Podenco Andaluz 

There are several dog breeds referred to as “Podenco”. These sighthound-like four-legged friends originate from the Mediterranean region and were initially bred there for hunting wild rabbits. One particular representative from Southern Spain bears the melodious name of Podenco Andaluz. Due to its intelligence and independence, this spirited creature is especially popular with hunters. 

Appearance: A Dog Breed of Many Facets

The Podenco Andaluz is a Spanish dog breed recognised by the Real Sociedad Canina de España (RSCE). Its appearance is quite varied. The dogs bred with triangular pricked ears can exhibit three different types of coat:

• Long and hard fur (Cerdeño or rough hair type)
• Long and silky fur (Sedeño or silky hair type)
• Short and fine fur (Smooth hair type)

The coat of the Cerdeño and smooth hair types is hard and sleek, while the Sedeño type’s coat is silky. Most representatives lack an undercoat.

Furthermore, the coat colour is either white (silvery, dull or ivory) and/or cinnamon. Other colours are not allowed. Black pigments are against the breed standard, while a pink nose and honey-coloured eyes are a must.

The Podenco Andaluz has a compact and rather short body, muscular with a relatively horizontal backline. Its tail is sabre-shaped – curved up to about the height of the hock. Many dogs also feature a white tip at the end of their tails.

Differences in Size and Weight

Additionally, breeders classify their Podenco Andaluz into different sizes, which refer to their height at the shoulders (withers):

• Small (bitch 32 – 41 cm, male dog 35 – 42 cm)
• Medium (bitch 42 – 52 cm, male dog 43 – 53 cm)
• Large (bitch 53 – 61 cm, male dog 54 – 64 cm)

The weight of these Podencos varies greatly too. Large dogs can weigh up to 33 kilograms, while small ones may only weigh around eight kilograms.

© ttl.photos / stock.adobe.com

Character: The Nature of the Podenco Andaluz

The Podenco Andaluz (or “Podi” for short) adores its owner and is always loyal. Furthermore, it is a very lively, attentive, extremely intelligent and equally calm dog. It loves to be challenged, is very willing to learn and – assuming the right dog training – obedient to its owner.

However, the Podi Andaluz is quite reserved around strangers and initially rather distrustful. That’s why it was also commonly used as a guard dog in the past, protecting home and property with great dedication.

Enthusiastic and Independent Hunter

Even though the Podenco Andaluz is devoted to its owner and likes to obey, its strong sense of smell and hunting instinct might sometimes lead it far away during off-leash excursions. After all, this dog breed was and still is bred for hunting – especially rabbits.

It is intended to hunt largely autonomously, which means the Podenco Andaluz locates the prey, stalks, chases, captures, kills and eventually brings it back to the hunter. Working directly with humans was not a primary goal in breeding.

So, this dog breed has a very pronounced hunting behaviour and is therefore only conditionally suitable for off-leash areas. If the Podenco Andaluz is not used as a hunting dog, anti-hunting training is highly recommended.

Is the Podenco Andaluz Particularly Stubborn?

The lively Spaniard is said to be somewhat stubborn and reluctant to cooperate with people. Indeed, the Podenco Andaluz is a very independent dog, which aligns with its original breeding purpose.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s automatically particularly stubborn. More than anything, this dog breed needs a loving but consistent education from puppyhood. It’s also essential to keep it sufficiently occupied.

For this breed more than others, it is critical to ensure not just physical but also mental stimulation. Simply teaching a few dog tricks isn’t enough. It needs regular challenges, like tracking work, for example.

Otherwise, unoccupied representatives of the breed can quickly become “rascals” and seek their entertainment.

© Katia / stock.adobe.com

© andromedicus / stock.adobe.com

Conclusion: Loyal, Intelligent, Demanding

As a passionate hunter, the Podenco Andaluz is primarily suited for hunters and their families. Its intelligent and loyal nature makes it a wonderful companion.

For beginners and those with little time, however, it is not at all suitable. The intelligent canine from Andalusia needs its owner to challenge it both physically and mentally on an ongoing basis. But when it is, it becomes an incredibly loyal and friendly companion that will surely bring great delight.

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