All 9 Podenco species with pictures [2024] –

Podenco is the term for a group of Spanish hunting dogs that have strong similarities to greyhounds. In total there are 9 known Podenco species.

Sometimes there is also talk of a “Podengo”. This is the spelling that is primarily used in Portugal and northwestern Spain. But the same thing is meant.

According to tombstones, the indigenous people of Spain lived with them as early as 3800 BC. Since all of these four-legged friends are genetically very close, they also have a lot in common:

Strong hunting instinct
Slim physique
Good eyes, ears & nose
Honey colored fur
Ringtail
Big erect ears
Long, thin snout [1]

These breeds are only partially suitable as domestic dogs. Their self-reliant and independent nature means that they do not develop the closest relationships with their families.

They also need a lot of exercise and are generally considered to be rather calm and gentle creatures. Below you will learn about all 9 Podenco species and their special features.

>> Our top recommendations

#1 Podenco Canario

The Podenco Canario, as the name suggests, comes from the Canary Islands. Nowadays it is also used to hunt rabbits.

This Podenco species is characterized by a strong hunting instinct. He also needs a lot of exercise. As the owner, you should therefore provide a garden.

He sheds a moderate amount and is known for his active and playful, but also calm character. He definitely belongs to the energetic breeds.

This breed sometimes gives birth to up to 12 puppies at once. At the same time, they require comparatively little sleep. [2]

The Podenco Canario is often placed in the greyhound category due to its long snout, although this classification is very controversial.

This breed is ideal for beginners and families. He gets along well with children and you won't have any problems going for a walk because he gets along well with strange dogs.

Fun fact: This four-legged friend is by no means a sleepyhead. On the contrary! He likes to turn night into day. Future owners should therefore look forward to an energetic companion.

#2 Podenco Ibicenco

The Podenco Ibicenco has its origins in Ibiza. To this day it is disputed whether this breed belongs to the greyhounds. But he is in the top 5 fastest dog breeds.

Its fur is usually brown and white in color. You can find him with both short and long hair. In addition, its weight varies between 8 and 25 kg depending on the species.

In addition to his incredible speed and advantageous vision, he also uses his keen sense of smell when hunting. It used to be used for hunting rabbits.

He is ideal for families because he gets along well with children. But be careful! He can jump pretty high. The garden fence should therefore measure at least 1.8 meters. [3]

Compared to other breeds, this Podenco species is more likely to be frozen. If he lives in cold areas, he will need a winter coat. Otherwise he will freeze.

It is not without reason that he is one of the most unpopular dogs in the world. He is quite stubborn and as soon as he leaves the house he tends to become hyperactive.

Fun fact: If you go jogging with this dog, you should give him regular breaks. Because when you exert yourself it quickly overheats.

#3 Podengo Português

The Podengo Português comes from Portugal. It is available in a total of 6 different variations, with long and short fur. Its weight varies from 5 to 25 kg.

He was primarily bred as a hunting dog. This smaller species is used for hares, the larger species mainly for deer and wild boar.

Here too, the status as a “greyhound” is controversial. Because he not only hunts by sight, but also uses his sense of smell in addition to his speed.

With a life expectancy of up to 17 years, it is one of the longest-lived dog breeds. In some cases this is twice as long as with other four-legged friends.

Due to his strong hunting instinct, he needs a lot of exercise and barks very often. This Podenco species is also highly trainable and loves to dig. [4]

His sociable and lively nature is striking. This also makes him a great family dog. He also gets along well with children.

Fun fact: For this breed of dog, it is best to buy dog brushes in advance. Because his hair is almost always messy. But that's what makes him so cute.

#4 Podenco Andaluz

The Podenco Andaluz, which comes from Andalusia, is a typical hunting dog that was previously bred to hunt rabbits.

It is available in 3 different sizes. Its weight varies from 5 to a whopping 33 kg and its shoulder height from 35 to 61 cm.

The smaller Podenco species were used to track down the hares and larger conspecifics were used to attack them. Their tasks also include driving away rodents.

They are characterized by extremely good senses of perception, which is why they can be ideal guard and protection dogs. [5]

In terms of character, the Podenco Andaluz is loyal and gentle. He is less positive towards other dogs. But with a little socialization, this isn't a problem either.

Other characteristics include little desire for sleep and their large ears, which are usually forward.

Fun fact: This four-legged friend leaves wet drool stains wherever he goes. This “breadcrumb trail” will also allow you to partially find him if he runs away.

#5 Podenco Andaluz Maneto

The Podenco Andaluz Maneto comes, as the name suggests, from Andalusia. So the south of Spain. He also descends from the much larger Podenco Andaluz.

These short-legged dogs only reach a shoulder height of around 30 cm when fully grown. This makes them only slightly larger than a dachshund. [6]

However, the ears of this Podenco species are just as large as those of the other varieties. He also lives up to 15 years, is very active and has an excellent sense of smell.

Fun fact: Since Dachshunds are known as “Sausage Dogs” in English-speaking countries, this Podenco has the nickname of an “Andalusian Sausage”.

#6 Podenco Enano del Hierro

The Podenco Enano del Hierro is not yet approved by the FCI as an official dog breed. Rather, it is the Podenco Canario as a dwarf dog.

Despite its small size, the four-legged friends are considered relatively strong. However, you will hardly see these dogs in everyday life. Because they are internationally threatened with extinction.

This Podenco species also has an excellent nose, which allows them to sniff out potential prey from a distance. Sprinting, on the other hand, isn't exactly her forte.

Fun fact: The bat-like ears of these dogs are sometimes even longer than their legs.

#7 Podenco Andaluz Malagueño

The Podenco Andaluz Malagueño has its origins in the south of Spain. However, this breed is hardly known internationally. It has not yet been officially recognized by the FCI either.

Several things make this type of Podenco special. On the one hand, they cope very well with high temperatures. On the other hand, they are also excellent visual hunters.

They also have a good sense of smell, good eyesight and very good hearing. Combined with their athletic build, this makes them great hunting dogs. [7]

Fun fact: Among Spanish dog connoisseurs, these four-legged friends are nicknamed “Mala”. Translated, that means something like a “bad boy”.

#8 Podenco Orito

The Podenco Orito got its name from its appearance. Because “Orito” is a slang among Spanish farmers for all animals that have either brown or black fur.

In terms of character, this Podenco species has a lot in common with the Podenco Andaluz. However, their appearance is very different. They are also great hunting dogs for rabbit hunting.

Unfortunately, this breed has been on the verge of extinction several times. Because of their different coat color, they do not have the status of a “real” Podenco in Spain. [8]

Fun fact: This dog breed is so rare outside of Spain that even if you search in German and English you will almost only find articles about it in Spanish.

#9 Podengo Galego

The Podengo Galego has its origins in Galicia, the northwest of Spain. In its homeland, this Podenco species is one of the four best-known breeds.

When fully grown, the four-legged friends usually reach a weight of between 20 and 30 kg. They are also used as a versatile hunting companion for hunting birds and rabbits.

Especially for partridges, quails, woodcocks and other wild birds. They are also considered to be very persistent and obedient. You rarely get tired of them. [9]

Fun fact: The eyes of the Podengo Galego are considered particularly expressive. So try to scare them.

Related breeds:

The following breeds do not belong to the Podenco species, but are very closely related to them. They also have a lot of visual similarities:

Cirneco dell'Etna
Pharaoh Hound
Criticism Lagonikos