Galgos

Introduction: Galgos are an ancient Spanish breed of working sighthound, bred for hunting and hare coursing. They are treated very poorly in their home country of Spain - tens of thousands of Galgos are subjected to abuse, neglect, torture and death by Galgueros every year after they have worked a season. The luckier Galgos are rescued from the streets by animal charities in Spain, and rehabilitated for the best chance of being adopted into a forever home. The breed is not well known in England so breed aficionados like to raise awareness of these amazing hounds.

Traits: Gentle / Sensitive / Playful / Affectionate / Loyal / Friendly / Calm / Mischievous 

Exercise: Galgos should be given plenty of opportunity to run for fun, to stay in good health. Galgos need daily walks and can take part in simple agility or canicross. They will get very down and bored if they are not exercised. They also need mental stimulation and can enjoy dog puzzles and games. 

Health: No common known illnesses, but can be sensitive to anaesthetic.

Why you will never have another breed again: Galgos are very loyal and loving, and possibly the best kept secret in the hound community. Owners of this breed never look back once they have had a Galgo in their lives. 

Comparison to other breeds: Galgos are sometimes mistaken for Greyhounds, but they are different in many ways. They are slightly smaller, lighter and have flatter muscles than a Greyhound; features which are characteristic of endurance running. Galgos can be smooth or rough coated, with large ears that can be up or down depending on energy and mood. 

Average life expectancy: 12 - 15yrs.

Average weight: 23 - 29kg

Ups of breed: Wonderful companions, loving, affectionate, very good with children, the majority are cat friendly, very chilled in house if they have been exercised. Rarely barks, only to alert the owner of something. 

Downs of breed: They have a tendency towards shyness so should be socialised early, and many have a high prey drive for squirrels and rabbits. Not a guard dog, can be a bit of a wuss when the doorbell rings

River is a 2.5yrs black Galgo, found starving on the streets in Grenada by a small Spanish charity when he was roughly 12 months old. River was transferred to a UK charity 6 months later and travelled to England in November 2021, where he went into foster with Josie for 2 weeks before being adopted into his forever home by Lauren. River has since grown in confidence, gained approx 5kg in weight, and is a very happy balanced dog, just shy in some new environments. A very loving companion who loves playing, cuddles and lots of food! River loves all other dogs, and particularly enjoys the company of all different types of sighthound, gundog, and retriever. He can be very mischievous and is known to chuck his toys high up in the air for dramatic effect, and steal other dogs tennis balls to run away gleefully with them! Loves chasing and being chased.

Written by Lauren and River the galgo