About Podencos
The Invisible Dogs of Spain.
Podencos are often referred to as ‘Invisible Dogs’ or ‘The Great Forgotten’. They are the most abused dog in Spain. Bred to hunt and kept in squalid conditions, often chained - these ‘working dogs’ are not protected by Spanish law. In 2023, there was an overhaul to the Spanish animal rights laws but devastatingly hunting dogs were excluded from these rights as they are viewed as tools and therefore not protected. It can be difficult to imagine the suffering they endure, hidden from view The Podencos story
What most people don’t know about this little known and misunderstood breed is that they are one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world, descending from the ancient Pharaoh Hounds of Egypt.
The three main types of Podenco.
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Podenco Andaluz
The small Podenco Andaluz of the mainland - used for rabbit hunting.
The most accepted origin of the Podenco Andaluz, found mainly in the south of Spain, is that it was brought by the Phoenicians to Iberia (Spain). It is possible they bred the original Pharaoh hounds and with the Basenjis of Africa.
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Podenco Canario
The medium size Podenco Canario from the Canary Islands - used for rabbit hunting. Often referred to as Warren Hound.
There are various beliefs as to how the Canarios came to exist but what is known is that they have inhabited the Islands for over 500 years.
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Podenco Ibicenco
The very recognisable Podenco Ibicenco or Ibizan hound from the island of Ibiza - used for rabbit, deer and wild boar hunting.
It is believed that today that the Canario and Ibicenco Podencos are the purest form of the breed in that they were isolated for hundreds of years on these islands.
Other types of Podenco.
The rest of the Podencos in Spain are an off shoot of these three main groups and they vary in size, colour and coat from the smallest Podenco Maneto to the largest Podenco Camapanero in the North of Spain used for boar hunting. Over the years they have come to be defined by region. Each type is bred to hunt in a different terrain and a different type of prey - they are Podenco Maneto, Podenco Oritos, Xarnego Valencianios, Podenco Campanero. You might also find references to Portugese Podengos during your research of the breed; these are very similar to Spanish Podencos but are their own breed as you may have guessed - from Portugal! These days, it can be difficult to immediately identify what type of Podenco each one of our dogs is, as there is so much opportunity for the sub-species to breed with each other, and other breeds creating a huge variety of dogs of different sizes, colours, coat types and personalities. Which means its more likely you’ll be able to find one to suit you!
What are Podencos like?
Temperament
Perhaps due to their cleverness and persistent focus, Podencos are considered to be even more persecuted than the Galgos. Smart, curious and clownish, they have a profound awareness of their surroundings and a sensitivity to their humans. Podencos reward their human companions with great loyalty, love, affection and are wonderful family members if the adopter is ready to devote time and energy to their Podenco. Their display of love can vary from super velcro cuddly dog to a bit aloof and being honoured that they spend time in your presence!
They are super versatile in living in different types of home set ups, many thriving in packs, with cats and with children or equally loving life as an only dog with one special person!
Excercise
Podencos need to be evaluated on a case by case basis as they will all require good exercise and mental stimulation, some more than others, but with the right amount can learn to be calm & even lazy at home. Like any dogs, they can become bored very easily, get mischievous and get themselves into trouble if not given a good outlet for their energy. Podencos generally will take as much exercise as you’ll give them so finding a balance is key for each dog and is another reason we work so hard to match the right dog to you!
Whether you want to run regular 5ks or do an hour ambling walk each day, we can find a Podenco for you that will be happy with you. But its worth saying that they won’t ever be your stay at home all day with zero interaction kind of dog.
Adapatability
As well as placing our Podencos in loving homes as adored family pets, we have also successfully re-homed our Podencos as therapy dogs, canicross athletes and agility competitors. Given the right support and training, this incredibly adaptable breed can truly turn its hand to almost anything.
Multi-Sensory specialised hunters.
What all Podencos, great and small, have in common is that they were bred to hunt and have a prey drive (some more than others) - something that all potential adopters must take into account. Multi-sensory specialised hunters, they have large, highly-mobile pricked ears, keen eyesight and an acute sense of smell. All have been bred with a combination of speed and agility with endless endurance for trotting rather than galloping. They are agile to the point they have been known to climb trees in pursuit of prey and can even jump great heights from a stand. A secure garden with 6' fence is typically required for this breed if they are not on lead but if you don’t have this set up, we might be able to work with you to find a match so please do reach out anyway!