40-50 lbs
18-22"
Canary Islands
Unique and elegant, the Podenco Canario is an ancient dog thought to have roots back to the Egyptian dog. Although there is some evidence to suggest this may be true, this canine only appeared in the Canary Islands some 500 years ago. The Podenco Canario is a quiet dog, rarely barking. They are very affectionate and bond closely with their family. While the Podenco Canario is very gentle in play with children, they don't respond well to rough play, often protesting with a quick nip or bite. Therefore, it is important to teach your children how to treat a dog with respect and how to play nicely. Active, intelligent, and fast on their feet, the Podenco is an experienced hunter and has a high prey drive. Small animals in the household would pay to be wary of this dog. For many years this dog has been used to hunt rabbits and is still employed to do so in their homeland of the Canary Islands. They are not a dog for an inexperienced owner as they have a streak of stubbornness that requires gentle but firm management. This gentle beauty with the interesting name suits a home with room to roam to use up their abundant energy and stamina.
The Podenco Canario looks like a primitive Greyhound with their lean physique and running ability, and originates from the Canary Islands, Spain. They are a Spitz type of dog and are similar to other Mediterranean hounds such as the Portuguese Podengo of Portugal, the Pharaoh Hound of Malta, and the Podenco Ibicenco of Balearic Islands. They are one of the oldest primitive breeds and have hardiness to match. The breed has a healthy disposition and enjoys robust health. While not recognised officially by the American Kennel Club, they are listed amongst the Primitive Types - Hunting Dogs section in the category of Primitive Dogs. Credited as being direct descendants from the very magical and ancient Pariah type dogs, they arrived at the Canary Islands with visitors from the ancient lands of Egypt and North Africa. The Podenco Canario has remained isolated until the most recent of years and is mostly unknown outside of their home turf. The locals have used the Podenco Canario as a hunting dog to control rabbits on the islands which have risen to epic pest numbers. Appreciating the dog's speed and quickness in dispatching the pest, they have been considered a valuable asset. This appreciation has been sporadic as some locals have not always treated this dog well, often killing them and their puppies once hunting season is over. However, the Podenco Canario has managed to survive until today which is a credit to their tenacity for survival. The word 'Podenco' is Spanish for 'hound', while 'Canario' means 'Canarian' or 'of the Canaries'.
The Podenco Canario or Canary Islands Hound looks like a primitive Greyhound with their lean physique, tucked up stomach and long fine legs. Everything about this dog indicates the power and speed that they can clock up. Their lean body doesn't have any fat padding, and their legs are long and sinuous. The paws seem to be large and flexible at the ankle for a dog this size, giving them a good grip on the terrain as they run at full speed. The tail is long and narrow, often with a small curl at the end. This dog carries their tail low when at rest, or high when excited and ready to run. This intuitive canine has an incredible sense of smell and has finely tuned hearing which means with this dog on your trail you haven't got a chance of eluding them. Their coat is short and slightly loose around the body, and they have a deep chest which powers their stamina. But it is their efficiency to hunt alone or in packs that sets them apart and has earned them a place in history. Their strong scissor bite jaws can dispatch their prey quickly and easily. They usually are red or white in color, although they can be all shades of red from dark to light. Graceful and agile, the Podenco Canario is a rare breed that deserves a place in history.
The Podenco Canario is a slim dog with an elegant lithe build and has a short dense coat. Rarely needing a bath, you can get away with wiping the coat with a chamois to keep it looking well groomed and distinguished. But if a bath is unavoidable, use a gentle dog shampoo to protect the natural oils in their skin that protects them from the elements. Like most dogs, the Podenco Canario is prone to tooth and gum issues, so train your dog from a young age to have their teeth brushed. Not only will it prevent 'doggy breath', but it will prevent tooth problems such as decay. Remember to check those beautiful ears, they can be prone to a build up of dirt and wax, and if they become inflamed, it can be very painful for your dog. This dog is very energetic and requires a daily run to get the best out of the dog. They are ideal running or biking companions, but keep them on a leash to prevent them becoming sidetracked by some fast moving prey that they just cannot resist!
Known as the quiet dog, the Podenco Canario rarely barks. They are a dog that is gentle and emotional, responding best to fair and even treatment. Harsh methods will not work for this dog; they need patience and kind training methods. It is the same in play; they are ideal playing with children as long as the play is respectful and not rough. This type of play will earn a quick reprimand nip as the dog will not tolerate ears and tail pulls. Their main qualities are their independence, intelligence and loyalty. Coupled with alertness, endurance and affection, the Podenco Canario is one heck of a hound. They do require a lot of exercise, so if you are a couch potato you best forget about this dog, unless you enjoy the couch being chewed out beneath you by your bored pooch. As you can tell by their fine physique, they are built for speed and need to exercise that lean muscled body. Perfect for hunters who can control them without bullying or shouting, the Podenco Canario responds best to an experienced, confident owner.
Active is the word that comes to mind here when discussing the exercise requirements of the Podenco Canario. With a hunting background and strong chase instincts, the dog is built for speed and can disappear in the blink of an eye. This dog requires a daily walk or two, and a good yard that allows them plenty of room to roam and explore. They suit an active family who enjoys lots of games, walks, tramping or running to avoid a bored dog looking for something to do, which often leads to trouble. The Podenco Canario is an ideal companion for a child; both have lots of energy, and both enjoy respectful playing for hours. The well socialised Podenco enjoys the company of other dogs, so a visit to the dog park can be an ideal opportunity to let this dog run wild within a fenced enclosure.
Written by a Golden Labrador Retriever lover Jean Brewer
Published: 04/25/2018, edited: 02/24/2021
More articles by Jean Brewer
