Galgo Espanol vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Galgo Espanol vs Chow Chow - Breed ComparisonGalgo Espanol is originated from Spain but Chow Chow is originated from China. Galgo Espanol may grow 16 cm / 7 inches higher than Chow Chow. Both Galgo Espanol and Chow Chow are having almost same weight. Both Galgo Espanol and Chow Chow has almost same life span. Both Galgo Espanol and Chow Chow has same litter size. Galgo Espanol requires Low maintenance. But Chow Chow requires High 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.

chow chow - historyNorthern China is the original home of the Chow Chow. In that region of China, the breed was known as the Songshi Quan – “the puffy-lion” dog. They have also been known in China as the “Dog of the Tang Empire” or the Tang Quan. The Chow is believed to be an ancient breed that the Foo Dog, or stone dog guardians of Buddhist palaces and temples, is modeled after. It is one of the most ancient of dog breeds that are still around today.

It is believed that they have existed for around 2000 years or perhaps even as far back as 3000 years, starting out in Mongolia and migrating to China. The ancientness of the Chow Chow has been validated through DNA testing. In China all those centuries ago, the Chow Chow was born to be a working dog. They hunted, herded, guarded and pulled carts. They went on quests with the Mongolian armies when China was invaded, as well as when the Mongolians invaded the Middle East and Europe later on.

Today’s Canadian Kennel Club has about 350 Chows registered while the AKC gets 10,000 new registrations every year.

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.

chow chow puppy - descriptionThe Chow really does look like a small lion with a black tongue. The dog is sturdy and square with erect, small ears on a broad skull. They have a very dense double coat. Their eyes are deep set and look like almonds, while they all have that very distinctive purple or black tongue. Their lips are also distinctive with their blue color. The nose is black, but some Chows might have a blue nose. The tail is curly.

These are medium size dogs when it comes to height and weight, but they are powerfully built for their size. Their power is in their compact body holding the energy and strength of a much larger dog. Its hind legs are almost entirely straight, unusual for any dog. They get their lion appearance from the huge ruff that stands behind their heads. Their chest is broad and deep.

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.

chow chow dog - characteristicsLoyal and true to their family and those they know; the Chow Chow is a little standoffish with strangers. They are very protective and usually attach themselves to one or two people. They are intelligent but stubborn, which can affect your training with them. They need to respect their people and Chows respect hose who take care of them. They can be aggressive toward dogs of their same sex especially if those dogs are the same breed as well.

They are known to be very clean and many have compared them to cats in that regard. They appear to be dignified and refined. They are usually very quiet but very adaptable dogs.

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

chow chow puppies - health problemsAlthough an ancient breed that obviously has survived many centuries of trials, the Cho Chow of today is prone to several different health conditions. These include:

Eyelid Entropion

This condition can require surgery to keep the turning eyelid from injuring the eye ball.

Hip Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Stomach Cancer

Ear Infections

Make sure you keep the ears clean and keep an eye on them.

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.

chow chow dogs - caringDon’t overfeed a Chow Chow as they are hard workers and big eaters. Feed them at least twice a day.

Health issues

Additional health issues include:

Glaucoma

This eye disease can lead to blindness if not checked and treated.

Juvenile Cataracts

These can be removed from an adolescent puppy.

Lymphoma

Again, the Chow is susceptible to cancer.

Diabetes

Can lead to heart or kidney problems if left untreated.

Hot Spots/Allergies/Melanoma

Keep a close eye on your Chow Chow skin.

Exercise and games

The Chow Chow was developed as working dog, but today’s version is more laid back and doesn’t need excessive exercise. Daily walks will suffice. They live very happily in the city if walked regularly. They are not really a competitive breed outside of obedience and confirmation. They are seldom seen in sports like agility or frisbee.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Non sporting dog
Origin:
Spain
China
Height Male:
66 - 67 cm
25 - 27 inches
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
65 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
41 - 60 cm
16 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 29 kg
59 - 64 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
4 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Spanish Galgo, Galgo, Spanish Greyhound
chowhound, chow, chowdren
Colors Available:
(brindle),
cream and blue, Red (light gold to deep red-brown) • Cinnamon (light tan to brown) • Black
Coat:
Smooth or Rough
double thick and coarse
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet, Sweet
Affectionate, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  2. Saluki vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  3. Mountain Cur vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  4. Rajapalayam vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  5. Plott Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  6. Petit Gascon Saintongeois vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  7. Otterhound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  8. Mudhol Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  9. Ibizan Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  10. Rampur Greyhound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  11. Galgo Espanol vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison
  12. Galgo Espanol vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  13. Galgo Espanol vs Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  14. Galgo Espanol vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  15. Galgo Espanol vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison
  16. Galgo Espanol vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  17. Galgo Espanol vs Black Mouth Cur - Breed Comparison
  18. Galgo Espanol vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  19. Galgo Espanol vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
  20. Galgo Espanol vs Azawakh - Breed Comparison
  21. Galgo Espanol vs Chart Polski - Breed Comparison
  22. Galgo Espanol vs Grand Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  23. Galgo Espanol vs Circassian Orloff Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  24. Hanover Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  25. Majestic Tree Hound vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  26. Chow Chow vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Chow Chow vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  28. Chow Chow vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  29. Chow Chow vs Australian Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  30. Dalmatian vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  31. Keeshond vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  32. Mexican Hairless vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  33. Tibetan Terrier vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  34. Standard Poodle vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwegian Lundehund vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  36. Chow Chow vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  37. Chow Chow vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Chow Chow vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Chow Chow vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  40. Chow Chow vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Chow Chow vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  42. Chow Chow vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  43. Chow Chow vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Chow Chow vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  45. Chow Chow vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  46. Chow Chow vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Chow Chow vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds