Tapas and flamenco aren’t the only things that come from Spain. The country is also home to several dog breeds. According to the Spanish Kennel Club, there are 23 Spanish dog breeds, though many of these are not officially recognized abroad. Still, there are plenty of well-known and recognized Spanish dog breeds to choose from.
Catalan Sheepdog
Catalonia is a region of Spain that has given rise to several dog breeds. The Catalan Sheepdog is a prime example. These dogs were bred for herding sheep but can also be kept as pets. Keep in mind that they need plenty of exercise – running is their favorite activity. Their long coats also require regular brushing to keep them in good condition.
Spanish Mastiff
In rural Spain, the Spanish Mastiff was mainly used as a guard dog to protect sheep and cattle. It’s no surprise then that this is a very large breed, with some individuals weighing up to 100 kilos. Despite their imposing appearance, these dogs are very calm. They don’t require much exercise and are known to be quite stubborn. Keep in mind, though, that they are guard dogs at heart and aren’t fans of strangers.
Spanish Greyhound
With their slim build and long legs, these dogs are incredibly fast and were traditionally used for hunting. Even today, Spanish Greyhounds are still used for hunting, although they are unfortunately not always treated well. Thankfully, more and more organizations are working to give these dogs a better life. Despite their sprinting abilities, they also love relaxing on the couch.
Spanish Water Dog
Spanish Water Dogs were long used as farm dogs, but their thick, water-resistant coat made them ideal for retrieving game from the water after hunting. That coat is also the reason why regular grooming is essential – mats can develop quickly. These dogs are true athletes, so be prepared for an active lifestyle with this beautiful breed.
Ibizan Hound
This breed is also known as the Podenco Ibicenco. They’re relatively small dogs, valued for their speed and agility in hunting. They’re believed to be descended from the dogs of ancient Egyptian pharaohs. The Ibizan Hound is a great choice if you want a dog with lots of energy that also enjoys downtime on the couch. It’s important to socialize these dogs well from an early age.
Presa Canario
The Presa Canario is a type of mastiff and an excellent guard dog. Unfortunately, these dogs were also used in dog fighting in the past, due to their large and powerful build. Because of this history, they’re best suited to experienced dog owners. They can be aggressive toward strangers and are highly territorial.
Podenco
The Podenco was bred for hunting over many generations, but what’s interesting about this breed is that it comes in various sizes. You can adopt a relatively small Podenco, or a much larger one – both fall under the same breed. These dogs need consistent training, as they may ignore commands when they’re on a scent. Their hunting instinct is strong – once they spot prey, they’re off.
Spanish Pointer
Pointers come in many varieties, and one of the oldest is the Spanish Pointer. It is believed that most other pointer breeds descend from this one. These large hunting dogs were primarily used for deer hunting. They are very active outdoors but tend to be calm indoors. Spanish Pointers are also known for their intelligence.
Majorca Ratter
Originally bred as hunting dogs, these small dogs were especially used to control the rat population on the island of Majorca. They’re relatively small with the typical terrier personality. They’re easy to train and quick to learn tricks, but they also need a lot of physical activity.
Bodeguero
The Bodeguero is a classic terrier: energetic, driven, and eager to hunt. They form strong bonds with their owners, making them excellent companions. Originally from Andalusia, they were used to hunt hares and rabbits. Because of this background, they can still struggle with recall – if they spot prey, they’ll chase it without hesitation.
source: hondenfun.nl
