Podenco Canario (Canary Hound, Canary Warren Hound)
The Podenco Canario (Canary Podenco) is a primitive dog breed from Spain. Traditionally used for hunting rabbits, it is well adapted to running over rough terrain. It is characterized by an excellent sense of smell, vision, hearing, and remarkable endurance. Other names for the breed include Canary Island Greyhound and Canary Island Warren Hound.
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History of origin
The Canary Islands are considered the breed's home. Podencos are most common in Gran Canario and Tenerife. For centuries, they were used by local populations to hunt small game and have remained virtually unchanged in appearance. The ancestors of Spanish greyhounds are likely the Pharaoh Hound, which was brought to Spain by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, and Egyptians. In 1987, the Podenco Canario was recognized by the FCI.
Usage
The Podenco Canario is primarily used to hunt rabbits. Its excellent sense of smell allows it to easily locate animals in natural crevices, rock crevices, and rubble heaps, as well as in volcanic tunnels and thorny bushes. The Podenco is primarily a tracking dog. It should not bark like a hound or try to strangle game, as many other sighthounds do.
The official name of the breed is Podenco Canario (from Spanish Podenco ― greyhound and Canario ― Canarian), but locals simply call it "the skinny hunting dog."
Ferrets, also known as ferrets, are very easy to tame, making them very popular pets today. In Spain, they are kept not only for fun, but also for hunting with greyhounds. This small predator is quite aggressive. If you throw a ferret into a rabbit hole, it will quickly find and drive the occupants out, where a fast and agile dog is already waiting. The ferret then chases the rabbit and brings it back to its owner.
Podenco Canarios are used for unarmed hunting with ferrets. This unique method was developed on the islands.
Appearance
The Podenco Canario is a medium-sized dog, slender, light, and extremely robust. The upper body skeleton is clearly visible due to the lack of fat deposits. The muscles are lean and well developed. Muscle contractions are visible through the skin. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced.
- Height at withers: 55-65 cm.
- Weight: 15-22 kg.
For comparison: Canary Dog with a similar height of 55-65 cm, weighs approximately 40-60 kg.
The head is elongated, truncated cone-shaped. The forehead is flat. The stop is barely defined. The muzzle is large, strong, and blunt-wedge shaped. The earlobe is large and flesh-colored. The lips are thin and close-fitting. The bite is scissor-like. The eyes are set obliquely, almond-shaped, small, and amber in color. The ears are fairly large, wide at the base. The neck is straight, muscular, without dewlap, rounded in cross-section, and flexible.
The body is strong. Well-developed muscles are clearly visible on the back. The croup shows strong bones, which are more noticeable in lean dogs during the peak hunting season. The chest is well developed, not reaching the elbows and not protruding. The belly is tucked up. The flanks are well defined. The tail follows the croup, is set low, rounded, and tapers to a point. The limbs are long and strong, with well-developed tendons and lean muscles.
The skin is strong and wrinkle-free. The coat is short, dense, and smooth. The color is red and white; any combination of these colors is acceptable.
Character and behavior
Podenco Canarios are bold, self-assured, and excitable dogs. They make a strong impression but are completely non-aggressive. They are extremely loyal to their owners and tolerate adverse conditions without the slightest sign of fatigue. Puppies are particularly active during the first 12 months of life. They then become much calmer until they are out in the field.
They are considered good companions, easily adapting to any social environment. At home, they are relatively calm. In parks and playgrounds, they display all their agility and charisma.
Podenco Canarios bark very little, usually only to alert them to the presence of strangers or prey. They are prone to escape. They are fairly easy to learn basic house rules. They require early socialization. Otherwise, they can be overly shy with strangers and animals. Like other sighthounds, they are independent and self-sufficient. They are not prone to unquestioning obedience.
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In Spain, hunting dogs are typically kept in enclosures on chains. They are rarely allowed into homes. However, recently, more and more sighthounds have been seen in city apartments. Podencos adapt well to being pets. They are calm and peaceful. Lack of adequate exercise and mental stimulation often leads to destructive behavior.
When properly trained and used for its intended purpose, the Canarian Podenco is very hardy and capable of hunting from dusk until dawn.
Unfortunately, not all Spaniards consider Podenco Canarios to be pets. In many regions, the greyhound is more of a "disposable hunting tool." They are kept in poor conditions and are either exported or killed if they fail to perform well or, for some reason, are no longer able to hunt. Abandoned dogs are euthanized by local authorities, and animal rights activists strive to find families and save as many lives as possible. At the end of the hunting season in Spain, approximately 10,000 are killed or exported. Spanish Galgos and greyhounds of other breeds.
Health and life expectancy
Canary Podencos are generally healthy and robust dogs. They suffer more often from hunting injuries than from illnesses. Some of them have been diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder in which females develop testicles instead of ovaries. This disorder was previously known to occur in American And English cocker spaniels. Life expectancy is 12-14 years.
Buying a Podenco Canario puppy
In Spain, particularly in the Canary Islands, it's not hard to find a Podenco Canario puppy. Outside of the country, they're rare. There are few professional breeders of this breed. The market is largely filled with puppies sired by "own dogs" without papers.
Price
The price of a puppy varies greatly depending on its origin, age, and gender. A dog with papers sells for an average of 500 euros. Descendants of good breeding lines can cost up to 1,500 euros. At the end of the hunting season, many abandoned adult dogs are donated to charities for free.
Photos and videos
The gallery contains more photos of Podenco Canario dogs.
Video about the Podenco Canario dog breed
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