Podenco Canario

Despite its hunting purpose, the Podenco Canario is a very interesting dog. He is brave, hardy, and elusive on serious errands. He is affectionate, docile, and playful when alone with his owner. The Podenco Canario is among those dogs who care too much about bonding with family members. It is very loyal to the owner.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The closest relative of the Podenco Canario is the pharaoh dog. They are very similar in appearance. The Podenco Canario itself was bred in Spain. Researchers and experienced cynologists believe that the Podenco Canario was brought to the Canary Islands in the XIV century by the Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Greeks. Since that time, they have become very popular throughout Spain. Back then, their speedy qualities and unmatched sense of smell served as a tremendous help in the hunt for rabbits. Most often found in Tenerife, but outside the islands, they are not as popular.

The breed was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1987. The name “podenco canario” is a literal translation from Spanish, which means Canary Greyhound. Locals and owners are used to referring to the breed only as a “thin hunting dog”. In the Podenco Canario’s birthplace, there is one popular hunting option – the Podenco Canario works in tandem with the ferret. The ferret is usually launched into the rabbit hole, thereby driving the rabbits out, where the Podenco Canario is already waiting for them. The islanders invented this interesting method.

Appearance

Its thinness and pronounced muscles distinguish the Podenco Canario. It is a medium-sized dog with a perfectly visible skeleton due to the absence of fat deposits. Dry musculature, slender and stern appearance. The head is shaped like a truncated cone elongated. Flat forehead. The eyes are small, almond-shaped, set slightly askew. The ears are large, comprehensive, and erect. The neck is graceful and muscular. The chest circumference exceeds the height at the withers by about 5-8 cm. The tummy is taut. The limbs are strong and long. The tail is rounded and stiff, tapered toward the end of the tail. The skin does not form wrinkles. The coat is smooth and short. Any combination of white and red is acceptable.

Character

Despite its hunting purpose, the Podenco Canario is a very interesting dog. He is brave, hardy, and elusive on serious errands. He is affectionate, docile, and playful when alone with his owner. The Podenco Canario is among those dogs who care too much about bonding with family members. It is very loyal to the owner. And the best part is that the Podenco Canario has no developed sense of aggression. It will be very active in the first year of life; then, it will be a little calmer. But it still will require a more energetic way of life. That’s why not bad gets along with children of any age because they are perfect as a partner for various amusements and games.

Do not also forget that the Podenco Canario is a greyhound, which means it is incredibly fast. For keeping in an apartment, it is just as suitable as for a private home. In your home, it is better to keep the Podenco Canario is a high enclosure and on a chain. Especially in the absence of the owners. Unfortunately, these measures are necessary to prevent the dog from jumping the fence and escaping. They like freedom and open areas. Require long walks and early socialization. Bark little and will treat all house guests extremely friendly.

Care

The short and smooth coat of the Podenco Canario does not need much care. It is enough to comb it out and brush it a couple of times a few months. Bathing is recommended only if necessary. In winter, it is advisable to resort to the help of special clothing for dogs. Podenco Canario is famous for its thinness, which will cause it to freeze in cold weather.

Also, follow standard hygiene guidelines. Check the general condition of the eyes and ears, clean if dirty, to prevent infections. Clip claws, if not sharpened, about twice a month.

Training

Because of its wonderful attitude to people and sincere loyalty, the Podenco Canario will try its best only to please its owner. No difficulties will arise during training with the Podenco Canario. They lend themselves to training without any problems. The dog is smart and intelligent. Take the training seriously and have a positive attitude. Your pet will feel it.

Common Diseases

The body of the Podenco Canario, without exaggeration, works like clockwork. It is a very healthy dog with good immunity. They are used to being the first mate of man, are not used to rest, and have been able to adapt to any hunting conditions. The only disease that can occur in representatives of the breed is genetic pathology. When it happens, females develop testes instead of ovaries.

Nutrition

A strong body needs a balanced diet. The Podenco Canario is an active dog that expands a lot of energy. A distinctive feature of the breed is that the Podenco Canario can easily do without water in the heat. However, this does not mean that you have to plague it with thirst and not allow it to eat normally. A diet for medium-sized breeds with an active lifestyle is good.