Galgo Español
Spanish Galgo, Spanish Greyhound
The Galgo Español is a sighthound that primarily is used to hunt hare in open fields. In the past it was also used against other prey including rabbits, foxes, and even boars. Although they make excellent companions they are rarely found outside of Europe.
Galgo Español Standards
- FCI (Group 10)
- UKC (Sighthound and Pariah)
- 23-28"
- 44-66 lbs
- large sighthound
- ears are rose, semi-prick when alert
- tail is long and low set, tapers at tip
- coat has two varieties, short and wire
- any color
History of the Galgo Español
An ancient breed, it is believed the Galgo Español has descended from Egyptian hounds brought to Spain via the Phoenicians. A later addition of Sloughi blood is thought to have occurred after the Moorish invasion of southern Spain. Some experts believe that the Galgo Español is the ancestor to the Greyhound with records of dogs being imported to the United Kingdom in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Unfortunately, heavy inbreeding between the Galgo Español and Greyhound occurred in the early 20th century to improve the quality of dogs being used on the racetrack. While these dogs were faster they did lose their long-distance abilities and the outbreeding ceased. The purest specimens are still found in rural Spanish villages and show lines.