Galgo Espanol vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison

Galgo Espanol vs Australian Kelpie - Breed ComparisonGalgo Espanol is originated from Spain but Australian Kelpie is originated from Australia. Galgo Espanol may grow 16 cm / 7 inches higher than Australian Kelpie. Galgo Espanol may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Australian Kelpie. Both Galgo Espanol and Australian Kelpie has same life span. Both Galgo Espanol and Australian Kelpie has almost same litter size. Galgo Espanol requires Low maintenance. But Australian Kelpie requires Moderate maintenance

History

galgo espanol - historyGalgo Espanol means Spanish with galgo meaning greyhound, thus a Spanish Greyhound. This breed is ancient with their roots in perhaps the English greyhound and others in the sighthound family. They are much like the greyhound in that they are laid back, calm, gentle and quiet, unless they are competing on the local track. Like the greyhound they are shy and reserved; great with kids and other pets. And of course, they love cats.

There are dogs like the Galgo referred to in writing by the ancient Celts and Romans. One author, Arrian, had his own Galgos and used them when hunting. The breed flourished in the second half of the Middle Ages in Spain and well into the 8th century. When the Christians regained control of the Iberian Peninsula, they did away with the hunter old forms of hunting and introduced a new form with hounds that made the Galgo the pride of the aristocracy and not in the homes of the ordinary people. Arrian claim to two types of dogs, the smooth and rough coated.

Muslim and Chrisitan Kings kept Galgo Espanols. In all probability the Saluke and Galgo were crossbred at this time. It was illegal to kill a Galgo and in 1081, the Mayor of Cartuario of Slonza left his Galgo in his will to Diego Citid. Dogs seen in painting from the 12th century look just like dogs of this breed who can be seen today.

It is believed that when the Galgo was developed, it was in the midsection of Spain or the Castillian plains. They ruled the interior of the country while the bloodhound ruled the exterior. The 18th and 19th centuries saw very little change in the breed. However, in the 20th century, there was cross breeding with the English greyhound that produced a leaner, faster and powerful track racing dog. The results was a faster dog without the long distance stamina of the pure Galgo. For this reason, the breeders returned to breeding the pure professional racing dog.

The sport of racing the Galgo earns Spain around sixty million dollars per year. They train anywhere from three to four thousand of the Galgos every year for Open Field Coursing Championships. Still, there no longer is any cross breeding between the Greyhound and the Galgo. The current coursing programs feature a hare that is much hardier and difficult to pursue so the stamina of the old Galgo Espanol is desired. In Castile, where these games are played, the landscape is open with large fields that requires that the hare travels far greater distances. This means that the stamina of the original Galgo Espanol is needed.

When not racing the Galgos have become great house pets. They have a reputation as gentle dogs that are docile and quiet, with good health. This reputation is well earned. They are also successful show dogs in Europe much more than the states. This is perhaps because they are really rare outside of Spain. They are not recognized by the United Kennel Club nor the American Kennel Club.

australian kelpie - historyThe energetic Kelpie came into being around 1870, with this working dog breed having a role to play with the herding of sheep in the harsh Australian outback.The sheep and wool industry in Australia has always been big business, and Australian ranchers were looking for a tough dog that could cope with sheep but also cope with the harsh environment.

These are adaptable dogs too and their ancestors include the Coley or Collie, a British herding-type dog, the English- and the Australian Shepherd and the Dingo. In fact it is believed that up to 4% of their genes comes from the Dingo. These adaptable dogs were also brought to North America where they quickly adapted to the different climate and different livestock.

The Australian Kelpie isn’t your regular pet as they are essentially an outdoor, working dog. They are recognized today by the United Kennel Club and registered by the North American Australian Kelpie Registry.

Description

galgo espanol puppy - descriptionObviously the Galgos looks a lot like the Greyhound, but in some very important ways they are very different. The rear of the Galgos is higher than the front and their muscle are flatter. They are built for endurance while the Greyhound is built for speed. The Galgos is a lighter, smaller dog with larger ear on a long head. They have long tails and their chests are not deep like the Greyhounds.

The Galgo comes in smooth and rough coats and a variety of colors. The rough coat protects dogs that are in climates colder than the ones in Spain and also keeps them from injuring their skin while running. The colors include brindle, black, golden, toasted, cinnamon, yellow, red, white, white with patches, or any color as long as they have a white forehead and muzzle.

The Coat

australian kelpie puppy - descriptionThe Kelpie is a medium-sized dog with a coat that comes in a number of colours – black, chocolate, fawn, red, blue, tan, white and gold. . The nose colour blends in with the dog’s coat colour and can be black, brownish and even pinkish.

A Sharp, Intelligent Look

The Kelpie has a medium-length tail which is low-set. The ears are pricked, giving the dog an intelligent, alert appearance. The dog’s head is also narrow and long, and his eyes are bright and inquisitive.

Lithe and Athletic

The Australian Kelpie has an athletic appearance, with a body which is longer than their height, similar to that of a German Shepherd. Because the Australian Kelpie is such an energetic, active breed, he’ll need plenty of ‘jobs to do’, lots of ball games and other exercise to keep him free from boredom and to ensure he maintains his lithe, lean, muscular limbs.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

galgo espanol dog - characteristicsThey are good with children, but you need to be careful no one gets knocked down or hurt.

Special talents

Stamina for running and a good record in lure coursing.

Adaptability

Though they can be couch potatoes like greyhounds they are better off with a fenced yard and not an apartment.

Learning ability

They are smart and can learn anything you want to teach them if you can keep their attention.

Friend of Children

australian kelpie dog - characteristicsThe Australian Kelpie is an active, busy, intelligent, loving breed who is highly protective of his human family. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home but you’ll want him trained if you want him to be gentle around children and smaller pets. He does tend to gravitate towards one particular family member as his ‘favourite’ though.

