Spanish Greyhound
About the Spanish Greyhound
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 24-28" |
| Weight | 44-66 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
45 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Low - Monthly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Moderate mental stimulation needed
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $500-$1,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,100/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Spanish Greyhounds may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
Guides for your Spanish Greyhound
The story behind the Spanish Greyhound
Sighthounds have hunted the Iberian plains for a very long time, and the Galgo Espanol is the traditional Spanish coursing dog, used chiefly on hare across open farmland and scrub, run in pairs and judged on the manner of the course rather than simply the kill. Rural hunting culture, particularly in Castile and Andalusia, sustained the type over centuries. English Greyhound blood was introduced in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries by some breeders seeking greater speed, and both smooth and rough coats occur. The breed is recognised in Spain and internationally. Large numbers are still bred annually for hunting, and the fate of dogs discarded at the end of the season has driven a substantial international rescue movement, so most Galgos living outside Spain today arrived through adoption rather than through breeders.
Originally bred for: Hare courser, open-country hunting hound, field trial dog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Spanish Greyhound
A complete diet with adequate fat helps this angular, low-reserve hound hold condition without bulk; hipbones showing slightly is normal for the breed. Feed two moderate meals, avoid heavy feeding around exercise, and increase gradually for underweight rescues rather than all at once.
Watch for: No breed-linked intolerance is established. Rescued Galgos frequently arrive underweight or with parasites, and digestive upset is usually a legacy of that rather than an allergy. Refeeding and any long-term diet plan for a thin dog should be veterinary-supervised.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Spanish Greyhound
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.