• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Spanish Greyhound Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Spanish Greyhound so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank484
Reviews1
User Ratings
Compare the Spanish Greyhound With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Spanish Greyhound dog profile picture
OriginSpain flagSpain
Other Names
What other names does the Spanish Greyhound have?
GalgoSpanish GalgoSpanish Greyhound
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Spanish Greyhound Size and Weight

Size
Is a Spanish Greyhound small, medium or large dog?

How big do Spanish Greyhound get?

What is the average size of a Spanish Greyhound?

Large
Weight
How much does the Spanish Greyhound weigh? How much should a Spanish Greyhound weight? What is the normal weight of a Spanish Greyhound? How much does a full-grown Spanish Greyhound weight?
Male: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg), Female: 44-57 pounds (20-26 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Spanish Greyhound?
Male: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg), Female: 50.5 pounds (23 kg)
Height
How tall is the Spanish Greyhound? Spanish Greyhound height:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Spanish Greyhound?
Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 24.5 inches (62 cm)

Spanish Greyhound Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Spanish Greyhound puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Spanish Greyhound in the United States? How much money is a Spanish Greyhound?

Where to buy a Spanish Greyhound with a good pedigree?

$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Spanish Greyhound, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Spanish Greyhound for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Spanish Greyhound gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Spanish Greyhound? How many Spanish Greyhound are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Spanish Greyhound Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Spanish Greyhound? Is the Spanish Greyhound breed dumb or smart?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Spanish Greyhound obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Spanish Greyhound ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Spanish Greyhound dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Spanish Greyhound?
Spanish Greyhound dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Spanish Greyhound good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Spanish Greyhound dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Spanish Greyhound dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Spanish Greyhound dogs can't provide protection for their territory. It's better to leave them out of the duty of protecting your valuables and property.

Spanish Greyhound Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Spanish Greyhound have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
AffectionateGentleQuietCalm
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Spanish Greyhound sensitivity:
Sensitive: Spanish Greyhound dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Spanish Greyhound a good family dog?
High: Spanish Greyhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Galgo need? Spanish Greyhound social needs:
Spanish Greyhound dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Spanish Greyhound to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Spanish Greyhound roam?
Spanish Greyhound dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Spanish Greyhound have high prey drive?
Spanish Greyhound dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Spanish Greyhound Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Spanish Greyhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Spanish Greyhound dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Galgo bark?
Low: The Spanish Greyhound barks none to minimal. Perfect choice if you prefer a quiet breed.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Spanish Greyhound good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Spanish Greyhound in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Spanish Greyhound breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Spanish Greyhound Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Spanish Greyhound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Spanish Greyhound be left alone? How long can you leave a Spanish Greyhound alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Spanish Greyhound Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Spanish Greyhound has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Spanish Greyhound? How much bite force does a Spanish Greyhound have? How strong is a Spanish Greyhound bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Spanish Greyhound bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Spanish Greyhound measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Spanish Greyhound is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Spanish Greyhound bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Spanish Greyhound bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Spanish Greyhound puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Spanish Greyhound, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Spanish Greyhound bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Spanish Greyhound can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Spanish Greyhound bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Galgo? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Spanish Greyhound? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Spanish Greyhound has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Spanish Greyhound do?
Spanish Greyhound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Spanish Greyhound dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Spanish Greyhound Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Spanish Greyhound dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Spanish Greyhounds tend to have a lot and frequent health issues. Regular vet check-ups are essential with this breed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Spanish Greyhound breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Spanish Greyhound see the vet?
Frequent
The Spanish Greyhound should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Spanish Greyhound dogs live? How old can a Spanish Greyhound be? What is the age limit of the Spanish Greyhound? How many years can the oldest Spanish Greyhound live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Spanish Greyhound?

How long is the lifespan of a Spanish Greyhound?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Spanish Greyhound: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Spanish Greyhound Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Spanish Greyhound have? What is the activity level of the Spanish Greyhound?
Spanish Greyhound dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Spanish Greyhound need? How much exercise do Spanish Greyhound dogs require per day?

Do Spanish Greyhound dogs need a lot of exercises?

Spanish Greyhound dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Spanish Greyhound breed need?
Spanish Greyhound dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Spanish Greyhound Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Spanish Greyhound need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Spanish Greyhound breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Spanish Greyhound? How much food should I feed my Spanish Greyhound?
2.5 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Spanish Greyhound risk for obesity:
Average: The Spanish Greyhound has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Spanish Greyhound weight regularly.

