Here you will find some information about Galgos and Podencos; their temperaments, history and needs. We hope this helps you to make an informed decision on whether these hounds would make a suitable member of you family.
THE GALGO
The Galgo Español (Spanish Galgo) or Spanish Greyhound is an ancient breed of dog, specifically a member of the sighthound family. One theory is that the Galgo was named for the Gauls, who inhabited the Iberian Peninsula 400–600 B.C.E. The Galgo breed was probably a result of the dogs brought by the Gauls on their migration through the peninsula mixed with dogs brought by traders who did business with the Gauls. Other theories believe they likely originated from ancient Egypt as they, or hounds very similar to them, are depicted in the sculptures and paintings of the ancient Egyptians. Certainly they are a much older breed than the northern European sighthounds such as Greyhounds, Wolfhounds and Deerhounds.
For more details on the appearance and characteristics of Galgos please go here.
Despite being called a “Spanish Greyhound”, the Galgo is not truly a Greyhound. The lineages of the two breeds are different. However, in the last century or so, some breeders have cross-bred Galgos and Greyhounds in order to produce faster Galgos.
Galgos are unfortunately bred in large numbers by unscrupulous breeders, who then kill them in the most barbaric ways possible- hanging, burning, battering, shooting, or throwing them from a moving car. It is estimated that about 50,000 are killed each year, although some sources say 100,000 is the more likely number. (sourceWikipedia)
Temperament and needs
Galgos have a very similar nature to Greyhounds. They are calm, gentle and laid back; happy to sleep their day away on their backs on a sofa. Unlike most Greyhounds, more than 90% of Galgos can be considered cat-friendly and are therefore an ideal choice for the hound lover who also owns cats. Almost all Galgos are also friendly towards other dogs and small dogs.
Galgos are also very good with children, being calm in the house there is less risk of a child being knocked over or jumped on than a more excitable breed. They are very gentle and tolerate the often over-enthusiastic attentions of children with no risk of retaliation from the dog.
Thats not to say that they never get excited mind you 
Galgos, like all hounds; love to run and so they need a safe space to run free, off-lead. Like their Greyhound cousins, they are sprinters and so two short walks of around 30 minutes per day is sufficient for their exercise needs; they don’t need hours and miles of walking like many popular breeds.
Galgos, like some of the other sighthound breeds are one of the longest lived of all large breeds of dog. You can expect your Galgo to live around 14 years. Galgos also suffer from few congenital or “breed specific” diseases which often occur in pedigree dogs due to in-breeding over time. You can therefore expect your Galgo to live a long and healthy life. This is one fact that makes it even more sad to know that most Galgos in Spain only reach the age of 2-4 
The needs of your particular Galgo will vary depending on the quality of life it had in Spain, and of course on how cruelly it was treated. The shelters which care for the Galgos before they are homed do their best to evaluate the character and fears of each dog so that their new families are as well informed as possible as to how best to settle in their new family member. Remember the physical scars of their abuse may heal quickly, but their emotional and mental scars will take much longer to heal. Anyone wanting to adopt a Galgo must appreciate this and work with kindness and patience on the continued rehabilitation of their hound.
THE PODENCO
The Podenco is an elegant and agile breed with an athletic and attractive outline. Though graceful in appearance is a rugged and hardy breed. Its large upright ears – a hallmark of the breed – are broad at the base and frame a long and elegant head and long neck.
The Ibizan Hound is an elegant and agile breed with an athletic and attractive outline. Though graceful in appearance is a rugged and hardy breed. Its large upright ears – a hallmark of the breed – are broad at the base and frame a long and elegant head. The neck is long and lean.
Podencos come in both smooth and wire coated varieties and there are also several smaller breeds such as the Podenco Andaluz; a small and more robust breed; and the Canarian Podenco. All of the varieties are either red or white, or a combination of red and white. The eyes of a Podenco are a striking amber color and have an alert and intelligent expression.
Temperament and needs
All Podencos are very intelligent, active, and engaging by nature. They are true “clowns” of the dog world, delighting in entertaining people with their antics Though somewhat independent and stubborn at times, they do take well to training if positive methods are used. They are generally quiet, but will alarm bark if necessary, so they make good watch dogs.
They are sensitive hounds, and very good around children and other dogs large and small alike. Many are also cat friendly. They make calm and quiet house dogs, like most sighthounds; but are active and athletic and may require more exercise than Galgos or Greyhounds.