He Must be Busy

Your Kelpie won't do well in an apartment as he is a working dog who wants plenty of place to run and play. If he is bored, it manifests itself with constant barking. Make sure to provide a stimulating, active lifestyle for your Australian Kelpie, provide him with everything a dog needs and you’ll be rewarded with a devoted and loyal companion.

Health Problems

galgo espanol puppies - health problemsBeing a large dog, the Galgo Espanol would normally face a high probability of hip dysplasia. Fortunately for the breed this is not true. In this respect their lightness of weight, their history as a working dog and their anatomy have protected them from it. They are however susceptible to other issues.

Osteosarcoma

Bone Cancer

Malignant tumors that quickly spread throughout the body. Life threatening.

Anesthetics

As a sighthound, the Galgo Espanol is prone to have issues anytime with anesthetics. They don’t metabolize the anesthetics like other dogs do. They will take longer to revive, and they are susceptible to hypothermia while under an aesthetic.

Muscle/Toe Injuries

While running, they are prone to injuries

A Healthy Breed

australian kelpie puppies - health problemsYour Australian Kelpie is a hardy breed and you won’t find many health problems with him. Yes, every dog is susceptible to illnesses which are common with all dog breeds, and these are illnesses such as hip dysplasia and cryptorchidism.

You will need to check your Kelpie out for eye disease such as PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a group of genetic diseases which are found in some breeds of dogs. This can lead to cataracts and blindness.

Lifestyle and Environment Impact Health

Health problems in your Australian Kelpie can certainly be partially prevented by the way you feed your dog and by the environment you provide him with. Every dog has the potential to develop genetic health problems, but as we’ve said, the Kelpie is a generally healthy breed.

Always find a reputable breeder whose focus is on breeding healthy dogs and who can provide certification that the parents of the dog are clear of defects and are in tip-top condition for breeding.

Puppy Vaccinations

Along with quality food and fresh water, getting your puppy vaccinated is hugely important. Australian Kelpie puppy shots will protect your new 4-legged family member from the likes of distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis. Your puppy will also need additional booster vaccinations after his first shots which start at around 8 weeks of age.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

galgo espanol dogs - caringFeed your puppy a high quality dry food made for large breed dogs. Feed 3 meals a day 2.5 to 3 cups total for the day.

Feeding the adult

Feed your adult Galgo a high quality dry food made for large breed dogs. Feed 2 meals a day but don’t overfeed Give 4-5 cups total for the day.

Points for Good Health

They have amazing stamina and good speed. Generally good health as a breed.

Games and Exercises

He can be a couch potato indoors and runs forever outdoors. He does need daily exercise and bedrest both. The best would be if you could sprint him every day or have a small yard he can play in. They excel of course at agility and lure coursing. Keep them on a leash because if they run you will never catch them. The American Sighthound Field Association presents lure coursing events that they are eligible for. They have exceled at show competition in Europe but are not well known in the U.S.

Grooming

australian kelpie dogs - caringAustralian Kelpies are low maintenance and their coat is easy to groom and maintain. You want to give him a good brush twice a week to get rid of loose hair. Australian Kelpies are moderate shedders.

Feeding your Kelpie

It is important to get your puppy off on the right foot to avoid health problems later on. Homemade dog food which includes chicken, rice and vegetables is always the best food for your dog. If you can't prepared your own meals for your Kelpie, top grade commercial dog food brands are recommended.

When looking at dog foods, remember that your Kelpie is a working dog – a naturally active breed and you’ll need to look at dog food which has been specially formulated for active dogs. Every dog will need raw meat in their diet if you want to avoid a dog with an itchy, flaky skin, a dog with poor energy levels and a dog that has no resistance to infection.

Training

Every owner who cares for their dog will provide him with socialization and training. The Australian Kelpie is an intelligent breed who responds well to training.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
Origin:
Spain
Australia
Height Male:
66 - 67 cm
25 - 27 inches
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
65 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 29 kg
59 - 64 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
4 - 7
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Spanish Galgo, Galgo, Spanish Greyhound
Kelpie, Barb
Colors Available:
(brindle),
Many Colours, from solids to bi-colours - tan, fawn, blue, red, black, chocolate
Coat:
Smooth or Rough
short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Bulldog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  2. Border Collie vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  3. Sakhalin Husky vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  4. Alaskan Husky vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  5. Catahoula Leopard vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  6. German Pinscher vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  8. Puli vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  9. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  10. Borador vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  11. German Spaniel vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  12. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  13. McNab vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  14. Porcelaine vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  15. Finnish Lapphund vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Blanc Suisse vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  17. Griffon Nivernais vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  18. Hokkaido vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  19. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  20. Pumi vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  21. Australian Kelpie vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  22. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  23. Basque Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  24. Istrian Sheepdog vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  25. Jamthund vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  26. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  27. Saluki vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  28. Mountain Cur vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  29. Rajapalayam vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  30. Plott Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  31. Petit Gascon Saintongeois vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  32. Otterhound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  33. Mudhol Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  34. Ibizan Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  35. Rampur Greyhound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  36. Galgo Espanol vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Galgo Espanol vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  38. Galgo Espanol vs Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  39. Galgo Espanol vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  40. Galgo Espanol vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison
  41. Galgo Espanol vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  42. Galgo Espanol vs Black Mouth Cur - Breed Comparison
  43. Galgo Espanol vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  44. Galgo Espanol vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
  45. Galgo Espanol vs Azawakh - Breed Comparison
  46. Galgo Espanol vs Chart Polski - Breed Comparison
  47. Galgo Espanol vs Grand Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  48. Galgo Espanol vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  49. Hanover Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  50. Majestic Tree Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds