Contact: Päivi Nurmi Karhinkulma 55, 12240, Hikiä, Finland e-mail: nurmipaivi@hotmail.comWhat is galgo espanol?
"…of good size, eumetric, subconvex, sub-long line and dolichocephalic. Compact bone structure, head long and narrow. ample thoracic capacity, belly very tucked up, very long tail. Hindquarters vertical and muscled. Hair fine and short, or semi-long and hard.
Serious temperament and reserved in occasion, however when out hunting, proves to be an energetic and lively hunter."
(Extract from the FCI Galgo Espanol breed standard)
The Galgo Espanol is a stylish dog, who is often confused with the Greyhound. Galgos are one of the Greyhound's ancestors. Still it has its own special features that distinguishe it from the Greyhound, for e.g. lighter structure, big rose-ears which are set quite high, and a very long tail which can be slightly curved at its end.
The character of Galgos can be very outgoing or very reserved. The Galgo is less independent than its oriental cousins Sloughi and Saluki. He keeps an eye for its owner and wants to take part in different activities. As adults Galgos do not change home easily, they are very attached to their owner and are not interested in strangers. It is advisable to socialize Galgos right from the start to different people and places, especially if you want to take the Galgo to dog shows and coursing competitions. Also it is a good idea to socialize a Galgo to children because otherwise it can be shy of them.
Galgos get along with other dogs quite well and do not start a fight, quite the opposite, they can be a bit shy. Galgos are not aggressive towards people, but reserved and do not seek attention from strangers. The Galgo is also suitable to life in appartments, provided it gets enough daily exercise (about 2-3 hours per day), otherwise it will renovate the house….By exercise I don't mean marching kilometer after kilometer along the road, but running freely in variable grounds (for e.g. in forest), in a safe place (not close to roads). The Galgo is so quick in its reactions, that a small glimpse of a rabbit or a cat can start the Galgo's keen chase. In variable surroundings the Galgo comes into its own.
It is very advisable to teach a Galgo to be alone from the very start. From my experience, calm departures and arrivals and ignoring the dog about 15-20 minutes before leaving help home-alone problems. This way the dogs calms down. You can strengthen the dog's independence, a Galgo can bond to its owner so much that being alone can become a problem. When my Sloughi sleeps by himself and does not necessary want to be close, the Galgo wants to be close and sleeps often curled up by my side.
Galgos aren't working dogs, their interests lie in hunting and they are always ready to chase something. It is useless to try to get a Galgo's attention when he starts the chase.
It is good to have a coat for the Galgo during cold winter-times and during cold, moist winds.