Galgo Espanol vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

Galgo Espanol vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed ComparisonGalgo Espanol is originated from Spain but Greek Sheepdog is originated from Greece. Galgo Espanol may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than Greek Sheepdog. Galgo Espanol may weigh 21 kg / 46 pounds lesser than Greek Sheepdog. Galgo Espanol may live 3 years more than Greek Sheepdog. Both Galgo Espanol and Greek Sheepdog has almost same litter size. Galgo Espanol requires Low maintenance. But Greek Sheepdog 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.

greek sheepdog - historyKnown as the Olympus Dog or even simply as the Greek Shepherd, the Greek Sheepdog is a large to giant molosser dog from Greece. His purpose has always been to guard flocks and livestock from predators and he has been around for hundreds of years, looking much like the Great Pyrenees.

It is believed that the dog was likely bred with a number of breeds – both local and non-local dogs.

Unfortunately there were no records kept of the development of the breed but today the Greek Sheepdog remains a rare and fairly unknown breed outside of Greece.

It's numbers are dwindling in Greece too and since 1998 the Greek ARCTUROS has made attempts to save the breed, starting the Greek Shepherd Dog Breeding Program.

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.

greek sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Greek Sheepdog is a large dog, standing at 65 – 75cm and weighing roughly between 32 to 50kg. He is a dog that displays physical strength. He has a large head with brown eyes and a serious expression on his face. He has a thick double coat which is essentially white with red, black or brown markings.

You will also see tri-color dogs. He has floppy ears today but there was a time when the right ear of the male dog was cut off or cropped. The tail is long and bushy and it can be held low but also held up so that it curls over the back.

Temperament:

Maybe because of his size and him being a strong-willed, independent thinker, the Greek Shepherd may not be the best choice for a first time dog owner. Having said that, if you're a strong, firm, patient, kind person, then you'll be able to raise any kind of dog, first time or not.

The Greek Shepherd is a brave, loyal, calm, protective dog and with socialization and training, can make an awesome pet. They are dogs who are a bit suspicious with strangers, not making friends too easily. He loves his human family and wants to be part of their activities. He can't be left on his own day after day as this can lead to excessive barking and destructive behavior.

They've been dogs used to working with livestock and they will certainly need to be taken on daily walks and involved in rough and tumble games as they thrive on activity. The dog won't fit easily into city life where there is just a handkerchief-sized garden as he needs space and activity.

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.

greek sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Greek Shepherd is an intelligent, independent dog who likes to show his loyalty and devotion to his owner.

He is a protective dog too and when trained and socialized makes an excellent family pet. These Molosser type dogs are formidable dogs known for their bravery and courage.

They're the type of dogs who like a strong leader-type of owner and when he gets someone who he can look up to as his leader, he becomes a loyal, devoted pet.

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

greek sheepdog puppies - health problemsWith good care and lots of love, this dog can live to be between 10 to 12 years of age. He is unlikely to get sick very often, but still it it wise to know of some of the health issues than can occur with large breed dogs like this.

Some diseases to look out for include -

Dilated cardiomyopathy:

This is a disease of the heart muscle. The heart is enlarged and unable to have the right heart rhythm. The distended muscle isn't able to push the blood through the heart chambers to where it is needed. Cause for this dilated heart can be genetic, nutritional, infectious or metabolic.

Because taurine and carnitine are involved in good heart function, and low levels of these amino acids can cause symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy, supplementation is useful, especially if you feel your dog isn't getting in the right kind of food.

Lyme Disease:

Borreliosis, a bacterial infection, causes Lyme disease, transmitted by the Ixodes tick. The tick bites the dog and the toxins gets into the dog's bloodstream, with the bacteria travelling to different parts of the body.

Typical symptoms in a dog includes loss of appetite, fever, no energy, swelling of joints and lameness, but symptoms can progress to kidney failure too or cardiac problems. Treatment will include antibiotics.

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:

greek sheepdog dogs - caringThe coat of the Greek Shepherd is fairly long so it will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it free from matting and tangling. He is an average shedder and the brushing will remove all loose hairs, keeping the coat sleek and shiny.

Diet:

Feeding your Greek Sheepdog requires giving him top quality food as this will ensure he is healthy and can ward off common dog illnesses. If you're going to be feeding him kibble, make sure to go for the top quality brands, and as a treat for your pet you can add in some brown rice, pasta, brown bread, cooked chicken and vegetables.

Dogs are essentially carnivores and he will need to have some raw meat such as beef added into his kibble from time to time. He should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
Origin:
Spain
Greece
Height Male:
66 - 67 cm
25 - 27 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
65 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 29 kg
59 - 64 pounds
32 - 50 kg
70 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
32 - 50 kg
70 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Spanish Galgo, Galgo, Spanish Greyhound
Greek Shepherd, Olympus Dog
Colors Available:
(brindle),
White with red, black or brown markings
Coat:
Smooth or Rough
Thick, double-coat, long hair
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet, Sweet
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, 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. 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. Samoyed vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Presa Canario vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. Labrador Husky vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. Mackenzie River Husky vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. Pyredoodle vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Lurcher vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  32. Maremma Sheepdog vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  33. Sarplaninac vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  34. Himalayan Mastiff vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  35. Mountain View Cur vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  36. Native American Indian Dog vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  37. Greenland Dog vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  38. Komondor vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  39. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  40. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  41. Greek Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  42. Greek Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  43. Greek Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  44. Greek Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  45. Greek Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  46. Greek Sheepdog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  47. Greek Sheepdog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  48. Greek Sheepdog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  49. Greek Sheepdog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  50. Greek Sheepdog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds