Spanish Greyhound

Size: Medium to Large
Other Names: Spanish Galgo, Galgo, Galgo Español
Country of Origin: Spain
Accreditation:
United Kennel Club (UKC): Sighthound & Pariah
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Hound

Height:

Male: 24½-27½ inches; Female: 23½-26½ inches

Weight:

Male: 55-66 pounds; Female: 44-55 pounds

Color(s):

All; most common 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:

Dense, very fine, short and smooth; or semi-long, hard hair

Description:

Despite being called a "greyhound", the Spanish Greyhound is not truly a greyhound.  The lineages of the two breeds are different.  The Spanish Greyhound is an ancient breed of dog, specifically a member of the sighthound family.  Spanish Greyhounds are routinely used in Spain to hunt rabbits and hares.

Temperament:

Spanish Greyhounds are calm, gentle and laid back; happy to sleep their day away on their backs on a sofa.  More than 90% of Spanish Greyhounds can be considered cat-friendly and are therefore an ideal choice for the hound lover who also owns cats.  Almost all Spanish Greyhounds are also friendly towards other dogs and small dogs.  Spanish Greyhounds are also very good with children; because they are calm in the house, there is less risk of a child being knocked over or jumped on, as there is with a more excitable breed.  They are very gentle and tolerate the often over-enthusiastic attentions of children with no risk of retaliation from the dog.

Training:

Be patient and use a long line.  A rabbit or lure in motion will beat a weak recall.

Care & Grooming:

The short coat needs only a weekly wipe.  Provide a coat in cold weather.

Shedding:

Low; the short coat needs only occasional brushing.

Health:

Spanish Greyhounds are generally hardy sighthounds.  Use anesthesia protocols suited to lean gazehounds, and keep rescued dogs lean rather than suddenly overfed.

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Litter Size:

4–8 puppies