Podencos

Introduction to the breed:

Podencos were thought to have landed in the Mediterranean islands as far back as the 8th Century BC. They flourished as rural hunting dogs across Spain and different types of Podenco emerged across the regions, adapting to the hunting terrain. They are more robust and suited to rougher terrains than the Spanish Galgo. In the 17th century these dogs were associated with nobility and protected by law, but sadly, Pods are now seen merely as hunting  tools, frequently abused, neglected and abandoned in droves (60-80,000 a year) at the end of each hunting season (February). They learn to survive on the streets or are surrendered to kill stations when they are no longer useful. There are many Rescues in the Med who devote their time to rescuing rehabilitating and rehoming the Spanish Podenco, and happily, the breed is now becoming more well known in the UK.

Traits: Active, fast, intelligent but incredibly stubborn and independent, sensitive, reserved, HUGE prey drive.  Physical traits: Long, cone shaped head, flesh coloured nose, almond shaped amber coloured eyes, large prick ears and low set tails. Podencos are very loving and get attached to their families very quickly.

Exercise: Podencos need a lot of physical stimulation but also crave mental enrichment too. They are great for dog sports including, Cani Cross, BikeJor as well as agility and competitive obedience.

Health: Extremely hardy breed, very few health issues but due to high prey drive they may frequent the vet’s in need of patching up! Some of the larger types of Pod (Canario) are susceptible to hip dysplasia and some of the smaller types (Maneto) can experience back problems due to their elongated spines

Why you will never have another breed again: Podencos are so unique. They love their humans so much and they bring laughter to the home every single day.

Comparison to other breeds: Smaller Podencos can be mistaken for Basenji’s occasionally. Larger types may be confused with Lurchers/hound crosses. The epic ears do tend to make them stand out!

Average life expectancy:10 – 14 years

Average weight: 17 – 25kg depending on type Andaluz/Maneto - 7-10kg  Gallego - 10-15kg Canario 15-25kg

Ups of breed: Comical (so comical!) loving, loyal

Downs of breed: Their treatment in Spain, Stubborn, high prey drive,

Personal Stories 

Example: Remy and Maya 

Remy (on the left), is a Podenco Canario/English Pointer cross. He was adopted by Josie in September 2020  after being with SFD (Sarah’s Foster Dog’s) for three years. He was initially found in a kill shelter in Gran Canaria at the age of 3. He raced Cani Cross with Sarah and was very good at it! He arrived very timid and scared of everything but has slowly come out of his shell. He is still very reserved and gentlemanly but  such an easy dog and a joy to have! At DFD meets, you’ll find him hanging around the humans sniffing hands for treats!

Maya was 5 months old when she arrived from the Spanish mountains in April 2022. She came through Helpers of the Pods and Dogs rescue. Now 15 months old, she is loving, crazy, and the family clown. She’s great with kids, but nervous at first until she sniffs you out. Maya can be found on the DFD meets, barking at everything and chasing anything that moves. She is 15kg, so one of the smaller sighthounds at the meets (bigger than the Iggys though!) but she holds her own. After we fostered River back in November 2021 we thought we could foster again…..we failed and the decision to let Maya stay was taken within 12 hours of her arrival!

Written by Josie Harris