Breed History:

The Spanish Greyhound, known as the Galgo Español, is one of Europe's oldest sighthound breeds, with origins dating back thousands of years on the Iberian Peninsula. It is believed to descend from ancient hunting dogs introduced by Celtic tribes and later influenced by Middle Eastern sighthounds.

For centuries, the breed has been prized for hunting hares and other small game across the open plains of Spain. Renowned for its exceptional speed, endurance, and keen eyesight, the Galgo Español became an integral part of traditional Spanish hunting culture. Unlike many racing greyhounds, it was selectively bred for stamina over long distances rather than short bursts of speed.

Today, the Spanish Greyhound remains a respected hunting dog while also becoming increasingly popular as a gentle, affectionate companion following numerous rescue and adoption efforts worldwide.

Gender	Height	Weight
Male	62–70 cm	25–30 kg
Female	60–68 cm	20–25 kg

Size: Large

Life Expectancy: 12–14 years

Breed Appearance:

The Spanish Greyhound is a slender, elegant, and athletic dog built for speed and endurance.

The breed commonly features:

• Long, narrow head

• Fine, tapering muzzle

• Dark, almond-shaped eyes

• Small rose-shaped ears

• Deep chest with a pronounced tuck-up

• Long, lean, muscular limbs

• Long, slightly curved tail reaching below the hocks

The breed occurs in two coat varieties:

• Smooth, short coat

• Rough, wiry coat

Common coat colours include:

• Fawn

• Brindle

• Black

• White

• Red

• Grey

Virtually all colours and colour combinations are accepted.

The breed's graceful outline and aerodynamic build reflect its exceptional athletic ability.

Breed Type – Sighthound:

The Spanish Greyhound is a gentle, intelligent, and sensitive hunting breed.

It is known for being:

• Calm and quiet

• Affectionate with family

• Gentle and sensitive

• Intelligent

• Independent

• Reserved with strangers

Despite its athletic ability outdoors, the breed is typically relaxed and peaceful indoors.

Training:

The Spanish Greyhound is intelligent but can be somewhat independent.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation

• Positive reinforcement methods

• Obedience training

• Reliable recall in secure areas

• Leash manners

• Confidence-building exercises

The breed excels in:

• Lure coursing

• Sighthound racing

• Agility

• Canicross

• Companion activities

Gentle, reward-based training works best, as the breed is sensitive to harsh corrections.

Health & Care:

The Spanish Greyhound is generally healthy but may occasionally be prone to:

• Hip dysplasia

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

• Dental disease

• Minor skin injuries due to its thin skin

Routine veterinary care, responsible breeding, and maintaining a lean body condition help support long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Spanish Greyhound adapts well to a variety of homes.

Ideal environments include:

• Houses with secure yards

• Apartments with sufficient daily exercise

• Active families

• Quiet households

• Homes with experienced or first-time sighthound owners

Because of its strong prey drive, outdoor exercise should take place in securely enclosed areas or on a leash.

Exercise:

The Spanish Greyhound has moderate to high exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Long daily walks

• Opportunities to sprint safely in enclosed areas

• Lure coursing

• Hiking

• Interactive play

• Mental enrichment activities

Although capable of remarkable speed, the breed is often content to relax for much of the day after exercising.

Grooming:

The coat requires minimal maintenance.

• Brushing once per week

• Occasional bathing

• Routine ear cleaning and nail trimming

• Regular dental care

Both coat varieties shed lightly to moderately throughout the year.

Advantages:

• Gentle and affectionate companion

• Elegant, athletic, and highly agile

• Generally quiet indoors

• Low-maintenance grooming

• Good adaptability to home life with adequate exercise

• Generally healthy and long-lived

Disadvantages:

• Strong prey drive toward small animals

• Sensitive nature requires gentle training

• Needs regular opportunities to run safely

• Can be reserved with strangers

• Poor tolerance for prolonged cold due to its lean build

• May experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods