Spanish dog breeds

Numerous rare dog breeds with individual characteristics and histories can be found in Spain. From the mountains to the coast, the varied landscapes and cultures of the nation are reflected in these breeds. Gaining knowledge about these breeds can help us better appreciate their contributions to Spanish culture and daily life.

Numerous Spanish dog breeds have been developed with particular functions in mind, like guarding, hunting, or herding. For example, the Spanish Mastiff is frequently used to guard livestock because of its reputation for being a protective breed. Conversely, some breeds, such as the Galgo Español, are very fast and agile, which makes them great hunting partners.

Examining Spanish dog breeds brings attention to their distinctive characteristics as well as the strong ties that exist in Spain between people and dogs. These breeds provide an insight into Spain’s rich canine history, whether you’re a dog lover or just inquisitive.

Breed	Description
Spanish Mastiff	A large, strong dog known for guarding livestock, very loyal and protective.
Ibizan Hound	A sleek, elegant hunting dog, famous for its speed and agility.
Catalan Sheepdog	A medium-sized herding dog, intelligent and hardworking with a thick coat.
Podenco Canario	A slender, agile dog used for hunting rabbits, energetic and independent.
Galgo Español	A fast, graceful sighthound, often compared to a Greyhound, used for hunting.

Breed characteristics

Many Spanish canines possess well-developed hunting and working traits. They require a lot of exercise, consistent mental stimulation, and focused instruction that emphasizes positive reinforcement. In light of this, it’s critical to consider whether these breed characteristics fit your lifestyle before acquiring a pet.

The Royal Canine Society of Spain and at least one international kennel club have recognized the 13 Spanish dogs listed below.

The following abbreviations are used: UKC Federation Cynologique Internationale, or FCI; American Kennel Club; United Kennel Club; AKC;

Catalan Shepherd

In northeastern Spain, this oldest breed was employed to guard cattle that were grazing. The Catalan Shepherd is a rare breed in the United States; its representatives are primarily found in its native country and a few other European nations.

The breed is distinguished by its long hair, which helps shield it from the cold in mountainous areas, particularly the Pyrenees.

The Catalan Shepherd is a canine that is highly intelligent, determined, and diligent. For those who are active and would rather spend time outside the house, it is appropriate.

These animals are simple to train; however, consistent mental and physical stimulation is necessary to prevent inappropriate behavior.

Although Catalan shepherds are fiercely devoted canines that guard their people, their need to watch and chase needs to be restrained.

An outline of the breed

• Group: shepherds (according to UKC classification, not recognized AKC)
• Height: 43-48.3 cm
• Weight: 16.8-25 kg
• Wool: two -layer; The upper wool is long (straight or curling).
• Color: sable, washed, gray, red, brown, white or black.
• Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Ivis Borza (Ibizan)

Ibizan stands out from other greyhounds because of his large standing ears and slim build. His ancestors lived in ancient Egypt, and the Balearian Islands are his homeland.

Quick, nimble, and resilient Ivisa greyhounds are skilled hunters of rabbits and hares. But sometimes their hunting instinct makes them incompatible with tiny, cuddly pets, so it takes a lot of effort on the part of the owner to train them in appropriate behavior.

Ibizan Hounds are composed, well-balanced dogs that avoid crowds. They are appropriate for a busy family’s lifestyle.

Overview of Breeds

• Group: Hounds (AKC)
• Height: 22.4-28.5 inches (58.4-71 cm) (males), 22.8-26.5 inches (55.8-66 cm) (females)
• Weight: 50.5 pounds (22.7 kg) (males), 44.5 pounds (20.4 kg) (females)
• Coat: Smooth or wiry.
• Color: Solid red or white, or with white and red markings.
• Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Perro de Presa Canario

The breed name, Presa Canario, which means "hunting dog from the Canary Islands," is frequently abbreviated. This impressive guard and shepherd pet is shaped like a mastiff. Regrettably, canary dogs are occasionally employed in canine combat.

Members of the breed are known for their composure, sophisticated intelligence, and familial loyalty. Due to their strong guard nature, they are best suited for experienced dog handlers due to their strong willed nature.

Living with a Canary Dog should require early and continuous socialization as well as regular training because Canaries can be aggressive toward other dogs and attack if threatened.

Breed synopsis

• Group: working (AKC)
• Height: 55.8-66 cm
• Weight: 38-50 kg
• Coat: short and hard.
• Color: brown-black, fawn, brindle, sometimes with white markings.
• Life expectancy: 9-11 years

Podenco

Podenco means "hound" when translated. There are multiple breed variations in Spain, one of which is the Ibizan Hound.