Podencos, especially the larger breeds, are renowned jumpers. They are able to jump incredible heights from a stand still and as such need a secure garden. Podencos love to run and are generally obedient when off-lead, allowing them free exercise and lots of fun.
As with Galgos, most Podencos that come into the care of animal shelters in Spain have been badly treated and so the same guidelines given for Galgos for their rehabilitation and expectations of their emotional well-being should be considered. Podencos also have a long life expectancy of around 12-14 years, but unfortunately rarely reach 4 years old in Spain
Podencos are very loving dogs with wonderful natures, expect your Podenco to be a real character in your family.
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what stunning photos of stunning dogs, ive got greyhounds but would love the chance to have a podenco or galgo .
Comment by JACKIE April 24, 2008 @ 3:11 amI’ve recently adopted a pure breed podenco and a cross breed. They are both the most wonderful dogs and are truly hilarious to watch. Both of these dogs are rescues from Spain and if I had the room i’d adopt more. I came across podenco’s when I first started fostering through an association and I can’t imagine not having a podenco in the family now. They’re fantastic with my cats and my other dog and whistle training them is proving relatively easy. I adore them and would recommend everyone adopt a podenco.
Comment by Jaq April 28, 2008 @ 10:50 amI’ve got now three rescue dogs from Spain(I live in Finland):one is a podenco(probably a pure podenco andaluz,but who knows without papers),one is perhaps cross of podenco and staffordshire terrier,and just three weeks ago I got a galgo.All of them are really wonderful animals,and I am happy to get a chance to give them home..I would defintely recommend people to have rescue dog(s)from both breed.
Comment by Tia June 6, 2008 @ 1:55 pmI homed Bebe, a tiny malaguena podenca andaluz who had been badly injured on a Seville motorway. She is very alert, loves to run – does actually run around the courtyard looking for the cats! – and walks the meadows with our big lurcher. She is also a clown, especially if spoken to in a squeaky voice! She is a dear little dog and very well loved. She likes to share a bed with my Spanish galga, but also adores our male lurcher.
I’ve fostered 2 other podencos, larger rough-haired ones, and they too have been wonderful characters and very affectionate loving dogs.
Can recommend the breed to anyone.
Comment by Beryl Brennan June 24, 2008 @ 8:38 pmA Podenco would make a great addition to my Greyhound family, especially as they can be a bit of a watchdog. I lost Mimi my GSD in April 2008 to a stomach tumour, she was great at looking after the house and the Greyhounds.
Comment by Drwolfuk July 31, 2008 @ 10:18 amFor my part I can tell you that I like podengoes and galgoes but most of all whippets and greyhounds.I have adopted a purebred racing greyhound who was found starving to death in Madrid likely stolen directly from some flapping track or breeder.Connor´s parents were both Irish exports. So I am trying to alert people to the plight of surplus racing greyhounds being sent of to places like Spain as this is a death warrant for those greyhounds.Connor was lucky he survived. It is a priviledge to own him and have him as part of my family. I am very proud of him as he has come a long way from being just another racing greyhound to a harmonious and happy greyhound who is a deeply loved familymember and brother to my whippet Mike.So Let us work together to stop the overbreeding and culling of these most nobel and gentel sighthounds.Sincerly Stud.art Lisbeth Mønsted Larsen Greyhound Action Denmark.
Comment by Stud.art Lisbeth Mønsted Larsen August 5, 2008 @ 6:43 pmI live on the beautiful island of Lanzarote. Six weeks ago a starving and desperate Podenca turned up on my doorstep, a more loving and affectionate dog you could not wish to meet. She will live here with me never knowing another cruel hand or a hungry day. I would say that this breed of dog makes a perfect house dog or companion and would be a wonderful addition to any family. Give them a chance and you will fall in love. She is one of the lucky ones but there are so many more who desperately need our help.
