Spanish Hound (Sabueso Espanol)

The Sabueso Español, another name for the Spanish Hound, is a multipurpose hunting dog with a long history in Spain. Due to its strong sense of smell and unwavering work ethic, this breed—which is well-known for its exceptional tracking skills—has long been utilized for hunting deer and wild boar.

The Spanish Hound is an endurance dog with a sleek, muscular body and medium size. In addition to being a wonderful hunting companion, its amiable and devoted disposition also fits in well with a family’s lifestyle.

The Spanish Hound could be the ideal dog for you if you’re searching for a companion that is affectionate at home and clever in the field. In the world of hounds, this breed stands out due to its adaptability and keen tracking instinct.

General characteristics of the Spanish Hound breed

Sabueso espanol is exactly translated as "Spanish hounds," which is the name of the breed. For this reason, it is also referred to as sabueso espanol or just sabueso. This is an expert hare hunter; it can operate both alone and in a pack and can tell its tracks apart with ease. utilized for hunting smaller game as well. Sabuesos are fervent, combative, and unwavering in their pursuit of the animal.

These dogs are industrious, have a keen sense of smell, and adjust well to challenging environments. They can serve as home guards, police spies, and rescuers.

Pros

Spanish hounds are resilient and energetic hunting canines. They turn into a great helper for hare hunting enthusiasts. The following are some of their benefits:

• Loyal;
• Unpretentious;
• Good watchdogs;
• Do not conflict with dogs;
• Friendly, get along well with children;
• Calm, not noisy;
• have robust health.

Cons

Spanish hounds are canines for work with keen senses of hunting. It is not advised to keep them as pets or in apartments. The following drawbacks are also present:

• require a lot of physical exercise;
• are difficult to train;
• do not tolerate cold;
• independent, stubborn;
• show aggression towards other pets, except dogs.

History of origin

Spanish hound-like dogs were first mentioned in writing in the thirteenth century. Among the oldest breeds in Europe is this one. However, scientists are still unable to figure out how it got to Spain. There is a theory that these dogs’ ancestors were St. Hubert’s pointers, or Celtic hounds.

Sabueso Espanyol were used for hunting for a very long time, initially for wild boar and even bear. In a pack, they chased after the animal. They then started preparing them for the hare. There were two breeds of Spanish hounds: large and small. While the second type is lighter and better suited for exhibitions and companion roles, the first variety is more frequently utilized for hunting.

Since pack hunting was outlawed in the 17th century, these dogs’ appeal has been waning. The Iberian Peninsula is where the population has largely survived. The breed didn’t start to resurrect until the 20th century. The Spanish hound was recognized by the FCI in 1957, a breed club was established, and a standard was created in 1982.

Appearance standards

Spanish hounds are described in the standard as having an elongated format, an elongated muzzle, and long hanging ears, giving them a strong, balanced build. These are muscular, strong, and agile medium-sized dogs. Males have a maximum height of 58 cm and a maximum weight of 25 kg.

Head

The forehead is convex, and the head is large. Although brief, the stop is clearly defined. The muzzle has no point; it is elongated. From the side, it appears square, the lips are thin and dark, and flews are visible. The nose’s bridge is straight, with the potential for a slight hump, and its lobe is big, well-pigmented, and either black or brown. The bite is scissor-like, and the teeth are powerful.

The almond-shaped eyes are small and dark. One or both lower eyelids may droop. The expression is somber and slightly depressed. The ears are low-set, long, and dangling. thin, broad ear covering.

Body

The body is muscular, strong, and stocky. The neck is thick and long, with a well-defined nape and potential folds and dewlap on the throat. The chest is broad, deep, and juts out slightly. The croup is broad and nearly non-sloping, the loin is slightly convex, and the back is long and straight. The tail is straight or sickle-shaped, with a high set and medium length.

Limbs

The joints are big, the angles are clearly defined, and the legs are powerful, parallel, and straight. The toes are robust and have hard pads, and the paws are small. Dewclaws exist. The motions have a strong push and are energizing.

Wool and color

The coat is shiny, short, and rough. Any shade of red with white dots would be the color.

Additional images of this breed of dog:

The Sabueso Espanol, another name for the Spanish Hound, is a calm, devoted dog that is well-known for its keen sense of smell. This breed, which was mostly bred for tracking game, is gentle and industrious, which makes it an excellent companion for hunters or active families. The Spanish Hound is a loyal and loving pet that can flourish in both domestic and rural settings with the right training and exercise.

Character traits

The Spanish hound doesn’t even require extensive training because it is an innate hare hunter. It is driven, tenacious, self-reliant, and determined at work. However, things are calm and balanced at home. It treats everyone equally, gets along well with the owners, and doesn’t pick on anyone in particular. gets along well with kids, but she can’t stand being handled roughly.

These dogs don’t need constant human interaction or communication, and they don’t enjoy loud games. They try to avoid contact, maintain their distance, and are independent. However, the Spanish hound is devoted and prepared to protect its owners if needed. It can serve as a guard and is wary of strangers. It only considers dogs to be friends and views all other pets as prey.

The Spanish hound requires appropriate training and early socialization. It is difficult to train and has a stubborn nature, making it unsuitable for inexperienced dog breeders. This is not a service dog; it will not obey commands without hesitation. It is frequently obstinate and accustomed to making decisions on its own.

Education needs to be rigorous, consistent, patient, and don’t let the dog get away with anything. The Spanish Hound has a short fuse and will soon lose composure.

The Spanish Hound should not be kept in an apartment; it is not a pet. Its character degrades as a result of its intolerance for immobility and restricted space. This dog requires exercise and room to roam around all the time. It is preferable to keep it in a private home’s yard, preferably in a roomy enclosure.

It is necessary to take long walks with the Sabueso Espanyol twice a day, ideally in a park or on a dog playground. It is advised to visit the forest more frequently, as it is only happy when hunting. The dog must be walked on a leash in the city because it will chase after any animal it detects, such as a cat.

The Spanish Hound is a low maintenance dog that doesn’t require much attention. The following steps will be required:

• brush its fur a couple of times a week;
• it is enough to bathe it several times a year;
• regularly check the condition of the ears, clean at least once a week;
• keep your eyes and teeth clean;
• if it is necessary to trim the claws.

When given the right care, members of this breed rarely become ill and enjoy excellent health. They occasionally get enterocolitis, dermatitis, and otitis. Age-related joint dysplasia and ocular disorders can arise. These dogs can eat both natural and dry food; they are not picky eaters. You can’t overfeed sabueso because they are prone to obesity; instead, their diet should be high in protein.

With a rich history, the Spanish Hound, also known as Sabueso Espanol, is a devoted and proficient hunting dog. These intelligent and tenacious dogs make excellent companions for active owners who can provide for their exercise requirements.

They are mostly used for hunting, but families who value their gentle disposition and strong work ethic will find them to be excellent companions. Many types of homes can accommodate the Spanish Hound with the right socialization and training.

The Spanish Hound is a great option for anyone searching for a loyal and active dog that will add love and excitement to any home.

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Spanish Hounds (Sabueso Espanol)

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