Spain is a rich and diverse country in gastronomy, traditions, and customs. Its flora and fauna are also surprising. The landscapes change from north to south and from east to west. What many people don't know is that we even have several native dog breeds. Dogs that are from here. That's why today is a good opportunity to introduce them to those who don't know them.
The Real Sociedad Canina de España (Royal Canine Society of Spain), founded in 1911, aims to preserve, promote, and improve purebred dogs for herding, guarding, defense, racing, work, companionship, harassing, and hunting, and, in general, all canine breeds. As well as the acclimatization and development in Spain of various dog breeds of foreign origin, both for utility and show.
The RSCE classifies Spanish dog breeds into eight categories. Today we present them to you so you can enjoy learning about the wonderful dogs we have made in Spain.
1. Herding Dogs and Cattle Dogs
As expected from their definition, these types of dogs are loyal and intelligent, as their traditional use has been herding and defense. The Mallorcan Shepherd Dog, the Majorero, the Basque Shepherd Dog, and the Garafiano are the examples that make up this group.
2. Pinscher and Schnauzer Type Dogs, Molossoid Breeds, and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
These dogs are strong and somewhat intimidating in appearance to strangers, although once known, they are noble, loyal, intelligent, affectionate, and gentle. Generally, all of them have a deep bark. The members of this group are the Spanish Mastiff, the Pyrenean Mastiff, the Majorca Mastiff, the Canary Mastiff, and the Spanish Alano.
3. Terriers
Spanish terriers are usually restless, with a very expressive and intelligent gaze. Alert, tenacious, brave. But also loyal, cheerful, friendly, with a great capacity for adaptation and always ready to hunt any rodent. Proof of this are its two exponents: the Andalusian Ratonero Bodeguero and the Valencian Ratonero.
4. Spitz Type and Primitive Type Dogs
These dogs are brave, nervous, and dynamic. They revere their owner. They are well-proportioned and energetic. Rabbit hunting is their specialty, and in the case of the Maneto, it's partridges and quails. In addition to the Maneto, this group consists of the Canary Podenco, the Andalusian Podenco, and the Ibizan Hound.
5. Scent Hounds, Trailing Dogs, and Related Breeds
The Spanish Hound is the sole member of this category. It has been known in our country since the Late Middle Ages and appears in numerous works by classical authors. Generally, it was used as a trailing dog for small game, but its affectionate and gentle nature, as well as its beautiful physique, make it an increasingly desired companion dog.
6. Pointing Dogs
These dogs are balanced and calm, making them great pointers, especially suitable for hunting fur and feathered game. They are sweet, noble, intelligent, and docile. Good examples of this are the Burgos Pointer and the Pachón Navarro.
7. Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs
Their existence in the Peninsula is ancient. Their largest population is found in Andalusia as shepherd dogs, and for centuries they have been known as "Turco" dogs. Their physical characteristics and the peculiar conformation of their coat adapt to the changing regime of flooding and drought in the marshes, as does their function as a shepherd dog and helper for aquatic hunters and fishermen. The Spanish Water Dog is the best example.
8. Sighthounds
They are probably the best-known Spanish dogs. And not because they are currently in fashion, but because already in ancient times, the Romans knew the wonderful Spanish Greyhound. To learn more about them, don't miss the article we dedicated to them some time ago.
Any ARISTOPETERS in the house who share their life with one of these wonderful ARISTODOGS? Tell us on our social media!