Podenco Valencíano
Gos Coniller, Xarnego Valenciano
The Podenco Valencíano 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 Valencíano is not recognized by any major international kennel club. However, they are an official breed in the Royal Spanish Dog Society.
There are three coat varieties of Podenco Valencíano, short, wiry, and sedeño (silky). It is the only Mediterranean sighthound with a silky or wavy coat.
The term ‘sighthound’ is also a bit misleading as the Podenco Valencíano uses sight, scent, and hearing while hunting. Its primary prey is rabbit and hare.
There are three coat varieties of Podenco Valencíano, short, wiry, and sedeño (silky). It is the only Mediterranean sighthound with a silky or wavy coat.
The term ‘sighthound’ is also a bit misleading as the Podenco Valencíano uses sight, scent, and hearing while hunting. Its primary prey is rabbit and hare.
Podenco Valencíano Standards
- 19-24"
- 40-44 lbs
- primitive sighthound
- ears are large and prick
- tail is set high, medium length
- three coat varieties: long, wiry, wavy
- black
- brown
- cinnamon
- chocolate
History of the Podenco Valencíano
There is limited information regarding the Podenco Valencíano, 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. The Royal Spanish Dog Society standard indicates that the Podenco Valencíano is likely to be one of (if not the) oldest of the Mediterranean sighthounds. However, it is not clear how or why this claim has been made. Since the Podenco Valencíano is located on the mainland, it may have been influenced by other breeds throughout the centuries.
Related Breeds: