What does a galgo dog look like?

Where did the Galgo Español come from?

It is believed that the Galgo Español is derived from hunting dogs bred by the Celts who brought them into Iberia during the migrations from northern Europe into the south. They may have been bred with other sighthounds including Sloughis and the Podenco Ibicenco over the centuries.

What is the difference between a Galgo and a Podenco?

Although galgos are sometimes referred to as “Spanish Greyhounds”, their origin is of a different lineage. They are bred as distance runners, are smaller in stature, and have their own special personalities. (click photographs to enlarge) Like the galgo, it is believed that podencos made their way to Iberia by way of invaders and traders.

What kind of behavior does a Galgo sighthound have?

They exhibit typical sighthound behavior when given the opportunity to be on the lookout. Extremely affectionate and loyal to their families, galgos are trainable for obedience as well as luring and agility. Galgos are sensitive dogs and should never be spoken to harshly. They are calm, easy in the home and will indulge in hours of lounging.

Are Galgos good dogs?

Galgos are sensitive dogs and should never be spoken to harshly. They are calm, easy in the home and will indulge in hours of lounging. Although galgos are sometimes referred to as “Spanish Greyhounds”, their origin is of a different lineage.

Why are galgos and podencos not protected?

Because greyhounds are NOT regarded as pets but as property, they are not afforded the same legal protection as pet dogs. An estimated 50,000 galgos and podencos are killed each year. For all these reasons, many associations in defense of the Galgo have appeared with the aim to save these dogs from a terrible fate,…

What is the Spanish word for a Galgo greyhound?

The Spanish word for all kinds of Greyhounds — including the Galgo — is “lebrel”, which means “harrier” or “dog for chasing hares”, since “liebre” is Spanish for hare. We can see the same derivative in the Italian “levriero” and the French “lévrier”.

What is a Galgo Español?

The Galgo Español (Spanish galgo) or Spanish sighthound is an ancient breed of dog, specifically a member of the sighthound family.

Where did the Galgo dog come from?

After it was established in Spain, it is thought to have been cross-bred centuries later with the Sloughi brought from North Africa by the Moors. Some writers suggest that this breed may be ancestral to the English Greyhound. The Galgo name is probably derived from the Latin “Canis Gallicus” or “Dog from Gaul”.

Is there an age limit for A galgo or Podenco rescue?

But some of the specific galgo and podenco rescues do not have an age limit. What is the difference between a galgo and a podenco? In general galgos tend to be more greyhound like (laid back and lazy) and podencos more lurcher like (full of fun for the more active family).

Why are podencos so special?

Perhaps due to their cleverness and persistent focus, podencos are even more persecuted than the galgos. Curious and clownish, they have a profound awareness of their surroundings and a sensitivity to their humans. Podencos reward their human companions with great loyalty, affection and are wonderful family members.

What are some examples of podenco dogs?

Examples are the Podenco Andaluz, Podenco Manchengo, Podenco Canario and the miniature Podenco Enano. The podenco was originally bred to be used for hunting small game such as rabbits, but they have been known to be used to hunt game as large as a wild boar. The general temperament of the Podenco is similar to the galgo and greyhounds.

Do galgos and podencos make good pets?

Galgos and Podencos make wonderful pets and most adapt to life in a home with ease. Can they live with cats? Most Spanish galgos and podencos can live happily with cats if you follow the guidance on our website. The guidance explains how to introduce your new dog into the home, whilst keeping everyone safe.

What kind of dog is a Galgo Espanol?

Galgo Espanol Dog Breed. This dog is perfect for active owners or families that want a pet to accompany them for daily exercise and sporting activities. They make sweet, calm indoor dogs and are gentle and affectionate with children. Galgos have low guard dog ability but are generally reserved and wary around strangers.

How can you tell a Galgo from a greyhound?

The Galgo is might be mistaken for the greyhound with its elegant, slender body, long neck and narrow head. The hips are higher than the shoulders and the chest does not reach the elbows. Large ears are held back from the face and they have a very long hooked tail.

Are Galgos good guard dogs?

Galgos have low guard dog ability but are generally reserved and wary around strangers. This breed is great for those desiring a dog with low maintenance in regards to grooming.

What is a Galgo sighthound?

Sighthounds — dogs that hunt by sight — have existed since ancient times. Different types of sighthounds have developed in different countries depending on the terrain and quarry. The Galgo is a Spanish sighthound created to course hare and rabbit. His name comes from the Latin “canis gallicus,” meaning Celtic dog.

Is a Galgo faster than a greyhound?

Although this is slightly slower than the speed of the average greyhound, the galgo can sustain these speeds for greater lengths of time, as it was bred for endurance rather than short bursts of speed as greyhounds were.

Are there any Galgos competitions in Spain?

Spain still hosts a number of “coursing” competitions for galgos each year, where the dogs compete to catch either a live hare or a mechanical lure.

What is a Galgo dog?

The name “galgo” itself refers to the Gauls who populated what is now Spain in the days before the Romans (approximately the sixth century B.C.). Historians theorize that the early galgos were hunting dogs bought to the area by the Gauls via Phoenician traders.

Why do galgos and podencos get abandoned?

Whether due to tradition or culture, the abuse and abandonment of galgos and podencos has endured for centuries. It is believed that the Galgo Español is derived from hunting dogs bred by the Celts who brought them into Iberia during the migrations from northern Europe into the south.

What is a Podenco?

Podencos are often referred to as ‘Invisible Dogs’ or ‘The Great Forgotten’. They are the most abused dog in Spain. Bred to hunt and kept, usually chained, in squalid conditions – these ‘working dogs’ are not protected by Spanish law.

Are podencos the most abused dog breeds in the world?

The plight of the Podencos. The Podenco is, together with greyhounds and galgos, on e o f the most abused dog breeds in the world. The podenco is, like the galgo, used for hunting rabbits, and it is kept on the Spanish mainland, on the Canary Islands, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.