Spanish Greyhound

Španělský galgo

Spanish Greyhound – front view — Photo: Netspy, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Spanish Greyhound – head — Photo: Jernej Furman from Slovenia, CC BY 2.0, source

Spanish Greyhound – in motion — Photo: Netspy, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Key facts

FCI group	10. Sighthounds
Country of origin	Spain
Category	Large
Height at withers	60–70 cm

Recognition features

Long, narrow dolichocephalic head, deeply tucked-up belly and ample chest capacity
Very long tail and vertical, muscled hindquarters
Smooth-coated and semi-long hard-coated varieties (with beard, moustache and topknot)

Purpose

A dog hunting the hare in fast pursuit in open fields, directed by sight; formerly also used on rabbits, foxes and boar, but hare coursing remains its primary function.

History

The Spanish Greyhound has been known since Roman times, though it probably arrived on the Peninsula long before. Descended from ancient Asian greyhounds, it adapted to the steppes and plains. It was exported in large numbers to Ireland, England and other countries in the 16th to 18th centuries and is one of the ancestors of the English Greyhound.

Coat

Dense, very fine, short, smooth coat over the whole body, slightly longer on the back of the thighs; the semi-long hard-haired variety has harder, longer hair, forming beard, moustache, eyebrows and topknot. All colours admitted; most typical are fawn and brindle, black, flecked, burnt chestnut, cinnamon, yellow, red, white and pied.

Similar breeds

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard. Report a photo or rights.