Spanish Hound Information-Everything You Need To Know

The Spanish Hound is an ancient breed that was once employed to hunt various animals, including foxes, hares, wild boars, and bears.  When they detect the smell of their prey, they have amazing strength & can run for large distances. The Spanish Hound is a high-energy breed that needs a lot of space to run about in, or they’ll become destructive.

These canines aren’t designed to live in apartments and must be kept outside a safe fence while not hunting. They were primarily employed for labor and were not intended to be friends. Still, with enough patience and exercise, they may adapt to a house and become loyal family members.

Spanish Hound History

The first recorded record of the Spanish Hound may be mentioned in the writings Libro de la Monteria del Rey D Alfonso XI, which dates from the 1300s. The Ruler of Castile mentions dogs having characteristics comparable to the Spanish Hound and particular Bloodhounds.

The Spanish Hound was also mentioned in Spanish hunting treaties, with distinct descriptions about the same breed: Treaty of Monteria from the 15th century, Conversation of Monteria from the 1600s, and Origin & Dignity of Hunting from the 17th century.

During this period, Spanish-bred and born dogs were mostly utilized for chasing wild boar & bears. These Spanish Hounds were utilized as bloodhounds, and they could track a wounded animal’s smell for kilometers.

When weapons were introduced to large game hunting, the quantity of big game plummeted, and the demand again for Spanish Hound fell. In the northern parts of Spain, these hounds were used for hunting small game, particularly fox and hare.

The Spanish Hound still was employed in chasing roe deer & wild boar, which was highly widespread across northern Spain. The breed was shown in two sizes or variants in artwork chronicling the breed.

The Spanish Lebrero Hound was the smaller, lighter-built dog, while the Great Spanish Hound was the bigger constructed dog. Since then, the population of large games in Spain has rebounded, and the Spanish Hound was reintroduced in the 1980s.

The breed standard for the Spanish Hound was created in 1982. Then producers began breeding to satisfy the standard. Although the Spanish Hound is native to northern Spain and may date back to the late 1600s, the breed’s history is a bit hazy, but it was not until the twentieth century that the type was recognized and standardized.

The United Breed Standards recognized the Spanish Hound in 1996.

Spanish Hound Characteristics

The Spanish Hound has large ears that flare towards the rounded tips and must reach past the tip of the snout. The ears should be able to twist into a spiral and hang freely.

They have powerful, well-muscled legs and even a rounded ribcage, allowing them to run for long periods without becoming tired or winded. They have large noses that might be black or flesh-colored, befitting a bloodhound. They have almond-shaped, dark brown eyes that are medium in size.

How Big Can A Spanish Hound get?

The Spanish Hound is a huge dog, standing 20 to 22 inches in height at the shoulders & weighing 55 to 65lbs on average.

How Long Can A Spanish Hound Live?

The lifespan of a Spanish Hound is 10-15 years on average, which depends upon good health.

How Much Does A Spanish Hound Cost?

The cost of this breed is between 1500$-2500$.

Spanish Hound Personality/Temperament

The Spanish Hound is an excellent hunter. They have a good sense of smell & can follow an injured animal for kilometers over varied terrains. While on the hunt, their unique voice can be heard for kilometers, but they’re not hesitant to use their vocal abilities if left alone for lengthy periods.

If you don’t allow them enough area to run and play, they’ll become destructive. The Spanish Hound may be persistent and unyielding when functioning as a big game hunter. They may grow territorial and make excellent watchdogs; hearing their voice can make visitors reconsider approaching your property.

Spanish Hound Nutrition

A Spanish Hound is a large dog that only needs 2.6 cups of high-protein and carbohydrate dog food.

How Do You Groom A Spanish Hound?

Despite having a short, silky coat, the Spanish Hound sheds and will rise in the spring & fall. Brush them at a minimum once a week to maintain their coats healthy. This will keep the coat smooth and prevent stray hairs from escaping into the house.

Use a hound mitt, a soft, smoother brush, or a natural bristle brush when brushing. Examine the hair under their toes and clip any that is excessively long and might gather dirt using scissors.

Make sure their ears are clean and dry at a minimum once a week. Ear infections are common in Spanish Hounds, as well as any moisture or debris can cause major issues. Using a cotton ball & hydrogen peroxide, clean the ears.

They don’t have a strong or bad odor and only have to be washed a few times a year unless they become excessively dirty when hunting.

Spanish Hound Activity Level

The Spanish Hound is a service dog with a great desire to hunt down prey. To stay fit and happy, they require a large quantity of daily activity and human connection. When you can’t be with them, they need a large, safe big yard to maintain them contained.

When going for walks, keep them leashed since they may chase after a smell & leaving you in the dust. When they’re left alone, interactive toys can keep them occupied and prevent them from being disruptive or annoying.

Spanish Hound Health Concerns

One of the most crucial elements to consider when purchasing a dog is the dog’s wellness. Purebred dogs are frequently less healthy than mixed breed dogs, so they’re more susceptible to health issues.

On the other side, the Spanish Hound is an outlier. This breed is generally healthy, with few health concerns to worry about. Aside from elbow and hip problems, this breed is free of other ailments.

Similar Breeds To A Spanish Hound

• Lab Pei
• Labarstaff
• German Pointeraner

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Sources

• wagwalking.com
• A-zanimals.com
• akc.com