When you think of Spain, you first think of temperament, joie de vivre and fire.
These characteristics do not only apply to the Spanish population.
No! The dogs from this country also show the fullest strength of character.
Below we have put together a few wild Spaniards, including Spanish hunting dog breeds, for you.
Ole!
All 13 Spanish dog breeds at a glance
Spain has a lot to offer. In addition to the country and people, there are also many dog breeds there.
However, these tend to lead a shadowy existence. Very many of the common Spanish hunting and herding dogs are hardly known outside of Spain.
Hopefully that will change soon.
We would like to briefly introduce you to the most famous Spanish dog breeds here. You’ll be amazed!
1. Bardino
This four-legged friend is also known as the «green dog».
With a certain amount of sunlight, the dog’s coat can actually take on a greenish tinge.
The Bardino is not actually a breed of dog. He is representative of all brindle dogs from the Canary Islands.
Bardinos were originally used as herding dogs for herds of goats. But the Spanish herding dog also cuts a fine figure as a guard dog, herding dog, companion dog or family dog.
2. Galgo Espanol
One of the most popular Spanish dog breeds is the Galgo Español. This four-legged friend, belonging to the greyhound family, is one of the most popular Spanish hunting dog breeds. Galgo Españols were bred and trained solely to hunt rabbits.
The history of Galgo Español also has sad chapters. If the dogs do not perform well when hunting, they end up as street dogs.
The beauties among the greyhounds deserve a lot more. They are loyal and loving companions to their masters. However, for a Galgo Español you should be very athletic and have some dog experience.
3. Ca de Bestiar
Black is beautiful! The black beauties among the Spanish dog breeds impress with their raven black fur. The pretty animals originally come from Mallorca, where they were used as guard, protection and herding dogs.
If you choose a Ca de Bestiar, you’re not only helping a Spanish dog breed that is almost extinct to regain its splendour. You will receive an affectionate and playful four-legged friend who can sometimes stay at home alone for a few hours.
4. Ca de Bou
The Ca de Bou is another Spanish dog breed from Mallorca.
The fighting and guard dog can also be referred to as the «Mallorquin bulldog».
The forefathers of the Ca de Bous served the Spaniards to defend their ports against pirates.
The charming four-legged friends also have a good piece of Molosser blood in their veins. They are born guard dogs.
Although the Ca de Bou is very playful and family-oriented, the owner should have some dog experience.
5. Doggo Canario
The Doggo Canario, which can also be called «Preso Canario», is another Spanish protection and guard dog.
It is best not to mess with a Doggo Canario. The powerhouse among the dogs was bred out of a Bardino and various Molossers. He is very intimidating and formidable in appearance and demeanor.
The Doggo Canario is not for beginners. The imposing companion dog is anything but a lap dog. He needs an experienced hand and is even considered a list dog in some federal states.
6. Catalan Shepherd Dog
Even in warm Spain there are curly heads.
The Catalan Shepherd Dog is primarily recognized by its fluffy coat. He is a real workaholic and does not shy away from any work.
The four-legged friend can be used as a guard dog or herd guard dog.
Anyone who smiles at a Catalan Shepherd should definitely be good on their feet. The fluffy dogs are very active, love long walks and should be encouraged physically and mentally.
Agility is a good balance for your curly bundle of energy.
7. Mastin del Pirineo
Alternatively, the Mastin del Pirineo can also be called the Pyrenean Mastiff. The big ball of fur among the Spanish dog breeds is a 1A – guard dog for house and yard. In its past, the Mastin del Pirineo was primarily used as a livestock guardian dog.
At heart, the Mastin del Pirineo has remained a herd guardian dog. Even if he looks like a big teddy bear, you shouldn’t underestimate his character.
The dog breed is considered to be very intelligent and reliable. She needs an owner with dog experience and a lot of exercise.
8. Mastin Español
Mastín Español is hard to miss. The Spanish dog breed is not called the «Spanish Colossus» or «Spanish Mastiff» for nothing.
The giants can grow up to 88 cm tall and weigh 90 kg.
The Mastín Español has been sworn to on the Iberian Peninsula for thousands of years. He was kept there primarily as a shepherd dog.
The Spanish Mastiff is a loyal and people-oriented powerhouse with a strong protective instinct. He just needs a species-appropriate diet and lots of exercise. Then he is happy!
9. Pachón Navarro
The Pachón Navarro is one of the Spanish hunting dog breeds. In the past, the four-legged friend was particularly popular with the Spanish nobility.
The Pachón Navarro is attributed to the Bracken. It was forgotten for many years, but is now experiencing a revival among some enthusiasts.
The four-legged friend is and remains a hunting dog.
He therefore needs a lot of space, a lot of exercise and a lot of activity. A city apartment would be the worst possible solution.
10. Pastor Garafiano
Another Spanish dog breed is the Pastor Garafiano. This is a herding dog from La Palma. Today, however, the breed appears more as a guard dog.
Anyone who smiles at a Pastor Garafiano should be able to deal with the intelligence of these animals.
The four-legged friends are very active and independent. Couch potatoes would be better off looking for a quieter breed.
11. Perro de Agua Espanol
Alternatively, the Perro de Agua Español can also be referred to as the «Spanish Water Dog».
The noses among the Spanish dogs are popular far beyond the borders. With their fine nose, they can track down drugs, corpses or even buried people.
Spanish Water Dogs are real workhorses. They also do as herding or herd dogs a good figure. It can also be used as a therapy dog.
The Perro de Agua Español is a real sports cannon. He always wants to be busy and busy.
12. Perdiguero de Burgos
A real insider tip among the Spanish dog breeds is the Perdiguero de Burgos.
The dogs are hardly known outside of their country of origin. They are excellent hunters and have a good nose.
Anyone who is still interested in one of the handsome Spaniards will be rewarded with a loyal cuddle cheek. The only important thing is that the Perdiguero de Burgos can continue to live out their hunting instinct.
13. Podenco Canario
This dog breed is firmly rooted in Spain. They lived in the Mediterranean country more than 7,000 years ago and are said to have come from the Canary Islands.
The Podenco Canario is another representative of the Spanish hunting dogs. The four-legged friends are very fast and are ideal for rabbit hunting.
The dogs are very adventurous, curious and spirited.
They are loyal to their owners and can even be left alone.