The breeds of dog native to Spain are extremely characteristic of their region, to the point that few are particularly well known anywhere outside of the country’s borders. In spite of their exotic and unusual names, however, many of these breeds deserve to be better known as their characteristics are very similar to the majority of the better-known European breeds.
This is particularly relevant in the case of dog adoption: a number of Spanish breeds, chiefly those used primarily for hunting, are subjected to awful treatment in their homeland and may be found in large numbers on the books of animal charities and humane societies.
Dog breeding in Spain is regulated by the Real Sociedad Canina de España, the Spanish Kennel Club, established in 1911.
Table of Contents
Alano Español
Size: Large
Height: 55-63 cm (22-25 inches)
Weight: 25-40 kg (55-88 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and thick; in brindle, fawn, brindle and black, sable wolf or blue
Life Expectancy: 11-14 years
Type: Guard dog
Personality
Otherwise known as the Spanish Bulldog, the Alano Español takes its name from the now-extinct Alaunt dog that originated in central Asia during the Middle Ages and served as the breeding stock for a number of modern European dog breeds. This fearsome-looking muscular animal has been used for bullfighting, cattle herding or even as a war dog through the years and almost became extinct itself during the 20th Century. In spite of appearances it is a friendly, affectionate and patient breed, good with children and other dogs and noted for its obedience. However, the Alano Español will require a consistent and experienced hand to train and socialise it properly, to curb its natural instinct towards dominance and suspicion of strangers.
Basque Shepherd Dog
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 46-61 cm (18-24 inches) (Gorbeiakoa-type); 46-63 cm (18-25 inches) (Iletsua-type)
Weight: 17-36 kg (37-79 lbs) (Gorbeiakoa); 17-33 kg (37-73 lbs) (Iletsua)
Coat and Colour: Moderately long, smooth and soft (Gorbeiakoa) or rough and coarse (Iletsua); in red or fawn (Gorbeiakoa) or cinnamon or fawn (Iletsua)
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Known in Spain as the Perro de Pastor Vasco, the Basque Shepherd Dog comes in two varieties: the smooth-haired Gorbeiakoa and the rough-haired Iletsua. Basque Shepherd Dogs are popular family pets in their native Basque Country thanks to their gentle and sweet nature as well as their natural ability as watchdogs. They are particularly noted for being very good with children. As with most dogs of this type, Basque Shepherds require plenty of daily exercise for both body and mind.
Bichon Frisė
Size: Small
Height: 23-28 cm (9-11 inches)
Weight: 6-11 kg (11-24 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium length silky curls; in solid white
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Type: Toy dog
Personality
Although the Bichon Frisė is more commonly associated with France, where the breed was refined into the lap dog that is a familiar sight today, it in fact originated in the Canary Islands where – believe it or not – it was employed as a herding dog. Today’s Bichon Frisė is more likely to look like a sheep than to herd one: they are cheerful, friendly, affectionate and gentle little dogs. However, caution must be taken when leaving them in the company of young children as this breed can also be rather sensitive and prickly – any rough treatment is likely to be admonished with displays of snappy aggression.
Burgos Pointer
Size: Large
Height: 59-67 cm (23-26 inches)
Weight: 25-30 kg (55-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, smooth and bushy; in brown or brown mottled
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Bred for hunting deer and small game in the Burgos province of Castille, the Burgos Pointer is a hardy, gentle and quiet dog whose level-headedness means they are rarely startled. Burgos Pointers are intelligent, calm, docile and loyal creatures who are noted for their friendliness and ease of training. Such is their efficiency and skill in the hunt that they are rarely kept as family pets, but such is the excellence of their temperament that there is no reason they couldn’t be. However, anyone wishing to take on a Burgos Pointer should be aware that they require a large amount of daily exercise out in the open: this breed is particularly unsuited for urban living.
Ca de Bou
Size: Very large
Height: 52-58 cm (20-23 inches)
Weight: 30-38 kg (66-84 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and rough; in brindle, fawn or black
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Mastiff
Personality
Also known as the Mallorcan Mastiff, this fierce-looking and muscular dog is a popular guard dog in their homeland. In spite of their appearance, however, Ca de Bou are in fact known for their calm, patient and gentle demeanour. They are very friendly and affectionate towards their owners and love to spend time with children. However, this breed tends to be a lot more solitary than other dogs and do not particularly enjoy spending time with other animals. They are also naturally wary of strangers which, combined with their size, can become a problem. As such they are not recommended for inexperienced owners.
Ca Mè Mallorqui
Size: Medium
Height: 45-60 cm (18-24 inches)
Weight: 15-23 kg (33-51 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth; in black, brown, orange, lemon, or bicoloured or tricoloured with white
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
The Ca Mè Mallorqui is one of a number of Spanish breeds that are not recognised by either the Spanish Kennel Club or any international equivalents, but have been officially acknowledged by the Spanish government as an indigenous breed. They are mainly kept as hunting dogs in their homeland and rarely ever as pets. As hunting with dogs declines, so has the number of Ca Mè Mallorqui dogs: it is now one of the rarest breeds in Spain.
Ca Rater Mallorqui
Size: Very small
Height: 29-36 cm (11-14 inches)
Weight: 3-5 kg (7-11 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in black and tan, brown or tan or tricolour with white
Life Expectancy: 15-17 years
Personality
Also known as the Ratonero Mallorquín, this tiny dog is a tenacious ratting terrier that originated on the island of Mallorca. They are typical terriers; curious, lively and playful dogs who are particularly set apart by their independence and stubborn determination. Prospective owners who are confident they will be able to keep up with this breed’s energy will be rewarded with a hardy, friendly and outgoing family pet.
Can de Palleiro
Size: Very large
Height: 57-65 cm (22-26 inches)
Weight: 25-38 kg (55-84 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in sand, cinnamon, grizzle, brown or black
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
This sizeable breed originates from the autonomous northwestern region of Galicia where they were originally kept as shepherd dogs. As is the case with many larger dogs, the Can de Palleiro are in fact gentle giants: faithful, intelligent and level-headed dogs who very rarely ever show aggression and are very trainable – a fact which has seen this breed adopted as both a police dog and a guide dog.
Carea Leonės
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 45-58 cm (18-23 inches)
Weight: 14-32 kg (30-70 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth and short to moderate and wavy; in black, dark liver, or merle with white and/or tan
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
A shepherd dog originating from the northwestern region of León, the Carea Leonės exhibits many of the traditional traits associated with a sheepdog. They are alert, very intelligent and extremely trainable. Eager to please their owners, this breed loves to work and have a job to do at all times. They make fine family pets, provided their owners are able to meet this breed’s very high demand for exercise and mental stimulation.
Catalan Sheepdog
Size: Medium
Height: 45-55 cm (17-19 inches)
Weight: 20-27 kg (45-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and slightly curled; in any colour, combination or pattern
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
This hairy sheepdog has been growing in popularity as a pet in recent years. They are cheerful, affectionate and intelligent dogs who are keen to please and easy to train. As befits their breeding, they are also alert, protective and courageous dogs who can turn their skills to more or less any task that needs to be done. The only downsides to this breed come from its high demands: it requires plenty of regular physical and mental exercise, in addition to regular grooming.
Galgo Español
Size: Medium
Height: 64-66 cm (25-26 inches)
Weight: 23-29 kg (60-65 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth or rough; in any colour, pattern or combination
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Sighthound
Personality
Otherwise known as the Spanish Greyhound, the Galgo is a charming family pet. Calm, quiet and gentle, like most greyhounds the Galgo is also extremely laid-back and happy to spend most of their day dozing on the sofa. Their relaxed attitude extends towards children and other animals, particularly cats. As with the majority of greyhounds, Galgos require less exercise than other dogs their size, favouring short bursts of high-intensity running and play rather than long walks.
Galgos are particularly poorly-treated dogs, with many Spanish hunters killing or simply abandoning them at the end of each hunting season. As such, European dog shelters quickly fill up with the breed and they are well-worth keeping an eye out for if you are keen to adopt.
Gos Rater Valenciana
Size: Small
Height: 29-40 cm (11-16 inches)
Weight: 4-8 kg (9-18 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in white, black and tan or white, brown and tan tricolour, or white and brown bicolour
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Personality
Otherwise known as the Valencian Terrier, this small dog is a ratter originating from the east coast of Spain. They are tenacious hunters, brave to the point of recklessness, but also lively, happy and friendly characters who possess a great deal of intelligence and are very trainable for a terrier. They make for fine, if spirited, family pets although they are considered unsuitable for homes where there are other animals.
Ibizan Hound
Size: Medium
Height: 60-72 cm (24-28 inches)
Weight: 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short to medium length; in red and white
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Sighthound/Warren hound
Personality
The distinctive-looking Ibizan Hound originates from the Balearic Islands, where it is used both for hunting and also clearing underground burrows and warrens. They are active, intelligent and sociable creatures who are known for their clownish behaviour and their problem-solving abilities. This can create problems for owners who leave their dog alone for extended periods of time, with the Ibizan Hound being a spirited and creative escape artist. These independent and stubborn dogs need plenty of regular exercise, too, but reward their owner with their sweet nature and comic antics.
