Live Life Team
The Galgo is better known as the Spanish Greyhound, although it is not a true greyhound. Although both Galgos and greyhounds were bred for hunting, greyhounds are built for sprinting and have a distinct, separate bloodline. The Galgo is an endurance breed, bred to travel long distances at a constant pace.
This attribute can be traced back to its origins as a Celtish hunting dog. The Iberian Celts were traders from Gaul who settled on the Peninsula, the name Galgo comes from the Spanish word for Gaul. These dogs interbred with those brought over by visiting traders and gradually the modern Galgo evolved.
The Galgo has a different conformation to the greyhound, having flatter muscles and a lighter build. It has a long, streamlined appearance with an elongated head and tail. The dog can be either smooth or rough-coated, unlike the greyhound which is always smooth. The colour varies, but includes solid, brindled and bi or tri-coloured variations.
The Galgo is similar in temperament to a greyhound, taking long naps between bouts of exercise and being totally placid in temperament. It makes an ideal family pet.
Galgo Españols are still used for hunting in Spain and there is much concern over the cruelty involved. At the end of each season the dogs are hung from trees to die, with those who have not performed well suffering particularly slow, unpleasant deaths. There are several Galgo rescue centres and attempts have been made to outlaw the procedure, but so far it is still legal.
