GALGOS AND PODENCOS

Galgos and Podencos are two distinctive Spanish sighthounds that are bred to hunt in packs for a brief recreational season. Although ancient breeds, they are two of the most misunderstood and much maligned breeds in the world. It is estimated that 60,000–80,000 of these dogs are abandoned and/or slaughtered every year after their value is deemed worthless or redundant.

Considered to be “tools” according to Spanish law, the hounds are often keep like prisoners chained in dark sheds and virtually starved to be more efficient hunters. The abuse of these failed hunters by their owners’ ranges from hanging to tossing in dry wells to drowning to disfigurement among an assortment of barbaric punishments. Whether due to tradition or culture, the abuse and abandonment of galgos and podencos has endured for centuries.

Most Podencos are abandoned in fields and by the roadside or brought to killing shelters after having served their hunter well.

Podencos don’t have a chance; being bred just to hunt and then kept in squalid conditions between hunts.  Even in the cities like Malaga there are areas close to the city where hundreds of podencos are kept chained up for the hunt.  It can be difficult to imagine the suffering they endure especially once you have known and loved a pod and have experienced their love and devotion. 

The most accepted origin of the Podenco Andaluz, found mainly in the south of Spain, is Egyptian, brought by the Phoenicians to Iberia (Spain) and it is possible they were bred with the original Pharaoh hounds and with the Basenjis of Africa.  

There are three main types of podencos on mainland Spain which also includes the Ibizan hound from the island of Ibiza (long legged beauties) and the Podenco Canarios brought from the Canary Islands.  It is believed they are the purest of the podencos in that they were isolated for hundreds of years on these islands.  

They are not only sighthounds, but scent and ear hounds; triple duty hunters!  
Even with their amazing hunting abilities, podencos make wonderful companions if the adopter is ready to devote time and energy to their podenco.  Podencos are very smart, they are affectionate, gentle, very loving and good in the home.  They are alert barkers so they are great home protection.  Podencos require good exercise and activity and are not a good candidate for stay at home long hours kind of homes as they become bored very easily and can get mischievous and in trouble if not given a good outlet for their energy. 

But all that said podencos are calm in the home once exercised.  They nap and love sun bathing and get along great with their pack mates and with other dogs.