Irish Setter vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Irish Setter vs Galgo Espanol - Breed ComparisonIrish Setter is originated from Ireland but Galgo Espanol is originated from Spain. Both Irish Setter and Galgo Espanol are having almost same height. Both Irish Setter and Galgo Espanol are having almost same weight. Both Irish Setter and Galgo Espanol has same life span. Irish Setter may have more litter size than Galgo Espanol. Irish Setter requires Moderate maintenance. But Galgo Espanol requires Low maintenance

History

irish setter - historyThe Irish Setter is a gun dog, originating in Ireland and recognized by his beautiful red or mahogany coat.

Descending from the Setter group, the Irish Setter, also known as the Red Setter, has a solid pedigree. It was in the 1800s that they were brought to the United States.

The Irish Setter wasn't always what it looks like today and in fact the solid red color was created because of selective breeding practices. The Irish Setter has long medium length floppy ears, brown eyes and he is deep chested.

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.

Description

irish setter puppy - descriptionThe Irish Setter is a large dog, beautiful and elegant looking, standing at 61 to 71cm in height and weighing anything from 25 to 34kg, males and females.

The coat is a rich red color and is short to medium length but feathers in places such as the tail, the chest and abdomen, the legs and the tail. The head is long and lean, the ears are long and silky and the tail long and feathery.

Temperament:

The Irish Setter is a playful, friendly, sweet, mischievous, high energy dog who makes a superb family pet, getting on well with children in the home.

It was noticed that in about 1845, Setters in Ireland were mostly red, red and white or even a mustardy-lemon type of color, but there was preference for the solid red coloring. The breed standard for the modern Irish Setter was drawn up in Dublin by the Irish Red Setter Club and approved in 1886.

The dog was essentially bred for hunting game birds, using their excellent sense of smell to locate the bird. He is an alert, intelligent dog and will learn easily. Training and socialization will make him obedient and relaxed.

He isn't an assertive kind of breed and therefore isn't going to make the best of watchdogs. They've got such amicable, kind temperaments that they make popular therapy dogs.

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.

Characteristics

irish setter dog - characteristicsIrish Setters are going to make you a wonderful pet. He has a friendly, confident disposition that makes them ideal pets for families with children who have been taught how to respect- and be kind to animals.

He is a big dog, but with training and socialization he becomes well behaved and obedient. Social and outgoing, this is a dog which just loves the companionship of their human family and will require a good deal of exercise too.

Keep him well exercised, feed him good food that promotes health, give him a nice warm, dry place to sleep and he’ll fit perfectly well into your family and make a splendid pet.

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.

Health Problems

irish setter puppies - health problemsIrish Setters are quite a healthy breed but they are also prone to getting some of the common dog illnesses such as hip dysplasia, cancer, bloat and canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency.

Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency:

Known as CLAD, this is a disease of the immune system found in Irish Setters. True, it is a rare disease and affected animals show signs of skin lesions, bone disorders, anorexia and generalized lymphadenopathy.

Bloat:

Irish Setters can develop bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach distends with gas and can twist. This is known as gastric torsion and you’ll see your dog’s restlessness. He may even ‘hide away’ somewhere, lying down and drooling, while trying to vomit. This is an illness which requires immediate veterinary intervention.

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

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

irish setter dogs - caringIrish Setters are lean and muscular and an active breed. They love nothing more than to run off in wide open spaces, and if you live in the city and have a large garden, he will need to be taken on long walks. If he is a country dog, he may well run off and be gone for an hour or two before he returns home.

They are dogs which are used to having a job to do such as hunting, so he won't do well if he is put into a small back yard and left to his own device. He is a social dog and wants to be with his human family, relying on them to include him in all their activities.

Diet:

Your Irish Setters is a lean, muscular, active dog, and to keep him that way he will require a nutritious diet. If you feed him commercially manufactured kibble, make sure it is the very best quality one. It is a good idea to mix in protein such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Some raw meat added in from time to time can be very beneficial to him too.

With your beautiful Irish Setter, it is best to avoid feeding your dog processed foods altogether. A good diet is essential for good health. Never leave your dog without a constant supply of cool, fresh water.

Grooming:

The Red Setter’s coat is fairly long on the body but short and smooth on the head. The coat will need to be brushed at least twice a week to prevent matting.

Trim his nails as needed, and find out how to keep his teeth healthy too with vet approved canine dog toothpaste- and brush.

Also check his long, floppy ears because it is so easy for ear infections to develop with these long-eared dogs.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Ireland
Spain
Height Male:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
66 - 67 cm
25 - 27 inches
Height Female:
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
65 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
27 - 29 kg
59 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
7 - 12
6 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Red Setter
Spanish Galgo, Galgo, Spanish Greyhound
Colors Available:
Red
(brindle),
Coat:
Medium Length, silky and feathery
Smooth or Rough
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  2. Irish Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Irish Setter vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  4. Irish Setter vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  5. Irish Setter vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  6. Irish Setter vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Pointer vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  8. Perdiguero de Burgos vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  9. Pachon Navarro vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  10. Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  11. Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  12. Smooth Haired Weimaraner vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  13. Spanish Pointer vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  14. Spinone Italiano vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  15. Talbot vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  16. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  17. Weimaraner vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  18. Longhaired Weimaraner vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  19. Samoyed vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  20. Labradoodle vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  21. Mixed vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  22. Old English Sheepdog vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  23. Presa Canario vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  24. Labrador Husky vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  25. Perro de Presa Canario vs Irish Setter - 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