What are Galgos and Podencos?

You may have noticed lately we have been supporting rescues that help dogs called Galgos and Podencos and, like many of us owned by greyhounds, you may know they are from Spain and in the sighthound family. Galgos and Podencos seem to have infiltrated greyhound social media groups by storm. So just what are Galgos and Podencos? Why do they need help? How are they so cute and easy to love? Hopefully we'll help answer some of those questions here. 

"Galgo" quite literally means greyhound in Spanish. The full name is Galgo Español (so Spanish Greyhound). Podenco means "hound" in Spanish. You may have seen people refer to their pets as "Galga" and "Podenca" which is just the female form of the word. Now that we know what to call them, what do they do? Galgos and Podencos are bred for hunting. Unlike greyhounds, they don't hunt mechanical rabbits on a track. They hunt live rabbits in the countryside of Spain. There are even hunting competitions for Galgo hunting.

From Wikimedia

You may think this prey drive would make these dogs unsafe with cats in adopted homes. Actually, like greyhounds, a lot of Galgos and Podencos are wonderful with cats in homes (outside may be a different matter as the urge to chase may be triggered by a cat running). They are raised closely with other animals and often do very well with a variety of other species. 

Galgos and Podencos are both ancient breeds. They are actually genetically different breeds from greyhounds (though they have been bred together to increase speed for hunting). They have more endurance than speed (though they're still quite fast!) and have longer, flatter muscles than racers. They also have long necks, larger ears (especially Pods), and longer tails than greyhounds.

Podencos! photo from Galgo Podenco Support

 Both Galgos and Podencos have wire-haired variations as well, which can help with hunting in the harsh terrain of Spain. While Greyhounds with very apparent muscles are built for speed, the Spanish hunting dogs are built for the chase. They are sighthounds, just like greyhounds, so their first indication of a rabbit to chase is by sight. My Galga has been excited to chase cars several miles away as seen from a bluff, as from that distance they looked like little moving (possibly furry) objects! Both Pods and Galgos have very flexible spines, which allows for tight turns at speed. The long neck helps even more with catching prey as they can turn their heads very far. They may not be able to out run a greyhound at a sprint, but they'll probably catch something along the way.  

Cedric, a Galgo-mastin (a mastin is a Spanish mastiff), on the left and a Reina, a Galga, on the right. Picture: Amanda Stump

OK, so we know a little about what the Spanish hunting dogs are bred for and what they can do. Now for the big question: why they seem to need so much help in Spain. Why are there so many of them looking for homes? Why are they invading homes in the US and Europe? Well, Spain has some lax rules when it comes to these dogs. They are considered to be more like livestock than family members. The average lifespan of a male Galgo in Spain is 2 years. In a loving home the same dog will live upwards of 12 years. Females survive a bit longer in Spain if they are used as breeders. Sadly, Galgos and Podencos in Spain are often abandoned, tortured, and killed at the end of the hunting season each year (February 1). Shelters are inundated with animals, especially in February. February 1 has been designated the day of the Galgo (Dia Del Galgo) to raise awareness of the plight of these dogs. 

Reina, rescued by Fundacion Benjamin Mehnert, visits Lake Michigan and the Big Red lighthouse in Holland, Michigan. She is very lucky and is an excellent pet!  Picture: Amanda Stump

For more information on Galgos, Podencos, and rescues for Spanish hunting dogs see these links: 
Galgo Podenco Support
Love Hope Believe Galgo Rescue
Save a Galgo Espanol 
Fundacion Benjamin Mehnert 
Scooby Medina Rescue

Charity of the Month: April

SHOPPPING HERE HELPS HOUNDS!

THIS MONTH ALL PROCEEDS, MINUS FEES, FROM SALES IN THE
HANDMADE4HOUNDS SHOP ON ETSY  WILL BE DONATED TO

Midwest Greyhound Adoption

Midwest Greyhound Adoption is based out of suburban Chicago, Illinois U.S.A.  We are an Illinois and Federal Not-for-profit organization, incorporated since 1991.  We have placed well over 2000 retired greyhounds.  A portion of the greyhounds we take in, have broken legs or require some type of corrective surgery.  These medical needs are taken care of before they are placed for adoption. We are an all volunteer adoption group.

MGA, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Corrections launched the L.A.R.K Program at Robinson Correctional Center in October 2012.  This program seeks to benefit retired racing Greyhounds who are waiting to go to their 'furever' home by pairing them with offenders who have demonstrated a willingness and dedication to true change. Dogs available for adoption will be placed at RCC for a period of roughly 90 days to prepare them to go into an adoptive home where they will be a loving addition to a family.  Not only does this benefit the dog but offenders learn responsibility. accountability and skills that will assist them in returning to their communities successfully. MGA is a 501C3 organization that is funding the entire L.A.R.K project through fund raising and donations.

 

It's easy to help - just visit our Etsy shop and purchase anything during the month of April.  Please visit our website for more information: http://www.handmade4hounds.com

 

 

Charity of the Month: March

SHOPPPING HERE HELPS HOUNDS!

THIS MONTH ALL PROCEEDS, MINUS FEES, FROM SALES IN THE

HANDMADE4HOUNDS SHOP ON ETSY  WILL BE DONATED TO

Greyhound Rescue and Rehabilitation

Greyhound Rescue & Rehabilitation (GRR) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit adoption/placement organization founded in May 2000. Every day, in all parts of the country, racing greyhounds are being retired due to injury, illness or just for being too slow, often by a split second. GRR helps as often as we can, and we’re thrilled that over 1100 greyhounds have become part of the GRR family. Our organization is comprised of volunteers, dedicated to raising public awareness about the ex-racing Greyhound; their gentle & loving nature, wonderful disposition and suitability as pets and companions. Our geographic focus is Westchester, Putnam, Duchess, Rockland, Orange and Ulster Counties, NY and Fairfield County and Litchfield County, CT. With the help of foster families, we acclimate the dogs to a home environment and prepare them for adoption. We find suitable and loving homes where the Greyhounds will be members of the family, and provide our adopting families with support and assistance as needed.

It's easy to help - just visit our Etsy shop and purchase anything during the month of March.  Please visit our website for more information: http://www.handmade4hounds.com

Charity of the Month: February

SHOPPPING HERE HELPS HOUNDS!

THIS MONTH ALL PROCEEDS, MINUS FEES, FROM SALES IN THE

HANDMADE4HOUNDS SHOP ON ETSY WILL BE DONATED TO

Minnesota Greyhound Rescue.

Minnesota Greyhound Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to finding responsible homes for Greyhounds who are no longer used by the racing industry. Our mission includes educating the public about the cruelty of Greyhound racing, and letting people know that these wonderful dogs make gentle, loving pets.

 

It's easy to help - just visit our Etsy shop and purchase anything during the month of February.

Please visit our website for more information: http://www.handmade4hounds.com

Charity of the Month: January

SHOPPPING HERE HELPS HOUNDS!

THIS MONTH ALL PROCEEDS, MINUS FEES, FROM SALES IN THE

HANDMADE4HOUNDS SHOP ON ETSY  WILL BE DONATED TO

 SCOOBY NORTH AMERICA

Scooby North America is a 501 (c)3 non-profit that has been founded to form a conduit between the Protectora de Animales SCOOBY (also known as Scooby) Animal Sanctuary in Spain and the people of the United States. Our goals are to promote the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of the Spanish Galgo and other mixed breeds through travel to Scooby. To provide a source of information and assistance to individuals wishing to travel to Scooby or adopt a Galgo. To coordinate rescue missions to Scooby with the governing body of Scooby. To work closely with Scooby to re-home Galgos and other mixed breed dogs in the United States by placing them with adoption groups until suitable permanent loving homes can be found. To establish a relationship between Scooby and animal lovers in North America and around the world. To assist with healthcare to the rescued Galgos and mixed breeds that returned to the United States (including, but not limited to, emergency care and routine medical care; spays and neuters are typically performed at Scooby prior to adoption.) To promote awareness of the plight of the Spanish Galgo amongst the public at large through international educational campaigns.  To provide assistance to Scooby to maintain and update the shelter. To conduct fundraisers and events designed to provide funding for the abovementioned functions.

For more information please visit www.scoobymedina.org, or email diane@scoobymedina.com. Our Scooby North America website is under construction.

 

It's easy to help - just visit our Etsy shop and purchase anything during the month of January.

Please visit our website for more information: http://www.handmade4hounds.com

Charity of the Month: November

SHOPPPING HERE HELPS HOUNDS!
THIS MONTH ALL PROCEEDS, MINUS FEES, FROM SALES IN THE
HANDMADE4HOUNDS SHOP ON ETSY WILL BE DONATED TO

COLORADO GREYHOUND ADOPTION

 

Colorado Greyhound Adoption is a non-profit organization 501(c)3 devoted to placement and adoption of greyhounds. We are 100% volunteer-run, and available dogs are fostered in individual homes. Colorado Greyhound Adoption placed 383 greyhounds in their forever homes in our last fiscal year. Many had special medical needs, and our vet bills were $84,000. Our group is racing neutral and receives no track funding or support, so we rely on greyhound lovers like you to help these greyt dogs.

It's easy to help - just visit our Etsy shop and purchase anything during the month of November.

Please visit our website for more information: http://www.handmade4hounds.com

Charity of the Month: August

SHOPPING HERE HELPS HOUNDS!
This month all proceeds, minus fees, from the sales in the Handmade4Hounds Shop on Etsy will be donated to Austin Greyhound Adoption (www.austingreyhounds.org).

Austin Greyhound Adoption is a non-profit organization that finds responsible loving
homes for purebred greyhounds which no longer qualify for the racetrack. They also
educate the public with the desirability of greyhounds as pets and the availability of
these dogs for adoption. They rely solely on volunteers, foster homes and donations to
transition these dogs into retirement and wonderful pets. AGA has found homes for 143
greyhounds since 2007.

Everything in the Handmade4Hounds Shop is donated by Etsy artists and crafters to help
hounds.  Please visit our website for more information:
http://www.handmade4hounds.com

Charity of the Month: February

Last month we raised $291.74 for Galgo Rescue International Network (GRIN).

This month all proceeds, minus fees, will be donated to Oregon Greyhound Adoption.

Oregon Greyhound is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose mission is to find permanent, loving homes for retired racing greyhounds. Our goals are threefold: To inform and educate the public about the joys of greyhound adoption; to identify suitable, caring homes for retired racers; and to provide pre- and post-adoption support to facilitate the transition from the track to home.

OGA also has a unique and charitable focus for 2011, "The Gift of Life" greyhound blood donor program. Where greyhounds are life savers and superheros!

"Not only will your greyhound give you years of love and devotion, but they may also help save the lives of other dogs. Canine blood donors are essential to critically ill or injured dogs. Dogs that are good candidates for blood donation have a friendly temperament, are 55 pounds or over and are from 1 – 8 years of age."

See their website for more information.