Mallorcan Shepherd Dog
Size: Very large
Height: 62-73 cm (24½-29 inches)
Weight: 34-40 kg (75-90 lbs)
Coat and Colour: short double coat; in solid black
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Type: Herding dog/Livestock guardian
Personality
Also known as the Majorca Shepherd, these imposing black dogs make outstanding guard dogs but rather demanding pets. They are intensely loyal, protective and courageous and are known for their aggression in defending their territory. As such, they are not recommended for houses with young children, other pets or for inexperienced handlers. This breed has a great deal of energy and needs a lot of daily exercise in open areas.
Maneto
Size: Small
Height: 30-35 cm (12-14 inches)
Weight: 8.5-11.5 kg (19-25 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth; in cinnamon or cinnamon and white
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Hunting dog
Personality
Otherwise known as the Podenco Maneto, this short-legged dog is native to the Andalucia region where it is used to hunt small game and birds. The Maneto’s name comes from the Spanish word for any kind of deformity to the hands or legs. Possessed of a very strong-willed temperament, this dog suffers a little from “Small Man Syndrome” and is very keen to impose their personality on other dogs. As such, a Maneto needs plenty of good early socialisation to prevent this from becoming a problem. However, they will reward owners with their distinctive character and clownish nature.
Pachón Navarro
Size: Medium
Height: 48-60 cm (19-24 inches)
Weight: 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in any colour, pattern or combination
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
This distinctive droopy-faced hunting dog belies its rather miserable appearance with its kind, affectionate and playful character. They are very loyal to their masters but also very good with children, strangers and other animals. As is the case with most gun dogs, the Pachón Navarro is an energetic breed and requires plenty of daily exercise out in the open. This breed is not considered suitable for small homes or urban living.
Pastor Garafiano
Size: Large
Height: 55-70 cm (22-27½ inches)
Weight: 24-40 kg
Coat and Colour: Medium to long; in tawny
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Type: Herding dog/Livestock guardian
Personality
A breed of sheepdog native to La Palma in the Canary Islands, the Pastor Garafiano is an active, docile and friendly dog with particularly high intelligence. While they are naturally suspicious of strangers, they will quickly warm up to anyone they meet who treats them with kindness and respect. Pastor Garafianos need plenty of regular physical and mental exercise and tend not to suit living in built-up areas.
Perdigueiro Galego
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 50-60 cm (20-24 inches)
Weight: 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and dense; in mottled bicolour or tricolour with chestnut, orange, cinnamon, black or white. Solid brown, yellow or black also possible
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Another dog not recognised by any international kennel club but acknowledged as an indigenous breed by the Spanish government, this rare pointing-type dog originated in the autonomous Galicia region in northwestern Spain where it is mainly used to hunt game birds and small mammals. They are extremely adept hunters, with a strong prey drive, plenty of courage and a rather fierce nature that means they are rarely kept as pets.
Perro Majorero
Size: Very large
Height: 56-66 cm (22-26 inches)
Weight: 34-40 kg (75-88 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth; in solid black
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Livestock guardian
Personality
This imposing breed originated in Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, where it is used as a cattle dog, farm dog and a livestock guardian. The Perro Majorero is a very independent breed, used to spending its time alone without much input from anyone else. However, when brought into the home they are calm and affectionate dogs who are generally very good around children. Their natural suspicion of strangers can at times express itself in territorial or even aggressive behaviour, however, so good training and socialisation is a must: particularly considering this breed’s size and strength.
Podenco Andaluz
Size: Small/Medium
Height: 35-42 cm (14-17 inches) (Small); 43-53 cm (17-21 inches) (Medium); 56-64 cm (21-25 inches) (Large)
Weight: 5-11 kg (11-24 lbs) (Small); 10-22 kg (22-49 lbs) (Medium); 21-33 kg (46-73 lbs) (Large)
Coat and Colour: Smooth, wire-haired or long-haired; in red and white
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Warren hound
Personality
An Andalusian warren hound bred to clear burrows and warrens, the Podenco Andaluz comes in three distinct sizes, with larger dogs also used to hunt animals as large as deer. They are energetic, playful and intelligent dogs who are very loyal to their families but can be a little aloof with strangers. They are particularly known for their clownish natures and are not a dog who likes to be left on their own for long periods, as mischief will almost inevitably ensue.
Sadly, this breed is another of the most abandoned and mistreated in Spain and well worth looking out for if you are keen to adopt a dog from the continent.
Podenco Canario
Size: Medium
Height: 55-64 cm (21-25 inches)
Weight: 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in chocolate, red or yellow with white, brown or tan markings
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Type: Sighthound/Warren hound
Personality
A warren hound that originated in the Canary Islands, where it is still used to hunt rabbits in packs. They are alert, eager and energetic dogs who are extremely affectionate with their families, although their high prey drive makes them unsuitable for people who already have other animals. Their gentle and non-aggressive nature means they are good with children but stand-offish with strangers.
Sadly, this breed is another of the most abandoned and mistreated in Spain and well worth looking out for if you are keen to adopt a dog from the continent.
