Podenco Andaluz
Andalusian Hound, Andalusian Podenco
The Podenco Andaluz belongs to the family of primitive sighthounds found throughout the Mediterranean. This grouping includes the Cirneco dell’Etna, Ibizan Hound, Pharaoh Hound, Podenco Canario, and the Portuguese Podengos. Unlike the aforementioned breeds, the Podenco Andaluz is not recognized by any major international kennel club. However, they are an official breed in the Royal Spanish Dog Society.
There are three size and three coat varieties of Podenco Andaluz, similar to the Portuguese Podengos. In fact, their similarity is the reason the Fédération Cynologique Internationale has chosen not to recognize them. This breed also has a unique basset-like variety called the Maneto. It is the only known sighthound with these genes.
The term ‘sighthound’ is also a bit misleading as the Podenco Andaluz uses sight, scent, and hearing while hunting. Originally this breed was developed to hunt deer, boar, and wild rabbit. The smaller dogs are often used to flush out the prey for larger ones. Sometimes they hunt in tandem with mastiffs and the Galgo Español.
There are three size and three coat varieties of Podenco Andaluz, similar to the Portuguese Podengos. In fact, their similarity is the reason the Fédération Cynologique Internationale has chosen not to recognize them. This breed also has a unique basset-like variety called the Maneto. It is the only known sighthound with these genes.
The term ‘sighthound’ is also a bit misleading as the Podenco Andaluz uses sight, scent, and hearing while hunting. Originally this breed was developed to hunt deer, boar, and wild rabbit. The smaller dogs are often used to flush out the prey for larger ones. Sometimes they hunt in tandem with mastiffs and the Galgo Español.
Podenco Andaluz Standards
Size |
Height |
Weight |
Small |
13-17" |
11-24 lbs |
Medium |
17-21" |
22-49 lbs |
Large |
21-25" |
46-73 lbs |
- primitive sighthound
- ears are large and prick
- tail is set high, medium length
- three coat varieties: smooth, long, wiry
- shades of red, with or without white markings
History of the Podenco Andaluz
There is limited information regarding the Podenco Andaluz, making it unclear how long it has been present in Spain. It is believed that the Mediterranean sighthounds were distributed around the region by the Phoenicians centuries ago. Their ancestors are likely from these same dogs. However, since the Podenco Andaluz is located on the mainland, it was undoubtedly influenced by other breeds. Due to their many similarities with the Portuguese Podengos it is also possible they are a more recent creation from the Podengos root stock.
Related Breeds: