Breed Guide

Spanish Hound

The Spanish Hound (Sabueso Español) is one of the oldest scent hound breeds. Known for its powerful voice and infallible nose, it is a noble hunter and calm companion.

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Noble Calm Brave Loyal
Origin Spain
Lifespan 12-14 years
Weight 20-25 kg
Height 48-57 cm
Spanish Hound

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Overview

The Spanish Hound is a working dog par excellence, specializing in blood tracking. Off-duty, it is gentle and affectionate, though can be independent. Its bark is famous for its varied tones.

Origin & History

Described as early as the 14th century in King Alfonso XI’s Book of Hunting. Used for centuries in the Iberian Peninsula for big game (boar, deer) and small game (hare).

Temperament & Personality

  • Hard-working: Tireless when on a trail.
  • At Home: Usually calm and reserved, very loyal to its owner.
  • Voice: Howls and barks a lot, especially if it detects interesting scents.

Physical Characteristics

  • Ears: Very long, drooping, and soft.
  • Body: Rectangular, strong, and resilient.
  • Color: White and orange, with irregular spots.

Puppy Stage

Spanish Hound Puppy

Require patience with recall training.

  • Smell: From a young age, they will have their nose glued to the ground.
  • Socialization: Expose them to different environments to avoid shyness.

Adult Stage

Spanish Hound Adult

  • Exercise: Need long scent walks.
  • Instinct: Not recommended to let off-leash in unfenced areas.

Health & Care

  • Ears: Like all hounds, prone to ear infections. Weekly check-ups required.
  • Resilience: A very rustic breed with few congenital issues.

Needs & Routines

  • Mental Stimulation: Scent games and tracking are ideal for them.

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