The dog’s smooth body and large, erect, pointed ears are distinguishing characteristics. The animals range in size.

Podencos were extensively used for rabbit hunting in Spain. Sadly, rather than being valued human assistants in need of care, these dogs were regarded more like tools for capturing prey.

The situation of the homeless Podencos drew attention from all over the world. Numerous individuals belonging to the breed were rescued from the streets and given refuge in shelters.

These dogs love their families. They enjoy energetic activities and are playful and loving. Podencos are very good at training because of their well-developed strong will and patience, especially when it comes to training related to hunting instincts.

Overview of Breeds

• Group: Hounds (AKC)
• Height: 33-71 cm
• Weight: 8-32 kg
• Coat: hard, smooth, short or long.
• Color: varied, most common brown, red or with white markings.
• Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Spanish Galgo (Galgo Español)

The Spanish greyhound is arguably the most famous breed of Spanish dogs, despite the fact that it is sometimes mistaken for a greyhound. All of the animals are comparable in size and temperament, with the exception of the greyhound, which will be somewhat bigger.

Spanish galgos are hardy, nimble, and have a high peak of velocity; they have been utilized for hunting for hundreds of years. Similar to the Podenco, they were mistreated and even killed by their owners, as well as suffering from the callous and frequently harsh attitudes of those who used them.

Galgos started offering aid all over Spain in response to the public uproar, and dogs have since found homes both domestically and overseas.

Galgo Espanyols are excellent members of the family. They enjoy lounging on the couch and having fun together while playing outside.

Members of the breed do not get along with small, furry animals in the same house because they view them as prey.

Breed synopsis

• Group: hounds (AKC)
• Height: 63.5-66 cm
• Weight: 27.2-29.5 kg (males), 22.6-25 kg (females)
• Coat: short, soft or coarse.
• Color: various variations (solid and multi-colored), including brindle, black and gold.
• Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Spanish Mastiff

One of the biggest dogs, the Spanish Mastiff, also known as the Espanyol Mastiff, was developed to guard livestock in rural areas, particularly Merinos.

The history of this breed is lengthy. The origins of the Spanish Mastiffs are thought to date back approximately 2,000 years, when the Greeks and Phoenicians arrived in the nation. Dogs gained popularity because of their superior guard abilities and advanced intelligence.

Despite their size, members of the breed are balanced and devoted, and they don’t require extensive training. However, early socialization is necessary to prevent behavioral issues in Spanish Mastiffs because by nature, they are territorial guardians.

Breed synopsis

• Group: Molossoid/Mountain (FCI), not recognized by the AKC
• Height: 71-89 cm
• Weight: 63.5-90.7 kg
• Wool: thick, medium length.
• Color: various variations, including black, fawn, red, gray, yellow, with tiger or white markings.
• Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Spanish Water Dog

Spanish water dogs are known for having thick, curly hair that grows into cords.

Members of the breed were originally bred to be industrious, all-purpose workers who could be used on farms as guards, shepherds, and to destroy vermin.

Spanish water dogs were frequently used to look for ducks and fishing boats because of their webbed feet, waterproof coat, and superior swimming skills.

Due to their intelligence, attentiveness, and activity, representatives of the breed are competitive athletes. They can be jealous of their personal space and suspicious of strangers if they are not properly socialized. They are independent and stubborn.

Overview of Breeds

• Group: Herding (AKC)
• Height: 44.4-49.5 cm
• Weight: 13.6-22.7 kg
• Coat: curly, dense, single-layer.
• Color: black, beige-brown, white; can be solid or with white added as a second color.
• Life expectancy: 12-14 years

The distinctive and varied group of Spanish dog breeds is well-known for its distinctive features and close ties to the nation’s history and culture. These breeds, which range from the gregarious Andalusian Hound to the soft-spoken Spanish Mastiff, exhibit a multitude of qualities that make them outstanding working and companion dogs. Potential owners can better appreciate the rich history of these dogs and make well-informed decisions about bringing them into their homes by being aware of their origins, temperament, and care requirements.

Bichon Frise

Many people identify the Bichon Frise with France, where the breed’s representatives were widely utilized as companion dogs during the 16th century. The Bichon Frise, however, is native to Tenerife (Canary Islands), where it was employed as a cattle herder and as a "servant" on ships.

The breed’s members can be identified by their playfulness, carefree attitude, and compactness. They don’t require frequent training, but their coats, which are prone to lump formation, require ongoing attention.

