Galgo Español
- Group 10: Greyhounds
- Section 3: Short-haired Sighthounds
- Without working trial
Spain
Galgo Spanish Greyhound
Male 62-70 cm Female 60-68 cm
Up to 30 kg
- Straight Hair
- Wire-haired
The Galgo Español is an organization recognized by the FCI Spanish breed (FCI Group 10, Section 3, Standard No. 285).
Origin and History
The roots of the Galgo Español lie in antiquity. As early as the 6th century BC. chased the Celts with medium-sized greyhounds which they then later on her face brought to the Iberian Peninsula. After the subjugation of the Celts by the Romans this breed was named Canis Gallicus ( Gallic dog ) in the former Roman province of Hispania. That name the Spanish word Galgo, which generally stands for Greyhound later developed.
But a great influence on this breed of dog is also likely from the Moors during the Muslim rule from the 8th - 15th Century brought to Spain and the Arabian Sloughi based in Spain Ibizan Hound exercised. During the 16th, 17th and 18th century it was exported in large numbers to other countries such as Ireland and England.
The Galgo Español is one of the ancestors of the great English greyhound (Greyhound ), the similar racial characteristics as the Galgo Español has. The Galgo Español whole is more delicate than the Greyhound, and his head has less to stop.
In the last century Greyhounds were crossed with the Galgos Españoles for race, which considerably complicates the distinction between the two races for amateurs. Long names for these dogs are: Galgo inglés - español, Hispanic or Galgo Ingles Anglo- ol. Often, the term Galgo Ingles is used for these hybrids, but the also referred to the purebred greyhound.
Description
The Galgo Español is a 60-70 cm high and 20-29 kg heavier greyhound. His body is elongated, the head is very narrow with small, dark, almond-shaped eyes with a calm, gentle and restrained expression. The stop is only slightly pronounced. The ear is a large, folded rose ear. When alert, the ears in the first third are semi- erect with folded, sideways ends. Said neck has an oval cross-section. The lower line shows a long, powerful, evenly deep chest, before the belly lift attaches, but which does not reach the elbow. The tail is set low and strong base of tail. It reaches almost to the ground with a slight bow often side at the end.
There are two variants of the Galgos: smooth -haired and rough -haired. The coat is the short hair very short and fine and has no undercoat, the wire-haired contrast medium (up to 10 cm), often bristly and hard. All colors are permitted.
Nature
In character he is generally quiet and reserved when he has taken confidence, but very affectionate and attached to his caregivers. It is generally compatible with other dogs and fits seamlessly into existing pack. He is typical of the breed very quiet in the house, outdoors he developed - depending on education and assessment - a more or less strong hunting instinct.
The Galgo Español is very intelligent, very curious, very well trainable for a greyhound and easy care. He is not a very high requirements to the owner in terms of education. He responds very well to positive, empowering educational methods. This increase binding to the owners. With pressure and rigor but you achieved nothing with him.
Use
The Galgo was originally bred for hunting rabbits, but can be applied also on rabbit and wild boar. He hunts like all greyhounds to view and captures its prey by its perennial speed (60 to 65 km / h) and its lightning fast turns. Due to this speed it is also used for greyhound racing. The Galgo is slightly slower than the Greyhound, but much more persistent and more maneuverable in the field. Therefore, he is often taken for coursing.