THE PLIGHT OF SPANISH HUNTING DOGS
We often get asked why Extraordinary Galgos & Podencos (EGP) has chosen to specifically help spanish hounds while they are already dogs in need here in Canada. While the question is a very valid one, it is derived from lack of knowledge with regard to the on-going crisis is Spain for hundreds of years, making these dogs some of the most mistreated and abused dogs in the world.
Spanish hunters (also known as galgueros) reproduce the Galgos and Podencos at alarming rates in order to practice open field hunting without guns, an ancestral tradition in the country, or even to participate in racing championships and dog fightings. Of course, while persuing a certain fortune or fame within their communities, the dogs who do not perform well, correspond to their specific genetic criteria or most likely, get injured, are quickly discarted. Those who have the misfortune to lose the races and thus humiliate their owner are victims of punishment at the level of the shame they inflicted on their master in order to cleanse him of the latter.
And finally, those who remain will for their part be kept in deplorable conditions: unsanitary sheds, chained without possibility of moving, extremes of heat and cold, prolonged fasting, violent fights for a piece of bread, etc. Every year, mainly at the end of January, when the hunting season ends, history is repeated in the rural areas of Spain, where hunters get rid of about one third of their dogs, representing some 100,000 dogs abandoned or killed in horrible ways every year.
Nobody knows the real extent of the situation. If the rituals of cruel killings seem to have diminished in recent years, the inhumane abandonments have certainly seemed to have increased. The dogs are found wandering in the countryside famished or some are attached to the fence of the shelters and, in states of extreme gauntness and severely injured or mutilated. They are considered to be the lucky ones because once they have been collected, they can count on the work of volunteers in shelters or host families as well as generous donors. Thanks to all these people, families all over the world, including in Canada, now have the chance to adopt wonderful dogs and make a difference, one dog at a time.
Throughout Spanish territory, galgos are considered hunting tools and remain invisible to most of the society. Many are those who condemn these "traditions" yet the federation of hunters remains extremely powerful since it is widely composed of both politically and economically influential individuals. Despite frequent demonstrations and petitions, real change remains difficult to achieve and time and resource consuming. Meanwhile, there are thousands of Spanish hounds roaming the streets or filling up shelters while waiting for a real home. International adoption is often the only chance these dogs will have at dignity and love.
ARE YOU GALGO?
The Galgo belongs to what is commonly referred to as ''pure breeds'' in that it does not result from crossbreeding between other breeds because it has been selectively bred for its ability to hunt game. The origins of its ancestor, the Celtic Greyhound, named Vertagus (literally meaning "Fast Foot"), dates back to the 4th or 5th century A.C.
In Spain, the situation revolving around the Galgo has not always been the way it is today. In the Middle Ages, the breed was highly esteemed and respected, even reserved for the Spanish nobility for their recreational hunting activities. Unfortunately, in the 18th century, hunting laws became more flexible, allowing the people to own their own hounds. Used for hunting without a rifle, the Galgo thus becomes a wildly popular tool for the survival of the population. Thanks to its very characteristic morphology, it is able to run long distances reaching high speeds allowing it to catch its prey. Today, the Galgo is massively reproduced in Spain mainly for hare hunting in open fields; Spain and Portugal being the only European countries where this ancestral practice is still allowed.
There exists two varieties of Galgos: · One with a tight coat, very thin, short, smooth, distributed over the entire surface of the body, · The other, called "barbudo", with medium-long hair, but this length can vary, and is distributed evenly over the whole body. The galgo barbudo often bears beards and whiskers. He has plenty of eyebrows and a forelock on his head. For one as for the other, their coat can display several colors: black, white, fawn, fawn brindle, red, brindle red, spotted, blond, etc.
Although the Galgo is a dog of large open fields and wilderness, it adapts perfectly to urban life. In the house, what he loves above all else is comfort. He loves lounging on the cushy cushions, but without giving up those moments of healthy fun and madness that he reserves for the outdoors. There are of course various temperaments but the adult Galgo is generally discreet, reserved with strangers and most importantly, very affectionate with his family. He even reveals a silly side in the intimacy of his household. Deeply kind, he does not usually develop aggression, is gentle with children and sociable with his peers. A very important facet of his personality is that the Galgo is a real emotional sponge. Sensitive, tender and loving, he is a great observer and knows how to read the emotions of the humans around him. His human is his landmark and it is important to offer him the emotional security and balance he needs.
OR PODENCO?
The Podenco is also a type of sighthound, but of African origin. It is a type of primitive and rustic dog, one of the oldest known breeds of which we can see the representation on the tombs of pharaohs and other artefacts that trace its origin back to 6000 years A.C. This African hound, originally imported into the Spanish archipelago constituted by the Phoenicians from the Balearic Islands, gave birth to various breeds of Podencos. They are of variable sizes and their coat may be flush or longer especially on the muzzle and back. Their coat can be white, red or brown with different combinations. In general, the Podencos have a very playful and clown-like temperament. Like most sighthounds, the Podenco has an independent aspect to its temperament. While laid back and calm inside a home, he can be active and energetic outside. Alert and attentive, he must be entertained and stimulated. He is often more energetic than Galgos, but like them, they rarely develop aggression. The Podenco is gentle and sensitive, faithful and very affectionate towards his or her human(s). He has extraordinary agility and can perform impressive jumps!
But be aware that he is also a formidable hunter due to his speed and perseverance. This innate instinct sometimes makes trickier to distract him and he may not respond much to the recall unless highly trained by his owner. He will often come back to his master when he wishes, or to bring back the fruit of his hunt.
The main breeds of Podencos are:
· Podenco Ibicenco or Podenco Ibiza is the largest of the Podencos and measures between 60 and 72cm. He weighs between 18 and 23kg. He is affectionate, a great partner and loyal.
· Podenco Canario is smaller. He measures between 53 and 60cm but is more robust since its weight is around 25kg. He is friendly, courageous and very dynamic;
· The Andalusian or Andalusian Podenco comes in several sizes and is more broadly built. He has a keen flair, is docile, vigilant and disciplined;
· The Podenco Maneto is very short and is the smallest of Podencos with its size not exceeding 40cm and a weight of more or less 10kg. He is docile, loyal ... and a little can be a little greedy with food!;
· The Podenco Campanero is a less well known breed that would be the result of a distant cross between Podenco Andalou and a Spanish Mastiff.
· Podenco Orito has the specificities of Podenco Andalou with the exception that its coat is black or chocolate brown. Of this little-known breed, there are only a few left in the world.
· The Portuguese Podenco exists in 3 different sizes. He is very rustic, undemanding, independent and very shy towards strangers.