Comment by jacky kennedy August 22, 2008 @ 9:33 pmHi Jacky
I found your comments whilst trawling through the web site. I have been looking for an animal charity in Lanzarote called Wau Wau (German owned) and I gather it is supported by the German Government. From what I gather they send lots of animals from Lanzarote back to Germany for rehoming (I hope! and not for any experimental purposes). For example all the cats that live and breed in the various hotels/apartments are shipped to Germany (or so I have been told!). I was out in Costa Tequise end May and started feeding a Podenco who was absolutely starving. To cut a long story short, I was staying at the Nazareth Apartments and was feeding the cats and one night saw the dog eating the cat biscuits – I only had 3 days left in my holiday and started feeding him every day. At the Nazareth there is an English couple who volunteer for Wau Wau who feed the cats every day at the Nazareth and they very kindly fed the Podenco when I left. He became quite well know eventually, and I gather lots of people around were feeding him, but of course he was not “street cred” and would have ended up no doubt being killed by a car. So Angela from Wau Wau, together with the english couple managed to get hold of him and he is now staying at the Wau Wau animal sanctuary. He is now called “Elvis” – and he is an adorable beauty. I loved him on sight. I have been advised he will probably also end up being shipped to Germany. I loved him dearly but unfortunately I have a rescued cat from Dubai (a bit of a monster – 14 years old now) and he just hates anything that moves! he is half desert cat/half bengal.So no way could I have the Podenco myself. I heard from another charity called 9lives, also in Lanzarote, that a lot of dogs and cats are shipped to Germany – have you heard of Wau Wau – I am always concerned about animals, and even more so when so many are shipped to Germany. In England alone this year the experimentation on animals is up 20% than last year – and I would be absolutely devastated if I found that this little fellow was saved, only to be shipped to hell. So would appreciate any info you may have please. It is so lovely to hear that you have given a wonderful home to your Podenco and it is so wonderful to hear stories such as yours.
Comment by Mary O'Brien July 24, 2009 @ 12:44 pmI Am a veterinary nurse who moved to spain 6 years ago.Working in the rural community,i was shocked and sickened by the attitude of not only the spanish people but also the so called upholders of the Animal Welfare Bill.There is no law that is upheld,the majority of spanish care not a jot,or even believe that any animal has feelings.They are there to do a job,when their services are no longer needed they are disposed of as cheaply as possible,hence the appalling cruelty,as a bullet costs money.We lived in the Campo and at the end of the hunting season,there were a lot of Podenco,s living feral,they were the lucky ones,who were just abandoned,others had their legs broken,making it impossible for them to make it back home to the hovels they were kept in.They are hung or stuffed down drains,or tied and burnt.We did manage to rescue just one of these loveliest of hounds,what a joy she was.She had managed to fare better than most,possibly being cream,she hadnt been physically abused and was an absolute clown.We adored her,as did our Lurcher bitch.They became almost soulmates.She was a Podenco Andaluz Medio,very pretty and i would have thought an excellent hunter,very,very quick,but extremely good with our cats.I was offered 450euros for her by a spanish acquaintance,even though she had obviously had a broken foreleg at some point in time.I estimate she was probably 2,2.5years when we found her,and was owned by her for 5 years.She came back to the UK with me 1 year ago.On New years day I found a small mammery lump,took her to a vet friend had her chest xrayed before he began excising the lump,to his disbelief there were over thirty small tumours in her lungs,she had shown absolutely no symptoms what so ever,of any breathing difficulties,coughing or inability or intolerance of exercise.Hence the tumour was not removed.Her fitness,and general wellbeing astounded him,and we managed to keep her that way for another 4 months,his comments being he could not belive that a dog so riddled in cancer could look and act so well,as she did until i made the heartbreaking decision.A Podenco is a privilege to own,and I would have another tomorrow.Bless you darling Tula
Comment by helene December 27, 2008 @ 1:48 amWe have just been adopted by a podenco, he turned up a few weeks ago and was in a dreadful condition, riddled with fleas and on the verge of starvation. We started by treating him for the fleas and feeding him and due to the fact we already have two rescue dogs and a rescue cat felt we would be unable to give him a home. SARA the local animal shelter were full but offered him a place on Christmas Eve. Too late, we just could’nt do it he is now ensconced and although still very wary is starting to find his feet in our home. He is slowly putting on weight and had a shower today, what a difference in a couple of weeks. I still can’t understand how such a lovely dog could be left to fend for himself.
