Let's talk Spanish Greyhounds
Greyhound breeds are renowned for their gentle manner and ready elegance, evidenced by a long snout, small doe-eyes, and their slender physique, not to mention a captivating prance that’s a wonder to watch. The greyhound breed type has been recorded as running speeds up to 45mph (72kph) The tender Spanish Greyhound possesses all this in spades. They are natural athletes as well and, when not working off their energy, enjoy spending time by the side of the humans they hold dear.
Official name: Spanish Greyhound
Other names: Spanish Galgo
Origins: Spain
| Drooling tendencies |  |
Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level | |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| *Energy Level | Moderate | *Friendly pet? |  |
| Compatibility with other pets | |
*Can stay alone? | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behavior. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs).
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
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62 - 70 cm
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22.5 - 29.5 kg
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60 - 69 cm
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22.5 - 29.5 kg
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| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 15 months |
| Adult age | 15 months to 5 years |
| Mature age | 5 to 8 years |
| Senior age | From 8 years |
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Get to know the Spanish Greyhound
All you need to know about the breed
The very gentle Spanish Greyhound is an alluring breed but their good looks only present part of the picture for this very devoted companion. They also benefit from a vital state of health, perhaps solidified by years of breeding as both a hunter’s companion and a racing dog.
Spanish Greyhounds have commonly been used as sighthounds, or dogs who assisted hunters by using their acute sense of sight and their speed. This is one fast dog. They’re characterised by very long legs and a flexible back along with the lean head and long muzzle typifying the breed. Beautiful to see and even more pleasant to interact with, the Spanish Greyhound can be timid around newcomers but quickly warms up once they’re familiar with those in their midst.
Their speed may have placed the Spanish Greyhound firmly in racing circles, but they can easily make the transition to household pets as well. This is a dog however who must have room to run and get the activity they need on a daily basis. The Spanish Greyhound is not one for apartment living; if in a suburban setting, make sure to get out for enough daily walks and to let them off leash in an enclosed space so they can sprint for hours on end.
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2 facts about Spanish Greyhounds
1. A bleeding heart
Over 85% of Spanish Greyhounds have a blood type that is compatible with all 12 other blood types found in dogs, thus making them very suitable donors when it comes to their fellow canines. The greyhound type is also quite rich in red blood cells, which is particularly beneficial during any medical procedure where a transfusion is needed.
2. Fly so high
Maybe it’s their small frame or sporting background but the Spanish Greyhound is known to be a skilled jumper. Leaping tall fences in a single bound may not be so super as far as owners are concerned though. They are very fast runners to boot so make sure to build any fences surrounding property quite high to keep them from wandering off where they shouldn’t.
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History of the breed
Some say the Spanish Greyhound descends from ancient Egyptian dogs brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Phoenicians over three centuries ago. Some pin their origins more closely to ancient Asian greyhounds, while still other sources suggest that the Spanish Greyhound has roots in Roman antiquity. They are said to be the foundation for the English Greyhound breed.
Images of the breed in Spain however can be traced to the 10th century. They even turn up in the pages of national literature, such as the novel Don Quixote. The Spanish Greyhound has been praised throughout the ages by nobility for their hunting prowess and is the only European greyhound still used for hunting in their native land. They are not, however, terribly common outside of Spain.
They were recognised by the United Kennel Club in 2006 with the breed’s official standard at the Fédération Cynologique Internationale coming into force in 1971.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Spanish Greyhounds
1. Ears
High-set, triangular ears, wide and fairly thick, round ends.
2. Body
Rectangular, long-limbed lean body, natural agility.
3. Coat
TIght and very short coat, soft to the touch.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Spanish Greyhound
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Caring for your Spanish Greyhound
Grooming, training and exercise tips
The Spanish Greyhound is a relatively easy-care breed, thanks to their extremely short coat. Grooming means weekly brushing to rid them of excess dirt and baths only as needed. Brush their teeth as often as possible (daily if you can), trim their nails to prevent cracking, and clean their eyes and ears to avoid infection. Did you say run? The Spanish Greyhound has traditionally been used for racing so will need regular, even vigorous, exercise on a daily basis. Give them space to stretch their long limbs and take them on walks - the more, the better, as the breed always benefits from exercise. Training the Spanish Greyhound shouldn’t be an arduous task. This is a gentle, affectionate breed who is very willing when it comes to obedience training or classes. They can be shy at times but are generally a warmhearted dog. As with all breeds, socialising the Spanish Greyhound early on in life is best so they can develop in the most optimum way.
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All about Spanish Greyhounds
The Spanish Greyhound is an excellent companion for a family of any size. Their one wish: To be part of the pack, so get ready to be followed around the house and cuddled up to regularly. They’re calm, highly affectionate, and very much enjoy playing with children, once trained to be around them of course.
Despite many Spanish Greyhounds having careers on the track, the breed only needs one to three hours a day of activity. Used as a sighthound in the sporting fields, this is a dog who is used to being on alert. On the homefront however, look for a much calmer canine and a very faithful companion.
Read more on this topic
How to adopt a dog
Things to consider before getting a dog
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/