Vizsla vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Vizsla vs Galgo Espanol - Breed ComparisonVizsla is originated from Hungary but Galgo Espanol is originated from Spain. Vizsla may grow 39 cm / 15 inches shorter than Galgo Espanol. Both Vizsla and Galgo Espanol are having almost same weight. Vizsla may live 5 years less than Galgo Espanol. Both Vizsla and Galgo Espanol has almost same litter size. Both Vizsla and Galgo Espanol requires Low maintenance.

History

vizsla - historyThe Hungarian Vizsla or Magyar Vizsla is a hunting dog developed in Hungry. It is the smallest of the pointer-retriever type breeds. They are loyal family dogs and hunt fowl and upland game. It was rare for a hunting dog to also be a companion and family dog, but the Vizsla is. The first time the Vizsla came to the attention of anyone outside its area was 1357 in a publication written for King Louis I of Hungary. They were kept mostly by barons and warlords and preserved without any interbreeding for centuries.

Through all the occupations, revolutions and world wars, the Vizsla survived. Still there were some points in their history where they were almost extinct. In the 1800’s English Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers almost replaced them. After World War II they were almost extinct again with only a dozen or so left in the country.

Breeders across Hungry brought them back again. They were also bred in Serbia, Slovakia, Austria and Romania. They came to the states after the war and quickly were embraced. The Vizsla Club of America was formed so that they could be recognized by the American Kennel Club. This happened in 1960 and the Vizsla quickly became a champion in several AKC specialties.

The Weimaraner, the German Shorthaired Pointers, the Wirehaired Vizsla and other pointers were developed from the Vizsla and then used to re-establish the breed following World War II.

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

vizsla puppy - descriptionThe golden/rust colored Vizsla is easily distinguished from other breed. They are a medium sixed pointer with a lean frame and light on their feet. They have long ears that are silky to the touch and well defined muscular structure. Their nose is a red color blending in with their coat color. Their eyes and nails also blend in with the color of the coat.

For the most part they are some shade of golden-rust, but today there are also some solid rust dogs as well. Officially the coat can be russet gold, copper-brown, or dark sandy gold. It cannot be mahogany red or pale yellow. The coat is dense, smooth, short and without an undercoat. They have docked tails 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

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness yes with socialization

2.Special talents playful and highly intelligent quintuple AKC champion

3.Adaptability high energy need space

4.Learning ability highly intelligent

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

vizsla puppies - health problemsThe Vizsla have few health issues but the ones they do have are quite serious. They include:

• Cancer (Mast cell, Lymphoma and Hemangiosarcoma) – as will most dogs it can be treated but is still likely to kill the dog.

  • Canine epilepsy and seizures. This can be treated.

• Hip dysplasia is rare, but cases have been noted. Can cause lameness and/or arthritis.

• Sebaceous adenitis – rare skin disease found more often in cats or birds than in dogs.

  • Seasonal allergies.
  • Ear Infections

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

vizsla dogs - caringFeeding the puppy This is a very active dog and he need a high calorie diet as a puppy. Feed 4-5 cups in 3-4 smaller meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult Feed the adult high calorie food if you exercise her enough. Feed 3 cups of food twice a day.

3.Points for Good Health stamina, speed and endurance.

4. Exercise They love to run but don’t’ overdo it until they are at least 18 to 24 months old. They stay very playful their entire lives and excel at AKC competitions. They are good at agility, field trials, scent work, obedience, conformation, dock diving, rally, lure coursing, track and 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:
Gun dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Hungary
Spain
Height Male:
25 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
66 - 67 cm
25 - 27 inches
Height Female:
21 - 24 cm
8 - 10 inches
65 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
27 - 29 kg
59 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 30 kg
39 - 67 pounds
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Hungarian Vizsla Hungarian Pointer Magyar Vizsla Yellow Pointers
Spanish Galgo, Galgo, Spanish Greyhound
Colors Available:
red
(brindle),
Coat:
single
Smooth or Rough
Shedding:
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective
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. Vizsla vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  2. Vizsla vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. Vizsla vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  4. Vizsla vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  5. Vizsla vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  6. Vizsla vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  7. Vizsla vs Pudelpointer - Breed Comparison
  8. Vizsla vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  9. Vizsla vs Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Vizsla vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  11. Vizsla vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  12. Vizsla vs Ariege Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Vizsla vs Pont-Audemer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Vizsla vs Irish Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  15. Vizsla vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Vizsla vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  17. Vizsla vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  18. Vizsla vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  19. Vizsla vs Stabyhoun - Breed Comparison
  20. Vizsla vs Styrian Coarse Haired Hound - Breed Comparison
  21. Vizsla vs Large Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  22. Vizsla vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  23. Vizsla vs Cesky Fousek - Breed Comparison
  24. Vizsla vs Drentse Patrijshond - Breed Comparison
  25. Tyrolean Hound vs Vizsla - 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