Comment by Fiona December 27, 2008 @ 10:36 pmWe live rural Valencia. Five weeks ago we found a young Podenco Andaluz cowering in one of our outbuildings. She had obviously had a litter of pups not many weeks before. She resembled one of those upsetting RSPCA ads you see with every bone in her torso jutting out and she was truly terrified of people. Small, regular meals –
Comment by Annie January 3, 2009 @ 12:30 pmthen she & I having girlie chats in the shed …… well now anyone would think she’d lived her entire life with us. She’s between 12 & 18 months old and is due to be spayed next month. Pippa – what a delight! She’s part of the doggy gang with our German Shepherd and Springer Spaniel. She loves our 5 cats and has playfights with our 8 month old Spanish kitten (AKA The Devil Child)- the cat usually wins! Her favourite hobbies include sunbathing and baggsing the best spot in front of the fire. She no longer stands with her tail tucked between her legs- now it wags whenever we speak or look in her direction. And -wow! – is she beautiful now; sleek, elegant and alert. She’s the bravest of our dogs on the terraces when strangers amble by (we have no fencing but she already knows her boundaries). And she has the SEXIEST bark we’ve ever heard!! Just slightly husky – has anyone else noticed that with their Podenco? This is not a breed we would have chosen but Pippa chose us and she’s just perfect. We can’t believe how lucky we are.
Hi. We have also been adopted by a beautiful little Podenco girl, she found as just as we came out of our village house,we were on our way to the bar for a drink with our friends, we jumped into the bar thinking she had not seen us, but low and behold she came in to find us a couple of minutes later. We have found out that she had been around the village for a few days, popping in to all the bars, probably hoping for food. She is in quite good condition, just a little limp on a back leg as she goes down steps, also she yelped when picked up and I suspect she may have a broken rib from probably being kicked, before being thrown out of her home to fend for herself. She came home with us, I fed her and she jumped on the sofa and settled down, I made her bed up outside as we did not know how she would be in the house, went to bed telling my husband to put hewr out there before he came up. I got up the next day to find her still on the sofa cuddled up to my scarf (which she will not let me have back) he said she looked so comfy he could not put her out,she has decided thats her spot and stayed there for 2 days, we bought her a collar and lead so that we could safely walk her and she is just perfect. Obviously she will now stay with us even though we had vowed that we would not get a dog, she is booked in with the vets for a check up and Im hoping he will tell us her age. We have named her Ruby as she is such a lovely golden red colour. What a darling dog.
Comment by Paulette Jones January 9, 2009 @ 7:22 amSo heartening to read of all of you adopting podencos. I have my first podenco girl coming to the UK to live with us in March and I already have a galga from ProGalgo. She is the most wonderful dog and we adore her. So pleased that there are people in Spain willing to help these beautiful and abused dogs.
Comment by Laurie Harkness January 9, 2009 @ 5:20 pmWe are also having a podenco girl in March and cannot wait!! Helene, your story brought a tear to my eye and the other stories have just confirmed that a podenco is the dog for us x
Comment by Anna Hollingsworth January 20, 2009 @ 11:25 amI belong to a Danish and a French Galgo rescue organisations and have made a video about Galgos and the situation in Spain. Videos on Podencos and more Galgos are in the works. Through the organisations they will be used for education and raising awareness of Podencos and Galgos. This is the most critical time of the years for the Spanish hunting dogs, so bless you all for your superb work for them. And thanks to everyone lucky enough to rescue them.
Comment by Barbara Jacobsen January 21, 2009 @ 6:26 pmI have the most beautiful Galgos/Pedenco cross aged 12 months…and I can vouch for the superb character, playfulness and gentleness of these dogs…
Comment by Cathy Halloran January 27, 2009 @ 10:48 amIf you have read all the messages above you will already know me and my sweet Podenca. She has been with us now for 6 months and has blossomed, her bones have covered and her coat is shiny and soft. I couldn’t imagine life without her. I am so besotted with the breed I am now considering getting her a pal. My friend recently found a 3 month old puppy under a garbage skip and took him home, we have introduced Kellogs to Freda and she is already in love. Yesterday I decided to go to the local animal shelter here on Lanzarote, it is called ‘SARA’. I had heard that they currently have almost 100 podenco’s in their care. Unfortunately here on the island not many people are prepared to adopt these loving and loyal animals, maybe it is a lack of breed knowledge. I have agreed to work with the Podenco’s walking and socialising them to hopefully help to rehome at least a few of them. If there is anyone out there who is interested in adopting a Podenco please contact SARA animal shelter in Lanzarote.
I notice that another kind person on the island has been adopted by one of these beauties. Well done Fiona.
