Guest Blog by Gem, Hope For Podencos

Podencos are one of the most instantly recognisable Spanish dog breeds, with their unmistakable ears standing to attention and their athletic body shape. They look so regal and noble and yet sadly in Spain, they are known as The Great Forgotten. Historically not considered pets, and instead treated as a hunting tool, they are exempt from Spanish Animal Welfare laws. As a result, they are neglected, abandoned, tortured and killed in their thousands each year.

When Irene and Steve Allan moved to Spain in 2009, offering their dog grooming services to local rescues, it wasn’t long until they came across the breed and learned of their plight. This led to the foundation of Hope For Podencos, a breed-specific charity set up in 2014. Over the years Hope For Podencos have rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed hundreds of Podencos and in that time, have got to know an awful lot about the breed.

I joined the HFP team officially in 2023 but adopted my first Podenco, Kodak in 2018. Since then I’ve been totally sucked in by this breed of dog (and have adopted another 3 since then) and have been learning everything there is to know about these dogs.

There are several different types of Podenco, a word which simply translates to ‘hound’. Podencos (and mixes) can range in size from a tiny 5kg, up to a huge 35kg+. They come in different colours, with different markings, and different coat textures and all have a unique personality.

The reality is that a lot of Podencos that end up in rescue, don’t necessarily fall exclusively into one of the subbreeds below. They are often mixes, and may also have other breeds in their genetics too. This is why I personally love Podencos so much, as it means every single one is truly unique!

Photo of 5 podenco dogs, adopt a dog from Spain, Spanish dog rescue UK, Spanish Rescue Dogs — From L to R – Willow, Podenco Ibicenco; Kodak, Podenco Andaluz Mix; Jura, Podenco Andaluz; Atlas, Podenco Canario; Breagha, Podenco Andaluz. Photo Credit @podencopair on Instagram

There are some ‘typical’ Podenco traits – but there are always exceptions to the rules so it's important not to assume that all Podencos fit the same mould! Podencos are classed as ‘Warren Hounds’ and they tend to use all 3 of their senses to hunt– smell, sight and hearing, whereas most dog breeds favour one. This means that they can be formidable hunters with high prey drives and also means that some will never have reliable enough recall to be off-lead. Podencos can also be very agile – some *can* clear 6ft from standing. But it really is ‘some’ and not all. One of mine can’t even jump into the back of my 4x4 and has to be lifted. More proof that there are no set rules!

The final ‘general’ thing I’d say about Podencos relates to their energy levels. Podencos are bred for extended periods of time out hunting – think marathon runner rather than sprinter. This does mean that they will go and go and go for as long as you will. If you spoil them with hours of exercise daily, they build stamina and when you want a day off, they’ll be bouncing off the walls. Teaching an off switch early on is important – and I find skipping walks and mixing up the routine also helpful so they don’t ‘expect’ anything at a certain time! They are (generally!) smart dogs, so brain games provide mental stimulation which is as important as the physical side.

Now, onto the typically recognised ‘types’ of Podenco!

Podenco Ibicenco (Ibizan Hound)

photo of a podenco ibicenco standing, ibizan hound, adopt a dog from Spain, spanish dog rescue UK,spanish rescue dogs — Cookie (now Willow), Podenco Ibicenco adopted from Hope For Podencos. @kodak_atlas_willow_chance on Instagram

The most familiar-looking of the Podencos, the Podenco Ibicenco, (translated to Ibizan Hound) is the only UK Kennel Club registered breed of Podenco. Originating from Ibiza but found throughout the mainland too, this sub-breed only comes in red and white and has no dark pigment on the nose or around the eyes. Instead, they have a blush pink nose and light amber or green coloured eyes. Their coat patterns can vary, from solid white to red with white, or pinto (white with red patches). They also come in three coat textures, smooth, long and wire. They are tall (60-72cm to the withers), leggy, athletic dogs who typically have a beautiful nature and serene energy to them. They tend to weigh between 20-30kg.

Podenco Canario

As the name suggests, this breed originates from the Canary Islands. They tend to be slightly shorter than the Ibicenco (50-64cm), but they are still a larger breed of Podenco and weigh 20-30kg on average. They typically come in solid red (sometimes with white toes, tail tip and chest) but they can also come in chocolate brown and occasionally you find black canarios too – the only sub-breed where you ever tend to find any dark pigment. They only come in a smooth, dense, close coat. They tend to have very long toes and bigger feet than Ibizans and look a little more robust overall. My personal experience is that Canarios are typically high energy, goofy and often clumsy, but of course they all differ!

Podenco Andaluz

A slightly smaller breed of Podenco (typically between 40-55cm and weighing 12-20kg), in Spain the Andaluz is officially recognised to come in 3 sizes but we tend to group them all together. Often solid red in colour, or red with white feet, tip of tail and chest, they can come in smooth or wire coats. Their muzzle is often a little shorter than that of an Ibizan or Canarian Podenco, but they have the same trademark ears. Andaluz’s tend to be very characterful and worm their way into your heart pretty quickly. And being slightly smaller, they also manage to find their way onto your lap too!

Podenco Maneto

he odd Podenco out! Along with big ears, the other common trait all other Podencos share are long legs in comparison to their body size – but not the Podenco Maneto! They have the face of a Podenco, but with short little Dachshund-type legs. Weighing between 8-12kg and 25-35cm to the withers, they also typically only come in red and white smooth coats.

Podenco Xarnego Valenciano

The differentiating factor for Xarnego’s is their stunning silky feathered coat. Typically, most noticeable on the ears, neck and tail, their coat flows as they move. They are quite rare and they tend to only come in red and white and are medium to large-sized.

Podenco Orito

Orito typically refers to this Podenco’s colouring. Black or brown, with gold highlights, sometimes they can also be tri-coloured and include some white fur too. Size-wise, Oritos are normally small to medium.

Podenco Campanero

The weightiest of the Podencos, it is thought Campaneros were bred to hunt boar and deer. They have a distinct shaggy white coat and although they aren’t always as tall as the Ibicencos, tend to be a stockier build, for tackling the larger prey.

And that sums up the most typically recognised ‘types’ of Podenco. Of course, there are other dogs with similar looks and traits that are all thought to be related – Cirneco dell’Etna, Pharoah Hounds, Portuguese Podengos etc. As mentioned before, there are hundreds of podenco mixes out there that don’t fall neatly into one of the categories above. One thing is for sure though, regardless of type, they do make wonderful companions and are also quite addictive – one Podenco is never enough – you have been warned!

We want to give a big shout-out to Gem from Hope for Podencos for providing us with such an informative article about Pods, thank you!

To view Podenco’s available for adoption from Hope for Podencos visit https://www.hopeforpodencos.com/podencos-for-adoption

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