Spanish Greyhound Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Spanish Greyhound have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Smooth
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Spanish Greyhound coats?
Black Red White YellowCinnamon
Grooming
How to groom the Spanish Greyhound and how often? How often should I take my Spanish Greyhound to the groomer?
Effortless: The Spanish Greyhound requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Spanish Greyhound is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Spanish Greyhound dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Galgo? Do Spanish Greyhound dogs shed a lot?
Spanish Greyhound dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Spanish Greyhound need a bath? How often should you give a Spanish Greyhound a bath? Can I bathe my Spanish Greyhound every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Spanish Greyhound breed hypoallergenic?
No
Spanish Greyhound dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Spanish Greyhound has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Spanish Greyhound drool?
The Spanish Greyhound drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool more than others, just like the Spanish Greyhound.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Spanish Greyhound Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Spanish Greyhound dogs get along with other pets? Are Spanish Greyhound dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Spanish Greyhound dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Spanish Greyhound temperament with other people:
Spanish Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Spanish Greyhound dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Spanish Greyhound temperament with children:
Spanish Greyhound dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Spanish Greyhound dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Spanish Greyhound breed live with a cat?
Spanish Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Spanish Greyhound good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Spanish Greyhound dogs get along with other dogs?
Spanish Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Spanish Greyhound breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Spanish Greyhound breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Spanish Greyhound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Spanish Greyhound dogs good office canines? Do Spanish Greyhound dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Spanish Greyhound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Spanish Greyhound dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Galgo temperament with senior people? Are Spanish Greyhound dogs good for elderly owners?
Spanish Greyhounds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Spanish Greyhound As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Spanish Greyhound be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Spanish Greyhound is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Spanish Greyhound be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Spanish Greyhound be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Spanish Greyhound is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Spanish Greyhound be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Spanish Greyhound is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Spanish Greyhound be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Spanish Greyhound is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Spanish Greyhound be a boat dog?

Not really

Spanish Greyhound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Spanish Greyhound be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Spanish Greyhound is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Spanish Greyhound dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Spanish Greyhound Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Spanish Greyhound pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Spanish Greyhound breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Spanish Greyhound: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Spanish Greyhound have in a litter? How many puppies can the Spanish Greyhound breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Spanish Greyhound have? How many puppies can a Spanish Greyhound give birth to?
6-8 puppies

Spanish Greyhound Recognition

AKC Group
Is Spanish Greyhound recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Spanish Greyhound recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Spanish Greyhound Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Spanish Greyhound breed.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Spanish Greyhound requires minimal grooming.
  • Adaptability: Spanish Greyhound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Spanish Greyhound dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Spanish Greyhounds are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Spanish Greyhound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Health Issues: Spanish Greyhounds tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.
  • Hypoallergenic: Spanish Greyhound dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Spanish Greyhound drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
  • Mouthiness: Spanish Greyhound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Spanish Greyhound dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Office Friendly: Spanish Greyhound is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Spanish Greyhound History

The Spanish Greyhound’s exact history is not clear, due to the lack of documentation and because the breed is thought to be an ancient one. As their name suggests, the breed was present in the Iberian Peninsula, in Spain as early as, during the Moorish rule, over a thousand years ago. Back then they were known as “Canis Gallicus”. There are many paintings portraying dogs similar in appearance to the Spanish Greyhound from that time. Moreover, the importance of the breed to Spanish history is highlighted by the fact that the breed appears in multiple Spanish idioms, such as; “Galgo que va tras dos liebres, sin ninguna Vuelve” which translates in English to “A Galgo that goes after two hares will come back with neither”. In that sentence, the word Galgo is referring to the breed’s other native name, which is the Galgo Español.

The most well-known theory among the experts is that the early, original sighthounds were cross-bred with local breeds, including the Sloughi and the Pondenco in order to create the Galgo Español we know nowadays. Initially, the breed was bred with the intention to use them to hunt hares and rabbits for human consumption. However, as dog sports became fashionable, the dogs were also bred for leisure purposes, in the sport of hunting and racing. Usually, the breed was fancied by all classes of society, from the aristocracy to the poorer peasants as a valued hunting companion, throughout the whole of Spain. The famous medieval nobleman, named El Cid is also favored the Galgo Español in hunting practices.

As the sport of racing came into fashion, in the 20th century, breeders were making efforts to increase further the speed limit of the Galgo Español, by breeding them with the Greyhound. This practice was quickly terminated for the reason being, that this breeding process negatively affected, the dogs’ stamina, for which they were once very celebrated. Nonetheless, many of the Galgo Español’s specimens do bear a closer resemblance in appearance to the English Greyhound, than those specimens which were kept in rural areas, and did not practice the sport of racing or coursing. It also more likely than not, that the English Greyhound is descended from the Galgo Español. Yet, while the Galgo Español is better at running at a lower speed level for a longer period of time on rocky, uneven grounds, the Greyhound tends to run very quickly at a maximum speed, for short amounts of time in a straight line.

The breed was officially recognized in 1972. Currently, there are many organizations in Spain, that are actively trying to fight for the wellbeing of the Galgo Español, and for their right to be kept in better conditions and to belong in loving homes. For the reason being that, in most cases, as a racing Galgo Español reaches the age of 2 or 3, their owners tend to get rid of them, in many cruel ways, like hanging, or being poisoned or garrotted, or thrown off cliffs, because they cannot use them anymore in the racing fields. This is the practice that activists are trying to stop. On the 1st of February, we commemorate World Galgo Day, as a symbol of the ongoing fight to out an end to this terrific fate that awaits the dogs when the racing and hunting season is over in Spain.

Rate The Spanish Greyhound Breed

Spanish Greyhound Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Lepi

    Aug 19, 2021, 10:42:16 PM: