SPANISH GREYHOUND

It is thought that this breed already existed in the Roman era, there is no doubt that one of its predecessors is the Arab greyhound, which reached the peninsula during the conquest. Its speed in the popular greyhound races as well as its skill in hare hunting guarantee its presence in dog tracks and hunting competitions, being much appreciated in Spain. But this is not the case outside Spanish borders, because after some crossings with the English greyhound, the breed’s purity was detrimented. That is the opinion of the ICF (International Canine Federation), which doesn’t acknowledge it; denominating dogs emerged from these crossings as Anglospanish greyhounds.

PHYSICAL TRAITS of the SPANISH GREYHOUND
It is quite large, evident musculature, rustic, resistant and elegant looking; the males in this breed are between 65 and 70 cm high to the cross and weigh between 25 and 30 kg, the females are between 62 and 67 cm and weigh 20 to 25 kg. With an intelligent gaze, the eyes are dark, in harmony with the coat color, the eyes are small, high implanted, drooped backward, the tail is short and fine, the dog uses it as a steering wheel during the race. The fur is very short, tight, fine and shiny, brown, reddish, white, black or cinnamon, which can be spotted or uniform.

Painters have portrayed the Spanish greyhound’s beauty in several occasions: it can be admired in Francisco de Goya’s paintings.

TEMPERAMENT AND ADAPTATION of the SPANISH GREYHOUND
Patience, understanding and affection are the magical words for training this greyhound; educating it is not difficult, but rigid techniques used in other breeds should not be used. In order for it to be sociable, the first thing that must be done is soften its withdrawn character, because once this shyness is conquered, the Spanish greyhound will be sweet and affectionate with the family, it will be loyal and have perfect relationship, not only with the people but with other animals as well. It is a dog with great initiative and perseverance that, besides engaging to sports and hunting without conditions, it can be an excellent partner that gets used, even, to the city life inside an apartment.

EXERCISE AND CARE required for a SPANISH GREYHOUND
Its hygiene requires minimal care, but it is not the case in its exercise needs. It needs large spaces in which its speed can be developed, because a greyhound that doesn’t run frequently will turn into a melancholic and unhappy animal. The tail, because it is long, fine and mobile, can be injured at the tip quite easily, it should be cures so permanent sores don’t occur.