irish soils from 16th to 18th century and are believed to be the progenitors of English Greyhounds of today. An excellent hare and rabbit hunting breed as well as a great competitor at racing, lure coursing and agility competitions, most of these dogs come to a sad end. After the hunting season ends in Spain, these dogs are abandoned or killed by hanging the dog till it scums to death. It can be said that this breed is the most persecuted dog breed in the world.

It is an specialized dog breed to hunt hares. The dog stands between 24.5 to 27.5 inches. It is a fragile looking dog with thin, lean and tall body. The dog has a long, lean and fleshless head. Muzzle is long and narrow with a slight arch to the nasal bone. Black nose is small and moist. Almond shaped eyes are small, set obliquely and preferably come in dark hazel colour. The set on high ears are rose shaped when the dog is at rest and semi pricked when the dog is attentive and alert. Strong and rectangular body gives agile impression to the dog. Straight and long back comes with powerful and deep chest. Strong and arched loin makes the body elastic. Strong based low set tail tapers to the tip. The long tail that falls between the legs and almost touching the ground is a typical characteristic of this breed. The skin is pink coloured under short, fine, dense and smooth coat that may come in almost all colours and markings.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI and UKC.

Color

Almost all colours are acceptable for this breed but most commonly seen colours and markings are Fawn and well pigmented brindle, Black, Flecked with black; dark and light, Burned Chestnut, Cinnamon, Yellow, Red, White, With white markings and pied.

Coat

The coat is short, fine, dense and smooth that covers the whole body though longer hair may be present at the back of the thigh.

Personality

The Galgo Espanol is a non-boisterous, serious and reserved breed. Calm and quiet around the house, the dog is known to be laid back and relaxed when indoor. It is an obedient dog that will get along well with other dogs and cats in the family. Very kind and gentle, this breed is known for its patience and serenity when dealing with often over enthusiastic children and does not retaliate even if mishandled. For this calm and even temperament, this breed is very popular among non-hunters as well. Though the dog appears laid back and lazy when at home, it is a different dog once it is out on the job that it was developed for.... to hunt. It is very lively and energetic when it is hunting and makes a wonderful hunter of rabbits and hares. It is a social dog that will be reserved and shy around strangers though it will tolerate unknown people without being aggressive towards them. Early socialization with strange people, places and noises is a must for this breed to help it grow as a balanced dog. The Galgo Espanol makes an excellent companion for families with a large yard where the dog can run and play off-leash

Care

Short and fine coat needs gentle brushing once or twice a week to remove dead hair. Frequent bathing is not required as the dog has no doggy odor. Brushing needs to be gentle as the skin can tear easily with hard brushing. This dog is not suitable for outdoor living.

Training

Training a dog that is obedient, eager to please and willing to learn becomes easy and so is the case with Galgo Espanol. This dog may not be difficult to train but positive and gentle training methods will work best with this dog.

Activity

Apparent laziness and relaxed and calm attitude of Galgo Espanol should not be taken for a lazy and laid back dog. The breed needs regular exercises in the form of either daily walks, jogging, running and/or playing time. It is not a dog for apartment dwellers even if the owner is ready to take the dog for daily exercises. This breed does not like to be confined in a small area. It is best suited to families with a large yard.