With their striking ears, slender frames and lively personalities, Podencos are winning hearts as more people discover these remarkable dogs.
They may look like a cross between a greyhound and a fox, but Podencos have a history and a personality all their own.
My introduction to this breed was during a house-sitting holiday in Manchester, UK in 2022.
The family owned two Podencos, Apollo and Luna, and I have to admit at first the size and strength of the dogs, particularly Apollo who is a larger male, made me wonder how I would manage to walk them.
I quickly found them to be very obedient and loving companions and while they love exercise and outdoor adventures, Podencos are also content to curl up somewhere comfortable after an active day.
Originating in Spain and surrounding Mediterranean regions, Podencos are a group of ancient hunting dogs which include the Podenco Ibicenco, or Ibizan Hound, the Podenco Andaluz and the Podenco Canario, each with its own distinctive characteristics.
Developed to hunt rabbits and small game, these dogs relied on their exceptional hearing, sense of smell and speed to locate prey in challenging terrain.
Their athletic build, long legs and large, upright ears are among their most recognisable features, while their short or wiry coats come in a range of colours.
Behind their elegant appearance is a clever, energetic dog that can also make a devoted family companion – this is certainly true of Apollo and Luna who are much loved family members.
Podencos are intelligent, alert and affectionate, although their independent nature reflects generations of working alongside hunters.
They enjoy exploring, playing and spending time with their people, but need patient, consistent training.
Their strong hunting instincts mean they can be easily distracted by wildlife, making secure fencing and lead control important considerations for prospective owners.
However, the breed also has a less fortunate side to its story.
In parts of Spain, Podencos have traditionally been used for hunting, and animal welfare organisations report some dogs are abandoned or surrendered when they are no longer wanted for work.
Rescue groups, including international organisations, help find homes for these dogs.
Both Apollo and Luna were adopted from one of these groups and their owners often take part in marches to raise awareness of the plight of these dogs.
Adopting a rescue Podenco can be a wonderful experience, but understanding the individual dog’s history, temperament and exercise requirements is essential.
In Australia there are a small number of breeders but bringing a dog from Spain is a strict, multi-step biosecurity process that takes six to eight months and can cost between $8,000 to $30,000.