Comment by Jacky Kennedy February 12, 2009 @ 1:10 pmI adopted a Podenco Erbano last year, rescued badly injured from a Seville motorway. She came on 3 legs, carrying the 4th. My vet did an amazing operation to report her injured joint and she is now like grease lightening, running on 4 legs – the only sign of her injuries being the scars on her hindquarters which she will carry for the rest of her life. She is the cutest, funniest, absolutely adorable miniature podenca, and an absolute character. And through adopting her, I have learnt so much about podencos and the different types, depending on where they originate.
Thank you to Mo and her wonderful team for the amazing work you do to help the galgos and podencos abandoned every year by the heartless galguerros.
Comment by Beryl Brennan April 30, 2009 @ 9:40 amSorry! Should say ‘repair’ her injured leg!
Comment by Beryl Brennan April 30, 2009 @ 9:41 amHi I’m fostering a Podenco galgos boy in France. He is 18 months old. I’ve had him 6 months. He came to my village from Spain at 4 months but his owner didn’t know how to look after him and gave him up when he grew too big for his apartment. He was untrained and suffering many problems including digestive, skin, fleas, behaviour (separation anxiety)…He is now a beautiful healthy boy. He is obedient (most of the time), housetrained, fun-loving, affectionate, castrated, vaccinated, microchipped and ready for a forever home. Please, if anyone can help, get in touch. Cathy in the Aude in France.
Comment by Cathy August 14, 2009 @ 11:54 pmMy wife & I rescued our Podenco bitch 4 years ago after she got into the garden of our villa in Estepona, Spain. Left by the farmers/hunters who use them for rabbiting she was a frail, starved, frightened little girl who is now the absolute joy of our lives. Everything about her character is exactly what has been said before and more, to the point where she now casually wades into our swimming pool 2 or 3 times a day for a quick swim and cool down before jumping on a sun lounger to dry. We weren’t looking for a dog at the time but now realise how lucky we are to have been sent this gentle clown of girl that we will adore forever.
Comment by Phil Reaney August 24, 2009 @ 6:36 pmMy Podenco has just found me.. shes about 2yo.. golden with a little white on her paws, chest, tip of tail, and lightly on her face. She is so thin that she looks like a skin thrown over a skeleton. She has been to the vet and hasnt anything for my other dogs to catch.. what a beautiful girl she is, so loving after all she has been through. Why oh why are some of the Spanish so cruel to their animals.
Comment by terrie salone September 29, 2009 @ 8:01 pmi would LOVE to have a shorthaired podenco…where can i get one?????
Comment by wälti vivienne October 10, 2009 @ 7:32 amWhere do you live? There are many rescue centres in Spain, I have a rescued podenco waiting for a home but I think that a local charity have found her a home in Germany. If you want a podenco I am sure that there will be one now or soon in one of the rescue centres.Look at the website dogslookingforahome.com (Sofia is the one that I have rescued and has a home in Germany I think)
Comment by Lesley November 1, 2009 @ 6:13 pmLesley
Hi,
Comment by Lesley Beauchamp November 4, 2009 @ 1:50 pmJust seen your comment.
I am bringing back 4 Podenco Canarios next week from SARA animal shelter in Lanzarote, one is already rehomed but 3 are still looking for homes . All have been hand picked as we spend around 6-8 weeks a year at the shelter . In the Canaries they dont suffer from the Sand Fly thing and of course the Canaries are rabies free. All dogs are Passported , neutered, microchipped and fully innoculated. No Podencos have ever come to the UK from SARA so it is reasonable to say that these will be the first Podencos from a Lanzarote to arrive in the UK. The Podenco Canario differs only slightly from the mediterranean Podencos. Please visit the ” Charity page” on http://www.express-recruitment.co.uk to view the dogs and of course get in touch with me if you want to take this further.
I met some people at an animal fair yesterday in Stuttgart Germany and learned about the Galgos. I live in Canada and have a wonderful former racing greyhound from the US. All of the sighthounds are wonderful animals and deserve humane treatment. I knew about the horrible conditions of racing greyhounds in Spain but didn’t know about the Galgos. I show my disgust for the mistreatment in Spain by not visiting as a tourist and I refuse to bring any corporate meetings to Spain. Thank you to everyone who takes care of these lovely animals!
Comment by Lisa Grogan November 1, 2009 @ 11:32 pm