Spanish Hound
Other names: Sabueso Español, 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
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Affectionate
It is not very often that the Sabueso Español is kept as a family pet. Despite this, this dog still has a very loyal and loving nature. He will be affectionate with the people he knows.
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Playful
While the Sabueso Español will happily play with older children, he doesn’t tolerate smaller children too well. This is not really a playful dog, he prefers to work when given the opportunity.
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Calm
This breed is very easy going and gentle, but brave and relentless when hunting.
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Intelligent
The Sabueso Español is always eager to please, a very intelligent dog.
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Hunter
In the mountains of Northern Spain, the Sabueso Español is generally used for hunting wild boar. He is used to hunting either alone or in pairs.
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Fearful / wary of strangers
Although this dog can be quite affectionate with his master and family, he will be wary of strangers.
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Independent
Certainly a very independent dog.
Behaviour of the Spanish Hound
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Tolerates solitude
Even though this dog is very independent, he will also devote himself to his master, and isn’t too happy when left alone for long periods of time.
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Easy to train / obedience
It’s important to have strong leadership when training the Sabueso Español. He can be quite willful and needs consistent routines. You will need dedication and time to help your dog adapt to a lifestyle that may not be familiar to him. However, when training to hunt, little or no instruction is required.
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Barking
The Sabueso Español has a distinctive, booming, loud howl. When following his prey, the dog will alert his owner by using different tonalities, from loud, long howls, to shorter choppy barks when he finds his quarry. In Spain, this bark is known as “latido”.
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Tendency to run away
As a hunting dog, if he gets the merest hint of prey, he will give chase and run off.
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Destructive
The majority of Sabueso Español dogs are kept for hunting purposes. This dog can get easily bored if he isn’t kept active and of course, destructive behaviours will result.
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Greedy / Gluttony
Not a gluttonous dog providing he is fed a highly nutritious, good quality diet.
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Guard dog
Although the Sabueso Español will likely alert his owner to the presence of an unknown visitor, he won’t defend his territory and isn’t an ideal guard dog.
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First dog
This breed is generally not kept as a companion, but used in the main for hunting purposes. Therefore, it is not an ideal choice for a first time pet.
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Spanish Hound to adopt
Is the Spanish Hound right for you?
take the testLifestyle
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Spanish Hound in a flat
This dog is more suited to an outdoor, rural lifestyle, where he can run freely.
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Need for exercise / Sporty
This breed certainly needs lots of exercise to suit his hunting capabilities. He loves to roam without restraint.
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Travelling / easy to transport
This breed is happy to travel in a dog crate in the rear of a vehicle. It is not recommended to travel with this dog on public transport.
Compatibility
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Spanish Hound and cats
As a hunting breed, the Sabueso Español will recognise cats and other small animals as prey.
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Spanish Hound and dogs
The Sabueso Español has a good reputation working alongside other dogs. It is fairly uncommon for this breed to display canine aggressiveness.
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Spanish Hound and children
When socialised with children, this breed with happily play around older children, however not so tolerant of younger kids. Supervision is recommended.
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Spanish Hound and the elderly
The Sabueso Español enjoys vigorous and long walks and needs to be kept very occupied and active. It is therefore not the ideal choice for an elderly owner.
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
