Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Galgo Espanol - Breed ComparisonSchweizer Niederlaufhund is originated from Switzerland but Galgo Espanol is originated from Spain. Schweizer Niederlaufhund may grow 24 cm / 9 inches shorter than Galgo Espanol. Schweizer Niederlaufhund may weigh 14 kg / 30 pounds lesser than Galgo Espanol. Both Schweizer Niederlaufhund and Galgo Espanol has almost same life span. Both Schweizer Niederlaufhund and Galgo Espanol has almost same litter size. Both Schweizer Niederlaufhund and Galgo Espanol requires Low maintenance.

History

schweizer niederlaufhund - historyOriginating in Switzerland, the Schweizer Niederlaufhund was established around 1900, when hunting became restricted to districts. The Swiss hunter needed a slower dog for the limited territory they could hunt in. Crossing selected Schweizer Laufhunds with Basset Hounds and other selected smaller, short legged hounds developed the Schweizer Niederlaufhund. By 1905 there was already a Schweizer Niederlaufhund Club.

The Niederlaufhund became one of the best hunting dogs in the world, with its powerful body and ability to outhunt the Laufhund in tracking big game. Slower of course than the Laufhund it has a great sense of smell and an ability to easily find wounded animals. There are a few varieties, just like with the Swiss Hound again mostly because of their coloring. The Luzerner Niederlaufhund, the Jura Neiderlaufhund, and the Schwyzerlaufhund. They have musical voices that they use to communicate with the hunters and each other as well as that amazing sense of smell. They can hunt for hours without tiring and without much information from the hunter.

They are a cross breed not recognized by the larger kennel club such as the AKC and the UKC. They are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the American Canine Association Inc. (ACA) and most importantly by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). This last one is important because it could lead to recognition as a new breed by the UKC and the AKC.

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

schweizer niederlaufhund puppy - descriptionThe Schweizer Niederlaufhund is a medium size, short dog. They look like their cousins, the Schweizer Laufhund but smaller. Their body is just slightly longer than it is tall, so you are left with the impression of a mostly square dog. The Niederlaufhund is well put together, with strong legs, a noble head, long droopy ears, broad chest, and a low held tail.

The Small Lucerne Hound has a white cote with smooth speckles of black or gray making them appear to be blue.

The Small Bernese Hound has a tricolor coat of white, tan and black. There are tan marks on the eyebrows. There is a wire haired Small Bernese as well. He has a short beard.

The Small Schwyz Hound is smooth coated in white with orange or yellow-red patches. The wired haired version is extinct.

The Small Jura Hound is a single coated dog with a black coat and tan marking above his eyes as eyebrows as well. He might have some white as well.

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

schweizer niederlaufhund dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness – yes, they are but use caution around small children and small prey.

2. Special talents – the breed exhibits and amazing sense of smell.

3. Adaptability - needs room to run and explore – is very frustrated when confined.

4. Learning ability – highly intelligent and eager to learn.

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

schweizer niederlaufhund puppies - health problemsThe Niederlaufhund Is prone to a very medical issues to keep an eye on. They include:

• Hip Dysplasia – This comes from hip joints that are not well formed and cause reduced mobility and pain. Parents can be tested before the dogs are bred to make sure their hips are good, and that dysplasia will not be passed to puppies. This dysplasia can cause arthritis and even lameness.

• Ear Infections – With long drooping ears it is easy for the dog to acquire ear infections. This is even more so for a hunting dog like the Niederlafhund. It is important to clean the dog’s ears on a regular basis.

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

schweizer niederlaufhund dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - give 1 cup per day of high quality dog food divided into 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – give one and one half cups of high quality dog food divided into 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina

4. Games and Exercises – needs a lot of daily exercise and loves field trials, running and activities like barn hunt.

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:
Hound dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Switzerland
Spain
Height Male:
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
66 - 67 cm
25 - 27 inches
Height Female:
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
65 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
27 - 29 kg
59 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 18 kg
13 - 40 pounds
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
6 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Small Swiss Hound.
Spanish Galgo, Galgo, Spanish Greyhound
Colors Available:
mostly white with orange, tri color, mostly white with black, black with tan
(brindle),
Coat:
smooth or coarse
Smooth or Rough
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low 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. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  27. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Pharaoh Hound - Breed Comparison
  28. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  29. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  30. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  31. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  32. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Redbone Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  33. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  34. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  35. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  36. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  38. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Santal Hound - Breed Comparison
  39. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  42. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  43. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  44. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Podenco Canario - Breed Comparison
  45. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  46. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  47. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  48. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Podenco Andaluz - Breed Comparison
  49. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison
  50. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds