Spanish Greyhound

Temperament:

Calm, Devoted, Intelligent
Size: Large
Height: 60-70 cm
Weight: 20-29 kg
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Coat: Shorthair
Colors: Black, Brown, Cream, White, Golden yellow, Brindle
FCI Group: Sighthounds

The Spanish Greyhound is an easy breed to train for a greyhound and is quite shy at first. However, once you have gained its trust, it forms a close and firm bond. It fits into existing packs without any problems and behaves calmly indoors. They behave quite differently outdoors, where their hunting instincts vary from person to person.

Spanish Greyhound
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Characteristics

The Spanish Greyhound has more in common with other sighthounds than just its temperament. Its appearance is also typical of the breed. Its elongated body and deep chest are clear breed characteristics. It has a less pronounced stop and a long, low-set tail, which is often curved at the end. The neck has an oval cross-section and the ears are large, folded rose ears.

The Spanish Greyhound comes in all colors and two different coat types. The smooth-haired Spanish Greyhound has a very short coat with no undercoat. The rough-haired Galgo, on the other hand, has a shaggy and hard coat up to 10 cm long.

This breed is ideal for keeping in a pack. Of course, it can also be kept on its own. However, you should bear in mind that the Spanish Greyhound seeks a very close bond with its owner in order to be able to orientate itself towards him. With a second dog, it finds this necessary bond and is not so dependent on the human.

The intelligent and curious Spanish Greyhound is very easy to train. Training without pressure and too much strictness, instead with positive reinforcement, leads to success with him.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.

Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.

Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.

Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.

Health & Care

As the Spanish Greyhound has no undercoat that needs to be combed out, its coat requires little grooming. If he likes it, it can of course still be brushed.

As the Spanish Greyhound, like all greyhounds, is prone to tartar, it needs a little more attention from its owner in this area. Brushing their teeth, preferably with a special toothpaste from the vet, can prevent the formation of tartar.

An occasional look in the dog's eyes and ears also helps to detect possible illnesses (e.g. inflammation or foreign bodies) at an early stage.

Suitable accessories

The Spanish Greyhound is a hunting dog that needs plenty of exercise. A securely fenced garden in which he can move freely is ideal for him. It can also be trained to fetch with balls or other toys. A well-fitting harness and lead are essential for walks. This sporty dog is also happy to be your partner when jogging or cycling.

In the cold months, he should wear a winter coat to prevent colds.

Other accessories that are part of every dog's basic equipment: dog basket or dog mat as a place to retreat, water and food bowl, tick tweezers, claw clippers, mild dog shampoo, brush and comb, toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs, transport box for transportation in the car and a first aid kit. Ask your vet what belongs in the first aid kit.

Galgo Español origin picture

Origin & History

The history of the Spanish Greyhound goes back to the Celts in the 6th century BC. After the arrival of the Romans, they gave him the name "Canis Gallicus", meaning "Gallic dog". This later developed into the general term "Galgo" for greyhound.

The Arabian Sloughi and the Podenco Ibicenco are considered close relatives of the breed. The Spanish Greyhound is also an ancestor of the Greyhound, with which it was also crossed specifically for racing in the last century.

Originally bred for hunting, the Spanish Greyhound is still used today for hunting hare and wild boar. It is characterized by its enduring speed of 60-65 km/h and its enormous agility.