The bichon frise is a good dog for a family, even in an apartment, but it struggles when its loved ones are parted from it.

Breed synopsis

• Group: non-sporting (AKC)
• Height: 22.8-30.5 cm
• Weight: 3.2-5.5 kg
• Coat: fluffy and curly
• Color: white, may contain traces of apricot, cream and yellowish-brown.
• Life expectancy: 14-15 years

Majorcan Shepherd Dog (Perro de Pastor Mallorquin)

Among its many uses as a farm dog, the Majorcan Shepherd served as a guard dog for household animals in the Balearic Islands. Although the breed was created in the 1200s, it’s thought that there may have once been ancient representatives of the breed.

Majorcan Shepherds are still employed on farms and as companion dogs today, but because they are uncommon outside of the country, the breed is classified as rare.

Breed synopsis

Group: herding (UKC), not recognized (AKC)

Height: up to 69.8 cm

Weight: up to 39.9 kg

Coat: long or short with a fine undercoat

Color: black undercoat, usually a white spot on the chest.

Life expectancy: 11-13 years

Pyrenean Mastiff

Raised in France and Spain, the Pyrenean Mastiff is a clever security dog native to the Pyrenees Mountains. Its primary duty is to defend the herd against robbers, wolves, and bears. Although members of the breed lack the developed skills necessary to hunt, they do a good job of protecting their family and other pets.

Pyrenean Mastiffs adore well-known adults and kids. This is a powerful animal that will not flee from danger.

When purchasing a dog of this type, you should consider the fact that it will drool a lot and require frequent cleaning.

Overview of Breeds

• Group: Molossoid/Mountain (FCI), not recognized by the AKC
• Height: 63.5-78.8 cm
• Weight: 54.4-108.9 kg
• Coat: Thick, consisting of two layers.
• Color: white top layer with spots of different colors (gray, dark gold, sand, black, silver-gray, light brown, tiger and red).
• Life expectancy: 10-13 years

Majorcan Bulldog (Ca de Bo)

Between 1270 and 1300, the Majorcan Bulldog or Mastiff—also called the Ca de Bou and Perro de Pressa Mallorquin—became well-liked on the island of Majorca as a result of its breeding for dog fighting. 1570 grams every one.

Ca de Bou has a strong commitment to its family. They possess a lot of energy, a loving disposition, and a playful personality.

Active families can benefit from owning a Mallorcsky bulldog. He needs to be dressed because he aspires to be dominant.

An outline of the breed

• Group: Molosses/Mountains (FCI), AKC is not recognized
• Height: 50.8-58.4 cm
• Weight: 30-38 kg
• Wool: short and hard
• Color: tiger, whary, black.
• Life expectancy: 10-12 years

Spanish Hound (Sabueso Espanyol)

This bloodhound was used to hunt hares, wild boars, bears, foxes, deer, and other wild animals in the northern mountainous regions of the Iberian Peninsula. King Alfonso XI gave the breed’s first description in the fourteenth century.

The Spanish hound is still used as a working dog today, going after rabbits in the south of Spain and wild boar in the north.

Members of the breed make wonderful companions because of their gentle nature and docility.

Breed synopsis

• Group: hounds (FCI, UKC), not recognized by the AKC
• Height: 45.7-55.9 cm
• Weight: 24-25 kg
• Coat: smooth and straight.
• Color: white and orange (from lemon to dark brown).
• Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Spanish Pointer (Perdiguero de Burgos)

The region of Castile, primarily the province of Burgos, is the source of the Burgos Pointer, also known as the Spanish Pointer. The breed’s history dates to the sixteenth century, and it is linked to ancient Spanish pointers and bloodhounds.

These resilient canines are used to hunt small game such as partridges, hares, and quail. They were bred to be hunting dogs.

Breed synopsis

• Group: hunting (UKC), not recognized by the AKC
• Height: 55.9-66 cm
• Weight: 25-30 kg
• Coat: short, fluffy, smooth.
• Color: white with yellowish-brown, white with liver or dark brown.
• Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Spanish dog breeds are prized for their individuality, adaptability, and loyalty. Spain has a range of breeds that can suit your needs, whether you’re searching for a devoted companion, a courageous guard dog, or a hardworking shepherd.

Every breed is unique due to its past, personality, and distinguishing features. These dogs each bring something unique to the table, ranging from the robust and protective Mastín Español to the lively and intelligent Spanish Water Dog.

It’s critical to comprehend the requirements of Spanish breeds and how they fit into your home if you’re thinking about adopting one. With the right guidance and training, they can develop into loyal and useful family members.

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