Spanish Greyhound
A gentle, quiet Spanish sighthound that is often shy at first and soft and affectionate once settled.
At a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height at the withers
- Males 62–70 cm · Females 60–68 cm
- Weight
- Males 25–30 kg · Females 20–27 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Smooth, Rough, short, medium
- Colours
- Brindle, Black, Fawn, Red, Cream, White
- Bred for
- Hunting by sight, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Spain
- FCI
- Group 10, no. 285 · Sighthounds
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 4/5 – High |
| Good with other dogs | 4/5 – High |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Playfulness | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Needs mental stimulation | 2/5 – Low |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 5/5 – Very high |
| Watchful and protective | 1/5 – Very low |
| Barking | 1/5 – Very low |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 1/5 – Very low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 4/5 – High |
| Suits apartment living | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Adaptability | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with cold | 2/5 – Low |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a calm, quiet medium-to-large dog
- are considering adopting a rescued sighthound
- have a peaceful home
Think twice if you …
- keep small pets or cats
- want a confident, outgoing dog from day one
- need reliable off-lead behaviour
Care
Temperament
Gentle, calm and sensitive, the Galgo is affectionate with its family and often shy or reserved with strangers. It is rarely aggressive and generally sociable with other dogs.
Exercise
Daily walks plus a few runs a week in a fenced area keep it happy. Lure coursing and relaxed hikes suit it.
Grooming
Both coat types are easy: a weekly brush is enough, a little more for rough coats. Shedding is light to moderate.
Training
Soft, patient, reward-based training works best, especially with dogs that had a hard start. Recall around game is unreliable.
Health
The Galgo is generally hardy, though like other sighthounds it can be sensitive to some anaesthetics, and dogs from Spain should be tested for regional infections such as leishmaniasis. Ask the breeder or rescue for health results and test records.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Heart
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Galgo Español has hunted hare across the plains of Spain for centuries and is still used for coursing there today. It is slightly smaller and longer-bodied than the Greyhound, with a smooth or rough coat.
Many Galgos live in other European countries after rescue, and they usually adapt well to family life. They are quiet, gentle and undemanding indoors, often a little timid at first. Like all sighthounds they need secure fencing and safe running areas, and many are not safe with cats.
Did you know?
Large numbers of Galgos are rehomed across Europe each year through rescue groups after the Spanish hunting season.