Presa Canario
Size: Giant
Height: 56-66 cm (22-26 inches)
Weight: 40-65 kg (90-145 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in brindle with a black mask
Life Expectancy: 9-11 years
Type: Guard dog/Fighting dog
Personality
Also known as the Canary Mastiff and sometimes by its old name, the Dogo Canario, this huge muscular breed originated on the island of Gran Canaria. They are balanced, level-headed and self-assured dogs who are obedient, docile and friendly towards people they know but can be very suspicious and alert around strangers. As such, this dog requires consistent and experienced handling so this does not develop into a problem.
Pyrenean Mastiff
Size: Giant
Height: 71-77 cm (28-30 inches)
Weight: 63.5-82 kg (140-180 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium to long; in white with patches of darker colours
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Type: Livestock guardian
Personality
This gigantic dog is a gentle giant; calm, friendly and very intelligent. They are aware of their size and superior strength and able to adjust their approach when dealing with children and other dogs. Generally extremely good natured, they are suspicious and diligent when dealing with strangers, with whom they will stand their ground and never back away. As a result, this breed requires sure, confident and experienced handlers to ensure this never develops into a problem. With good training and socialisation, the Pyrenean Mastiff makes an excellent family pet for those with enough space.
Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz
Size: Small
Height: 35-43 cm (14-17 inches)
Weight: 5-10 kg (11-22 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in white, black and tan tricolour
Life Expectancy: 14-18 years
Personality
This dog’s name helpfully translates as “Andalusian wine cellar rat-hunting dog”, an accurate description of both its origin and breeding. They are lively, friendly, playful and energetic dogs who like to spend time with other dogs and love children. However, their strong prey drive means they are unsuitable for households where there are other small animals. They need plenty of regular play and exercise to stop them getting into mischief, but make excellent family pets.
Sabueso Español
Size: Small
Height: 48-57 cm (18-22 inches)
Weight: 9.5-10.5 kg (21½-23½ lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, smooth and glossy; in white with lemon, orange, red or brown patches
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
Otherwise known as the Spanish Hound, this breed originates in the northernmost areas of the Iberian peninsula. It is very much a specialised hunting dog and almost exclusively kept just for that purpose, rather than as a pet or companion animal. This is unfortunate, as abandoned Sabuesos fill Spanish dog shelters and are not adopted as it is believed they can’t adapt to family life. In fact, they are very affectionate people-pleasers who can do very well in non-urban environments. They retain their hunting instincts and need plenty of exercise, but their loving nature will reward anyone who takes the chance to bring them into their family.
Spanish Mastiff
Size: Giant
Height: 65-85 cm (26-33 inches)
Weight: 40-80 kg (88-176 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in fawn with a black mask or brindle
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Type: Livestock guardian
Personality
These gigantic dogs are aloof, calm and intelligent animals who are devoted to their people and with good socialisation will also accept strangers. However, care needs to be taken around dogs and other animals, as the Spanish Mastiff prefers the company of humans. With careful, consistent and experienced handling, it can make an excellent family pet, in spite of its huge size.
Spanish Water Dog
Size: Medium
Height: 40-50 cm (16-20 inches)
Weight: 14-22 kg (31-49 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium to long and woolly; in black, beige, brown, or white bicolour
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Type: Water dog
Personality
These characterful and woolly dogs are intelligent, loyal and affectionate, possessing strong herding instincts and a very protective nature, both of which can be tempered with good training and socialisation. They tend to view themselves as the guardians of their homes and people, and will be wary of strangers although rarely overly aggressive towards them. With good early socialisation, SWDs make excellent family pets.
Villano de Las Encartaciones
Size: Large
Height: 56-66 cm (22-26 inches)
Weight: 29.5-38.5 kg (65-85 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in brindle
Life Expectancy: 9-11 years
Type: Livestock guardian
Personality
Another indigenous breed that is recognised by Spanish law rather than by any national or international Kennel Club, this large working dog originates in the Bay of Biscay area of the Basque Country. It is variously used for guarding livestock or hunting wild animals and is extremely rare, to the point of being critically endangered. They are brave, courageous and protective dogs who are mainly used as working animals rather than kept as pets.
Villanuco de Las Encartaciones
Size: Small
Height: 30-40 cm (12-16 inches)
Weight: 5-8.5 kg (11-19 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and fine; in black and white, black and tan, black and cinnamon, white and cinnamon or tricoloured
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Personality
A ratting terrier that originates in the Basque Country, the Villanuco de Las Encartaciones is another dog that is recognised by Spanish law rather than as a breed by any kennel club. It is also critically endangered, with fewer than 50 known examples of the breed in 2009. They are energetic, spirited and intelligent dogs with a strong prey drive and an innate alertness that also makes them good watchdogs.