Galgos and Podencos are beautiful looking breeds of Spanish hunting dogs, that are badly treated here in Spain by the hunters. I do not support hunting in any form, let’s get this out here from the start. We have a couple of these types of dogs that we adopted from dog rescue. One of the reasons we moved from our cave house, was the garden wasn’t big enough for all the dogs. If you are interested in adopting or sponsoring, check GDS website here and see which dogs are available.
Ready to dive into the world of Spanish hunting dogs? These dogs are not just agile and loyal, but they’re also top-notch hunters.
Let’s chat about a couple of standout breeds, like the Galgo Español, known for its incredible stamina and chill vibe, and the diverse Podenco clan, which includes the Podenco Andaluz, Podenco Ibicenco, and Podenco Canario. Each breed brings its own unique history and special qualities that make them perfect for different settings.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing for these dogs. Despite being so capable and versatile, they often end up facing serious welfare issues.
Delving into their stories, we see the urgent need for better animal protection laws in Spain. There’s a whole lot more to these fascinating dogs, and their situation truly deserves more attention.
Let’s keep the conversation going and spread the word about these remarkable breeds!
An introduction To The Good, Bad and Ugly About Hunting Dogs In Spain
It might surprise you that, despite significant updates to Spanish animal rights legislation, hunting dogs such as Galgos and Podencos remain unprotected.
To many hunters, these dogs are simply tools, excluded from the safeguards given to other animals. This legal gap allows their poor treatment and neglect to persist.
Spanish Animal Rights Laws
Despite recent strides in legislation, Spain’s animal rights laws still fall short when it comes to protecting hunting dogs like Galgos and Podencos. You might’ve hoped the new animal welfare bill passed in February 2023 would make a difference, but unfortunately, it explicitly leaves out hunting dogs. This means the bleak outlook for these graceful animals isn’t likely to improve anytime soon.
While the law does outlaw physical abuse, maiming, keeping dogs on short chains, and abandoning them, enforcement tends to be patchy. Spanish authorities often overlook these regulations, particularly with hunting dogs. Without substantial national and international pressure, the plight of Galgos and Podencos is set to continue.
These dogs begin their lives full of promise but often face a grim fate when they’re no longer seen as useful. It’s a brutal cycle of exploitation and neglect that lurks behind the guise of tradition and sport. The current laws just don’t do enough to stop this cycle, and it’s crucial for advocates like you to step up, push for change, and ensure these dogs get the life they deserve.
The Galgo Español
You might find the unique traits of the Galgo Español quite fascinating.
Unlike their Greyhound cousins, Galgos are designed for stamina, sporting a higher rear, an elongated tail, and a shallower chest.
These features distinguish them as one of the special breeds favoured by Spanish hunters.
Let’s delve into what makes them stand out, shall we?
Galgo Characteristics
As you delve into the world of the Galgo Español, you’ll discover their remarkable physical attributes and intriguing temperamental traits. These dogs aren’t just varied in their coat types and colours; they also possess unique personalities that differentiate them from other breeds. By understanding these elements, you’ll quickly see why Galgos are so beloved by those who are familiar with them.
Each Galgo is distinct, with a personality as varied as its coat. Whether sleek or rough, their appearance can tell you a lot about their lifestyle and heritage. But it’s their serene and affectionate nature that often wins hearts.
These dogs are known for their calm disposition, yet they’ve a playful side that emerges, especially around those they trust.
So, let’s chat about these charming dogs. Have you ever noticed how a Galgo can switch from a graceful sprinter to a couch potato in no time? It’s these kinds of quirky traits that make them such wonderful companions.
Whether you’re a potential Galgo owner or just a dog lover, there’s so much to admire about these noble creatures.
Other Things To Consider
When looking at the characteristics of Galgos, it’s clear that their distinct physical and behavioural traits make them stand out as a unique breed.
You’ll notice their slender, elegant shape is more suited to endurance than the fast sprints you see with typical racing greyhounds. Not only are they remarkably slim and tall, but they’re also calm and flexible, happy to join in whether you fancy a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous jog.
Their adaptability and gentle nature make them a pleasure to spend time with, fitting into various activities with ease.
Whether you’re up for an adventure or a quiet day at home, a Galgo can be the perfect companion.
Podenco Andaluz
When you delve into the world of the Podenco Andaluz, you’ll discover that this charming breed is just one member of the broader Podenco family that spans the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands.
Each type, from the sprightly Andaluz to the robust Canario, has evolved in its own unique way to master the local hunting landscapes and wildlife.
This fascinating variation not only highlights their versatility but also underscores the resilience of the Podenco breeds.
Isn’t it amazing how each breed has tailored itself so perfectly to its environment?
Podenco Family
Exploring the Podenco Andaluz is a real treat! These dogs are full of life and incredibly loyal – they make fantastic mates, especially if you can keep up with their high energy levels.
They absolutely thrive when they’ve got heaps of room to stretch their legs and play. While they’re pretty flexible about where they live, they do need a good dose of mental and physical activity to stay cheery and in tip-top shape.
Temperament
Podencos, despite their tough situations, are celebrated for their sharp wit and vibrant nature.
They’re naturally inquisitive, often displaying a playful, almost comedic behaviour. Always alert, these dogs will shower you with steadfast loyalty and warmth, seamlessly integrating into your family life, provided you’re willing to devote the necessary time and effort.
Whether they stick to you like glue or prefer a more reserved interaction, they’re bound to greatly enhance your life.
Excercise
Turning our attention to the physical necessities of Podencos, it’s clear that regular exercise isn’t just beneficial, it’s absolutely crucial for their health and happiness.
These dogs thrive on plenty of both physical and mental engagement to keep them content. Without this, they can quickly become bored and a bit cheeky.
Whether that means long strolls or energetic runs, establishing a suitable exercise plan is key. They’ll happily lap up as much activity as you’re able to offer.
Adapatability
You’ll discover that the Podenco Andaluz, part of the varied Podenco clan, is remarkably versatile, easily branching out from its hunting roots.
These dogs aren’t just limited to tracking; they thrive as therapy animals, excel in canicross, and shine in agility contests.
With proper guidance and training, this adaptable breed can master nearly any challenge.
They’re far more than mere hunters; they’re multifaceted partners, achieving great things across a range of activities.
Podenco Ibicenco
Let’s chat about the Podenco Ibicenco, or as you might know it, the Ibizan Hound.
Hailing from the sunny island of Ibiza, this breed is celebrated for its impressive agility and prowess in hunting rabbits and other small game.
They’re equipped with keen senses and swift reflexes, making them top-notch hunters across diverse landscapes.
Isn’t it fascinating how such skills have evolved in these dogs?
Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound, while not the largest when compared with similar breeds like the Pharaoh Hound and the Cirneco dell’Etna, certainly stands out for its graceful appearance and ancient heritage.
This breed is intriguing not only due to its sleek build but also because of its deep historical roots. It’s considered one of the oldest dog breeds, tracing back to the Tesem, the esteemed Egyptian hunting dog. You can see their images on ancient tomb walls, bearing a remarkable resemblance to today’s Ibizan Hound.
It’s believed that these hounds were brought to the island of Eivissa by the Phoenicians around the 8th century BC. Despite their historical importance, recent DNA studies have cast doubt on this perspective, suggesting the Ibizan Hound may not be as ancient as once thought.
Nonetheless, its classification as a primitive type by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale highlights its lasting legacy.
As you admire the Ibizan Hound’s tall, lean silhouette, it’s fascinating to ponder not just their striking looks but also their rich, though somewhat contested, past.
Whether their lineage is as old as previously believed or not, their elegance and agility continue to charm and captivate.
Podenco Canario
Originating from the Canary Islands, the Podenco Canario, also known as the Canary Islands Hound or Canarian Warren Hound, is a breed with a rich history. This medium-sized hound is found across all the Canary Islands, showcasing an ancient breed that has been isolated and preserved over centuries.
Tracing its origins back to Egypt and North Africa, it’s believed the earliest settlers, likely of Berber descent, brought these dogs with them to the islands. These settlers primarily used the Podenco Canario for rabbit hunting, a tradition that continues to this day. Renowned for their keen hunting skills, these dogs are a prized addition to local hunting packs.
Linguistic and genetic research suggests a close connection between the inhabitants of the Canary Islands and North Africa’s Berbers, indicating a shared history that includes the Podenco Canario. While some might consider them primitive, modern genetic analysis has shown that the Podenco Canario is just as evolved as other European hunting dogs.
The history of this hound on the Canary Islands stretches back over 500 years, embodying a tradition that captures the unique cultural and historical essence of the region.
Why These Beautiful Dogs Need Your Help
You mightn’t be aware of the tough conditions these gorgeous dogs face.
To improve their hunting abilities, they’re frequently deprived of food, and once they’re not needed, they’re left to fend for themselves.
They also endure unimaginable cruelty, a practice that’s all too common and deeply rooted.
It’s something that really needs our immediate focus and action.
Starved
In Spain, some hunters hold the belief that their Podenco and Galgo dogs hunt better when they’re hungry. This idea, unfortunately, leads to a lot of these elegant animals suffering from severe malnutrition. The dogs get just enough food to keep them going, and sometimes even less than that. It’s a pretty grim situation, but it’s crucial to shed some light on what’s really going on.
Imagine having to perform intense physical activities on an empty stomach, pushed to your limits every single day. This is the everyday reality for these dogs during the hunting season. They dash across fields, their ribs showing under their thin coats, surviving on the tiniest bits of food.
Their owners, sticking to this harmful belief, treat them not as faithful friends but merely as tools for their own use. This cycle of misuse begins the moment these dogs are considered useful and doesn’t end until they’re no longer able to perform.
Raising awareness and taking action can help change the lives of these noble creatures. They desperately need people to stand up for their welfare and rights. So, as you get to know about their hardships, think about how you could help make a difference in their lives.
Abandoned
The suffering these dogs endure is truly heart-wrenching. After strenuous days spent hunting, these beautiful animals, be they Galgos or Podencos, are forced into a grim routine.
They’re squeezed into cramped cages on their owner’s trucks, only to be left in dark sheds or re-tethered with painfully short chains, hungry and worn out. The desperation and loneliness they must feel, night after night, as they await the next hunt, is unimaginable.
Many of these dogs, either lost or abandoned, find themselves wandering alone, bewildered and frightened. Their owners, viewing them as expendable, rarely take the time to look for those that don’t make it back.
These creatures are considered easily replaceable, not worth the effort of recovery.
Even more distressing is the fate of those dogs that aren’t deemed fit for hunting or are simply too old. Their endings are all too common and utterly heart-breaking.
They’re driven to remote locations and abandoned without a moment’s hesitation, left to fend for themselves, away from any familiar environment.
Others are discarded at the close of the hunting season. Their owners, unwilling to take on the responsibility of their upkeep during the off-season, prefer to simply replace them when the next season arrives.
It’s a tough topic, but it’s important we talk about these things, don’t you think?
Let’s keep the conversation going and see what we can do to help these loyal companions.
Cruelty
It might surprise you, but even Spanish hunting breeds like Galgos and Podencos endure a lot of hardship.
Often seen just as tools, these dogs face harsh conditions and are heartlessly abandoned when they’re no longer needed.
Getting involved and spreading the word can really help improve their situation.
What do you think about this issue?
Piano Playing
Among the many harsh realities faced by Spanish hunting dogs, there’s one particularly harrowing practice known as “piano playing.”
It’s a grim term describing how these stunning creatures, mainly Galgos and Podencos, are suspended in such a way that their hind paws just graze the ground.
They frantically scrabble at the earth, trying to keep themselves from being strangled.
It’s a stark reminder of how much these dogs need our help.
These Are Lovely Dogs
If you know and understand about dogs, you’ll know the term ‘ soft faced ‘ and this applies to both the Pods and Galgos. You will never come across either of these dogs who look scary. They probably look scared, but these are not intimidating dogs.
