Spanish Hound
Other names: Sabueso EspaƱol, Perro de caza sabueso, Spanish Scenthound

The Sabueso Espanol is a scent hound dog, initially bred in the north of Spain. For hundreds of years, these dogs have been used to hunt and track game, such as chamois, roe deer, red deer, fox, wolf, brown bear, hare and wild boar. This working breed is often used by sportsmen hunting with firearms.
Key facts about the Spanish Hound
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Origins and history
This dog is often called the Spanish Scenthound as he hails from the Iberian Peninsula, mainly from the north of the mainland. The breed was initially developed as a hunting dog, and this is still today its main purpose. The Sabueso Español has been around for centuries, so it’s difficult to ascertain the exact date of his first appearance. However, it is known that the breed was described in a book by King Alphonse XI in the late 14th century.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the Spanish Hound
Adult size
Female : Between 19 and 21 in
Male : Between 20 and 22 in
Weight
Female : Between 53 and 55 lb
Male : Between 53 and 55 lb
Coat colour
Pied in white and orange or red.
Type of coat
The coat of the Sabueso Español should be short, smooth and glossy.
Eye colour
Amber.
Description
The Sabueso Español is of medium build with a rectangular shaped body. This dog has long, silky ears, drooping lips and solemn eyes. As an athletic dog, he has powerful limbs. He has a domed skull with a prominent dewlap on his neck. The dog’s tail tapers to a brush of fur at the tip.
Good to know
In Spain, there are many Sabueso Español dogs that are abandoned, many with no chance of being adopted. This is generally due to the fact that not many people know that although they are a hunting breed, they also make excellent family pets. The Sabueso has a very amenable character, is calm and very affectionate. In some situations, this breed is also used as search and rescue dogs and in bomb detection situations.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Spanish Hound
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Spanish Hound to adopt

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Compatibility
Price
The initial purchase price for a Sabueso Español puppy can be between £300 to £500. A further monthly budget of between £80 to £100 is required to fund his food, vet bills, and pet insurance.
Grooming
The Sabueso Español has a short coat that requires little grooming. Care should be taken to check this dog’s ears on a frequent basis, especially after a hunting expedition.
Nutrition of the Spanish Hound
As a very energetic hunting dog, the Sabueso Español needs a high-quality feed, suitable for his size and energy requirements. Twice daily meals are recommended.
Health of the Spanish Hound
Life expectancy
As is quite common with hunting dogs, this breed is generally quite healthy. Its average life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.
Strong / robust
When hunting, there is very little that would prevent the Sabueso Español from completing the task in hand. This is a very strong and endurant dog.
Withstand heat
This breed is more common in Spain, where the climate is often hot and sunny. As long as shade is provided in the heat of the midday sun, this dog will cope very well in hot weather.
Withstand cold
The Sabueso Español dog will hunt over many different terrains, in all weathers, without issue.
Tendency to put on weight
When a canine has a very high need for exercise, he can become obese when allowed to over-eat and isn’t sufficiently exercised. This is certainly the case with this dog.
Common illnesses
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Field injuries sustained when hunting