Spanish Greyhound
- Large
- FCI Group 10 (Sighthounds)
The Spanish Greyhound, or Galgo Español, is a gentle, reserved, affectionate sighthound bred on the Spanish plains. This lean, well-muscled runner stands 24 to 28 inches, needs daily exercise, and rests for much of the day.
- Height
- 24 to 28
- inches at the shoulder
- Weight
- 44 to 66
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15
- years, median 13.5
- Senior from
- 10.1
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Origin
- Spain
- Recognized
- 1971
The Spanish Greyhound, also called the Galgo Español, is a large, well-muscled, compactly built sighthound from the FCI sighthound group. Lean and athletic, it carries the lines you expect from a running hound.
Spanish Greyhounds are gentle, sensitive, affectionate, and sometimes shy around strangers. They often rest for much of the day and can suit apartment life with daily exercise.
The breed originated on the Spanish plains, where the Galgueros bred it for centuries to hunt hares and rabbits, and occasionally fox or boar. In the early 20th century, breeders reportedly crossed it with the English Greyhound to increase racing speed. Today it remains uniquely Spanish, with regional variations that depend on local terrain.
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
Feed a high-quality food appropriate for your dog's life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior. To help keep your Spanish Greyhound at a healthy weight, measure meals carefully and keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories.
This breed carries a higher risk than most for bloat, also known as twisted stomach. A few feeding habits can help lower that risk:
- Split daily food into several smaller meals.
- Use a bowl designed to slow fast eating.
- Avoid feeding right before or after vigorous activity.
Talk with your veterinarian about bloat and the options, including surgical ones, that may be right for your dog.
Grooming
An occasional pass with a nubbed brush or a wipe with a microfiber cloth is enough for the Galgo Español's coat. For rough-coated dogs, dead hair should also be plucked out from time to time.
Nails need regular trimming when normal activity does not wear them down sufficiently. Galgos can be accustomed to regular tooth brushing as part of their grooming routine.
Exercise
Spanish Greyhounds love to run and walk, and they make good jogging partners. Give them regular daily exercise to match their athletic build.
When your dog is off-leash, keep the activity to a securely enclosed area, since sighthound instinct can drive them to chase. Many enjoy canine sports such as lure coursing, racing, agility, and competitive obedience, which also give them mental engagement.
Training
Like other sighthounds, Spanish Greyhounds respond well to positive, reward-based training. Start careful socialization in puppyhood to reduce fear-based defensive behavior.
They have a reputation for getting along with other animals they are raised with, including cats, though their instincts may still drive them to chase smaller animals outdoors.
To help head off separation anxiety, get your puppy comfortable with short stretches of alone time while they are young.
Health conditions
2 conditions are documented for the Spanish Greyhound.
A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.
- Canine LeishmaniosisImmune System
- HyperekplexiaNervous System & Behavioral
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