Galgo Espanol Dog Breed

The Galgo Espanol is a Sighthound type; dogs of this breed have existed since ancient times, and were used in Spain and a few other European countries as hunters of hares and other small game. As an extremely athletic breed, Galgos are best suited for active families or for those who participate in canine sports.

Some breed facts: Galgos are large-sized with slender builds, and have short-haired coats that are either smooth or wiry in texture. Here are some advantages and drawbacks to owning this rare breed:

PROS:

• Fantastically agile and athletic
• Intelligent
• Affectionate and gentle
• Little grooming required
• Fairly easily trained
• If properly exercised, can adapt to a variety of living situations (house or apartment)
• Good with children and other pets
• Healthy and hardy
• Low barking tendencies
• Excellent hunting/exercise companion

CONS:

• Can be shy, timid, and reserved
• Very high exercise requirements
• Low watchdog abilities
• May require frequent socialization with humans and other animals
• Leash required when outdoors (unless extensively trained)
• Rare outside their native Spain, so may be difficult to find/obtain

Galgos are smaller with flatter muscles than greyhounds that grant them more stamina, although they are not as fast. Typically, males reach 24.5-27.5 inches and can weigh up to 60 pounds while females stand around 23.5-26.5 inches and weigh in at 50-55 pounds.

Members of this breed make sweet, affectionate and gentle house dogs for owners or even families with children. They find their best match to be an active family that exercises and participates in frequent sporting activities. Those without time to properly exercise their Galgo should not consider the breed. Galgo Espanols are also quite friendly with other pets, especially dogs. It is always important to consider a hunting breed's prey drive towards small animals, but experts vouch for their reliability to do well with even these pets. Strangers should not be concerned with aggression from this dog but shouldn't expect them to be outgoing either. Chances are, this breed will be shy around strangers.

This breed has high exercise requirements and fits best with active owners or families. Those requirements can be met with a daily long walk, run, hike, biking, hunting and many other activities. Grooming needs of this breed are few. They will be trained somewhat easily if the owner is patient and soft with them; they are sensitive and can easily become reserved if they are handled too roughly.

Galgos are said to have originated during the 6th century B.C. when the Celtic Gauls settled in the Spanish Iberian Peninsula region and began breeding hunting dogs. Romans continued the lines of this breed which they referred to as Canis Gallicus (Celtic Dogs). These dogs were, over time, likely bred with Irish Greyhounds, deerhounds, Sloughi and possibly even African sighthounds. The more recent history has seen them as superb hare hunting and coursing dogs because they possess the agility, stamina and speed necessary to do the job in the uneven terrain of Spain; these areas are very dry, variable and rocky. Although this breed used to be a favorite treasure of Spanish elite documented as early as the 12th century, they are now typically not kept as pets and instead just used and abused. Rescue organizations maintain that at the end of the hunting season these dogs are brutally disposed of by being shot, hung, abandoned down wells or in dumps and numerous other atrocious behaviors. These persevering dogs were finally classified as a distinct breed in 1972. Many organizations exist presently to improve the plight of these dogs such as GRIN and SAGE, which strive to rescue and adopt Galgos.

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. They have quite a few differences; for instance, the Galgo is built not only for speed but endurance and agility so the muscles will be flatter. They are smaller than Greyhounds, with male Galgos reaching around 24.5 to 27.5 inches tall and females 23.5 to 26.5 inches. There is no strict standard for the coat; some are smooth haired while others are wiry. Color can also vary greatly and includes: black, red, cinnamon, white, yellow, golden, beige, white with colored patches and brindling of these shades. White markings may or may not be present.

The Galgo Espanol has no specific sub-types within the breed. Size amongst these dogs is pretty consistent: an average of 25 inches at the shoulders in height, and 55 pounds in weight. There are no toy Galgos recognized as variations of the breed.

The one variant within dogs of this breed is coat type. Some are smooth-haired, with short, silky fur; others have rough, wiry fur that is often longer. The wire-haired Galgos sometimes have more abundant facial hair as well. Both coat varieties exist in the same wide array of colors.

This breed has many good qualities; they are laid-back and do not typically bark, which makes them a wonderful breed to have indoors. Outside they are happy, energetic and make a superior choice for an owner that enjoys long walks or hikes, running and biking. Overall, they are affectionate to their owners are quite adaptable.

This breed enjoys being around other dogs and is generally friendly with most pets. They will likely be reserved and shy around strangers at first. Galgos make sweet and gentle playmates for children.

Training this breed will not be difficult, however, the Galgo is a sensitive breed and the right techniques must be used. Never handle this breed roughly or show your impatience with them. They thrive off positive words, gentle handling and treats. Members of this breed that have not had extensive obedience training should always be kept on the leash when outside of an enclosed area; due to their speed and stamina they may easily get away from you.

If exercised frequently this breed is unlikely to have major health issues. Sensitivity to anesthesia is common within the breed so your pet should be tested before any procedures where those compounds will be necessary. This breed has a lifespan of 12-15 years.