Spain is a rich and diverse country when it comes to gastronomy, traditions, and customs. Its flora and fauna are also remarkable. The landscapes change from north to south and from east to west. What many people do not know is that we even have several native dog breeds. Dogs that originate here. That is why today is a good opportunity to introduce them to those who do not know them.
The Royal Canine Society of Spain, founded in 1911, aims to preserve, promote, and improve purebred dogs for herding, guarding, defense, racing, work, companionship, tracking, and hunting, and, in general, all dog breeds. It also aims to acclimatize and develop in Spain the various dog breeds of foreign origin, both working and show breeds.
The RSCE classifies Spanish dog breeds into eight categories. Today we present them so that you can enjoy discovering the wonderful dogs we have made in Spain.
1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs
As might be expected from their definition, these dogs are loyal and intelligent, as they have traditionally been used for herding and defense. The Majorcan Shepherd Dog, the Majorero, the Basque Shepherd Dog, and the Garafian Shepherd Dog are the breeds in this group.
2. Pinscher and Schnauzer Type, Molossoid and Mountain Type, and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
Estos perros son fuertes y de apariencia algo intimidante a ojos de los desconocidos, aunque cuando se les conoce son nobles, fieles, inteligentes, cariñosos y mansos. Por lo general, todos ellos son de ladrido profundo. Los integrantes de este grupo son el mastín español, el mastín del Pirineo, el dogo mallorquín, el dogo canario y el alano español.
3. Terriers
Spanish terriers are usually restless, with very expressive and intelligent eyes. Alert, tenacious, brave. But also loyal, cheerful, friendly, highly adaptable, and always ready to hunt any rodent. Their two representatives are proof of this: the Andalusian Ratonero Bodeguero and the Valencian Ratonero.
4. Spitz and Primitive-type Dogs
These dogs are brave, nervous, and energetic. They adore their owner. They are well-proportioned and vigorous. Rabbit hunting is their specialty, while the Maneto is also used to hunt partridges and quail. In addition to the Maneto, this group includes the Canarian Podenco, Andalusian Podenco, and Ibizan Hound.
5. Scenthounds, Scent-tracking Dogs, and Related Breeds
El sabueso español es el único integrante de esta categoría. Es conocido en nuestro país desde la Baja Edad Media y aparece en numerosas obras de autores clásicos. Por lo general se le utilizaba como perro de rastro de caza menor, pero su carácter cariñoso y manso, así como su hermosa fisonomía hacen de él un perro cada vez más deseado como perro para compartir la vida.
6. Pointers
These dogs are balanced and calm, making them excellent pointing dogs, especially suited to hunting furred and feathered game. They are gentle, noble, intelligent, and docile. The Burgos pointer and the Pachón Navarro are good examples of this.
7. Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs
Their existence on the Iberian Peninsula dates back to ancient times. Their largest population is found in Andalusia, where they serve as herding dogs, and for centuries they have been known as “Turkish” dogs. Their physique and the distinctive structure of their coat are adapted to the marshes’ changing cycles of flooding and drought, as is their role as herding dogs and assistants to waterfowl hunters and fishermen. The Spanish water dog is the finest example.
8. Sighthounds
They are probably the best-known Spanish dogs. Not because they are fashionable now, but because the Romans already knew the wonderful Spanish greyhound in ancient times. To learn more about them, don’t miss the article we dedicated to them some time ago.
Any ARISTOPETER in the room who shares their life with one of these wonderful ARISTODOGS? Tell us on our social media!