Galgo Español (Spanish Greyhound)

The Galgo Español, or Spanish Greyhound, is an ancient sighthound breed with a history in the Iberian Peninsula that stretches back possibly thousands of years. It is believed to have descended from Celtic hounds or possibly from sighthounds brought to Spain by the Moors. For centuries, these elegant and swift hounds were highly prized by Spanish nobility and commoners alike for their exceptional ability to hunt hare and other fleet-footed game by sight across the vast open plains of Spain. Their name “Galgo” comes from the Latin “Canis Gallicus,” meaning “Gaulish dog.”

Galgos were bred for speed, stamina, agility, and keen eyesight. Unlike the English Greyhound, which was later bred heavily for track racing, the Galgo Español largely retained its traditional form as a versatile coursing hound, capable of navigating varied terrain. They were essential for providing game for the table. Unfortunately, in recent decades, many Galgos in Spain have faced harsh treatment and abandonment at the end of hunting seasons, leading to significant rescue efforts by international organizations. The breed is recognized by the FCI and the UKC. While still used for coursing in Spain, they are also gaining appreciation worldwide as gentle and elegant companions, particularly as rescued dogs.

The Galgo Español possesses a classic sighthound temperament: they are generally gentle, calm, and dignified indoors, often described as “cat-like” in their quiet demeanor and love for comfortable spots. With their families, they can be very affectionate and loyal, forming strong bonds, though they are not typically overly demonstrative or boisterous. They are sensitive dogs and respond best to gentle handling and a peaceful home environment.

True to their sighthound nature, Galgos are independent thinkers and were bred to hunt and make decisions at a distance. This independence can sometimes be interpreted as aloofness or stubbornness. They are generally reserved and can be very wary or even timid with strangers if not properly socialized from a young age. Early and ongoing positive socialization is crucial to build their confidence. Galgos have an extremely strong prey drive and will instinctively chase small, fast-moving animals. They are typically quiet in the home but require understanding of their unique sighthound personality and needs.

The Galgo Español comes in two coat varieties:

• Smooth-coated: This variety has a very short, fine, dense, and glossy coat that is extremely easy to maintain and requires minimal grooming. A weekly rubdown with a hound mitt or soft cloth is usually sufficient.
• Wire-haired (Cerdoso): This variety has a harsh, wiry, rough coat of medium length (about 1-3 inches), often with a noticeable beard, mustache, and eyebrows. This coat provides more protection in rough terrain and cooler weather. It requires more grooming than the smooth type, including weekly brushing to prevent tangles and remove debris, and occasional hand-stripping to maintain its correct texture.

Both varieties are considered light to average shedders and are known for being clean dogs with little “doggy” odor. Baths are needed only occasionally. Regular nail trims are important, as are ear checks and diligent dental care, as sighthounds can be prone to dental issues.

Galgo Españols are sighthounds built for incredible speed and require regular opportunities to run freely at full gallop in a large, **very securely fenced area**. A simple leash walk, while beneficial, is not enough to satisfy their physical exercise needs. They are sprinters and enjoy short, intense bursts of running, much like Greyhounds.

Daily exercise should also include one or two moderate walks on a leash. It is crucial to remember their powerful prey drive; a Galgo off-leash in an unsecured area will chase squirrels, cats, or any other small moving object with breathtaking speed and may ignore recall commands, potentially running into danger. Lure coursing is an ideal activity for Galgos, allowing them to use their natural instincts in a safe environment. Despite their athletic capabilities, Galgos are often surprisingly calm and relaxed indoors, content to lounge on a comfortable sofa or bed once their exercise needs have been met, earning them the “45 mph couch potato” moniker similar to Greyhounds.

The Galgo Español, as an ancient landrace-type breed shaped by centuries of functional breeding, is generally considered a very hardy and healthy breed with fewer widespread genetic predispositions compared to many modern, intensively bred dogs. However, like all sighthounds, they can be susceptible to certain conditions. Health data may be more limited due to their status primarily as a working and rescue breed in many areas. Potential concerns include:

• Sensitivity to Anesthesia: Like many sighthounds with low body fat percentage, Galgos can be particularly sensitive to certain anesthetic drugs, especially barbiturates. It is crucial that veterinarians are aware of this and use sighthound-safe protocols.
• Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer):** Sighthounds, in general, have a higher predisposition to this aggressive cancer.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV):** A risk for any deep-chested breed.
• Injuries from Running/Hunting: Due to their speed and love for running in open terrain, they can be prone to cuts, scrapes, muscle strains, sprains, or toe injuries.
• Leishmaniasis:** In endemic Mediterranean regions, this sandfly-borne disease is a significant concern for any dog. Rescued Galgos from Spain should always be tested.