Podenco Canario

The Podenco Canario is a dog that has been hunting rabbits for centuries, and this breed still hunts in Spain. The term “Podenco” means “hound” in Spanish. A type of hound from the Canary Islands, the Podenco Canario is an ancient dog that originated in Egypt and came to these islands with the Phoenicians during their travels.

This breed of dog first appeared in the Canary Islands around 500 years ago and has been preserved in its original form because of the island’s geographic isolation. The Podenco Canario is an affectionate and gentle dog that gets along well with children, though they do not enjoy playing rough games. Children should be careful when playing with these dogs because they may nip at them if they are too rough. Though they are very intelligent, strong, and independent dogs with a high prey drive, they are not necessarily good companions for small animals.

The Podenco Canario is a very stubborn breed of dog that requires a lot of exercise from its owners. It utilizes multiple senses when hunting, including sight, scent, and sound, to catch rabbits, often working alongside ferrets, which are used to flush rabbits from their burrows. These dogs are pack animals by nature, and one of their favorite things in the world is being affectionate with people who are close to them.

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Podenco Canario

Types Of The Breed

The Podenco can be found in three different types: small, medium, and large. The Podenco Andaluz is a breed from mainland Spain, the Podenco Canario is native to the Canary Islands, and the Podenco Ibicenco (Ibizan Hound) comes from the island of Ibiza. Each is a distinct breed rather than a size variant of the Podenco Canario. Both the small and medium breeds are used for rabbit hunting, while the large breed is used for hunting deer, rabbit, and wild boar.

The Best Dog Food For Podenco Canario

The Podenco Canario is a very active dog that needs to exercise for one to two hours a day. They also have a high metabolism. This dog needs dry kibble with high protein, carbohydrates, and fats to have enough energy for daily activities. Any food given to the Podenco should have meat as the number one ingredient.

Size And Weight

The male Podenco Canario stands an average of 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder. It weighs an average of 44 to 55 pounds. The female is on the smaller side, with a height of 18 to 22 inches and a weight of 40 to 50 pounds.

Common Health Issues

While relatively healthy, Podencos may suffer from issues with hip dysplasia and testicular tumors. They are also physically daring while hunting, so it is important to watch for injuries. Occasionally, they will experience eye issues. Podenco Canarios have large ears, which means they are prone to ear infections.

Temperament

The Podenco Canario is intelligent and independent, with a lot of energy. They are very social but are agitated and nervous when not handled well. These dogs are often very enthusiastic and playful with their owners, which makes them fun companions. They’re affectionate and blush when excited. Podenco Canarios are usually quiet dogs that rarely bark unless something alarms them. Though they are smart, independent, and loyal, they easily become bored if they don’t receive enough activity. A good way to keep them busy is to train them, though they don’t respond well to being harshly treated or mishandled.

How To Take Care Of A Podenco Canario

Maintenance And Grooming 

The Podenco Canario has a short coat that you don’t need to bathe often, though you can occasionally wipe the fur down with a cloth. They tend to be sensitive to harsh shampoos, so if you do bathe them, use a gentle shampoo.

It’s important for pet owners to remember that they should brush their pets’ teeth weekly to prevent the buildup and accumulation of bacteria. Trim their nails weekly. Also, dog owners should regularly check their pet’s ears for wax and dirt, which can cause pain and infection if not tended properly.

Training 

They can be stubborn sometimes and will take longer to learn a task if you do not treat them with patience and firm yet gentle training. It is important to use positive reinforcement during these sessions and speak calmly in a patient tone. Also, it is important to vary the training sessions so they don’t become monotonous. You can introduce them to dog sports to keep them occupied, and they will learn these rather quickly. Finally, it is very important to socialize them early on, and they can be somewhat reserved around new people and surroundings, so you should introduce them regularly.

Exercise 

They are very active dogs and require a lot of exercise, needing at least 60 minutes of daily activity, if not two hours. Podenco Canarios can run incredibly fast, so if they get loose, they could be gone before you know it. These dog breeds need plenty of room to roam and are best suited for an active family with a lot of yard space. They are best suited for someone who enjoys being out in nature.

Puppies 

When you bring them home, you should begin to train them as soon as possible. They need lots of instruction and playtime to develop their emotional health. In addition, they need to have contact with other dogs and new people, which helps them build courage in unfamiliar circumstances.

Podenco Canario And Children

The Podenco Canario is an excellent companion to have around children, especially older, active ones, and it likes to play, which makes it the perfect furry friend for children. However, the dog does not like rough play, so anyone who wants to pet it should use gentle motions instead of tugging its ears or tail. You should monitor and train smaller children to handle the dog properly, or it may tend to nip them.

Dogs Similar To Podenco Canario

The Ibizan Hound shares some ancestry with the Podenco Canario. They are both rabbit-hunting hounds from Spain. It should be noted, though, that the American Kennel Club actually does not recognize the Podenco Canario as a separate breed from the Ibizan Hound, but the Podenco’s genetic pool was isolated for 500 years, making it purer than many accepted breeds.