Toy Australian Shepherd vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison

Toy Australian Shepherd vs Galgo Espanol - Breed ComparisonGalgo Espanol is originated from Spain but Toy Australian Shepherd is originated from United States. Galgo Espanol may grow 31 cm / 13 inches higher than Toy Australian Shepherd. Galgo Espanol may weigh 20 kg / 45 pounds more than Toy Australian Shepherd. Both Galgo Espanol and Toy Australian Shepherd has almost same life span. Both Galgo Espanol and Toy Australian Shepherd has almost same litter size. Galgo Espanol requires Low Maintenance. But Toy Australian Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
undefined
Spain
United States
Height Male:
66 - 67 cm
25 - 27 inches
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
Height Female:
65 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 29 kg
59 - 64 pounds
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
2 - 6
Size:
Large
Small
Other Names:
Spanish Galgo, Galgo, Spanish Greyhound
Aussie, Mini Australian Shepherd
Colors Available:
(brindle),
White with tan, red or blue merle, black
Coat:
Smooth or Rough
Medium length, weather resistant coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

galgo espanolGalgo 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.

toy australian shepherdThese beautiful little dogs interestingly don’t originate in Australia. They were originally bred in the western U.S. as herding dogs.

Today they are mainly companion dogs. Their lineage goes back to a pair of sibling dogs - the Wildhagen Dutchman and Fieldmaster of Flintridge and these two dogs began the lineage to which the Miniature Australian Shepherd belongs.

Known also as ‘Aussie’, there are different stories to its exact origins. It is thought that some Basque farmers brought dogs with them when they came to Australia, taking them to the United States during the 1849 California gold rush.

The dog has been crossed with a number of breeds to bring about a dog that could cope with harsh temperatures.

Description

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.

toy australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Toy Australian Shepherd, also referred to as the Mini- or Miniature Australian Shepherd is a small dog standing at between 26 - 36 cm in height and weighing between 3 to 9kg.

He looks very similar to the standard Australian Shepherd.

He has a medium-length, weather-resistant coat which is white with tan, black, red or blue merle. The coat is long, and slightly wavy with feathering around the legs and neck.

They eyes can be blue or brown or he can have two differently colored eyes.The tail of these dogs can be a natural bobtail or it is docked. They do shed but they don’t require that much grooming.

Temperament:

These playful little dogs may be small, but they are brave and full of courage. They’re also easy going, and love nothing more than to be around their human family.

They love the games that children play and are always ready to join in, making excellent playmates for children. Lively and alert, they also make good watchdogs and because they are so intelligent, they are easy to train and socialize.

Their intelligence means they need to be physically and mentally stimulated otherwise they can become destructive from sheer boredom. They’re full of energy and will require regular exercise every day.

Characteristics

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.

toy australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Toy Australian Shepherd is such a clever little dog and eager to learn too. You won’t have trouble getting him trained and socialized as he is eager to learn.

He bonds closely with his human family, becoming a loyal, devoted pet. They are also great playmates for children. They’re the kind of dogs that will require mental and physical stimulation if they are to to be prevented from becoming bored and frustrated.

They need social interaction with their human family and will be devastated if they were to be stuck in the backyard and all but forgotten.

They have a lifespan of 12 – 14 years and you want to make sure they’re happy, contented years, because he is wiling to play his part and make you a wonderful pet and companion.

Health Problems

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

toy australian shepherd puppies - health problemsMake sure your Toy Australian Shepherd sees the vet as a puppy to be dewormed and to get his first puppy injections.

Dental Disease:

Dental disease is far more serious than you think. It can affect other areas of your dog’s body. Plaque and inflamed gums lead to bone- and tooth loss.

Bad breath is a sign of periodontal disease. Find out from your vet what to do to guard against periodontitis. It’s important because ignoring bad teeth can lead to heart disease, with bacteria constantly entering the blood stream.

Parasites:

Fleas and ticks are your pet’s enemy as well as heartworm. Dogs can die from heartworm infestations. Heartworm is linked to mosquito bites, so if you live in warm areas, check with your vet for preventative measures.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another common dog illness to watch out for. This is a painful condition where the hip joint isn’t formed properly and it can lead to terrible pain and lameness.

Skin Allergies:

Just like people endure endless misery with eczema, dogs too can develop skin allergies. They can create endless frustration and misery for any pet because of the terrible itch and pain. All the licking and scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections too.

Caring The Pet

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.

Diet:

toy australian shepherd dogs - caringYour puppy will need 4 small bowls of food a day. If you’re wondering just how much, either speak to your vet or follow the portion-guide on the packaging of the puppy dog food.

As your puppy grows older, you feed less frequently so that he is getting two meals a day as an adult. For feeding an adult, there are excellent commercial dog foods available - remember to choose a good brand for your dogs age, size and energy levels.

Try and give him some tasty home-made food too from time to time – nothing exotic and spicy – just plain foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Dogs thrive on simple, healthy food like this. Make sure he always has a bowl of cool, fresh water to drink.

Exercise:

These energetic little bundles of fur will need regular exercise – every day in fact. He’s a smart little dog too, so you need to provide him with stimulating games that will keep his mind and his body physically fit.

Grooming:

Reduce shedding and loose hair by brushing the long hair a least twice a week. This will also help to get rid of matting. Trim nails and check for fleas and ticks.

General:

Provide your Toy Australian with a warm, dry, peaceful place to sleep. If he is outside often, make sure he has both sun and shade to lie in as well as a sheltered spot for when it rains.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Galgo Espanol vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Galgo Espanol vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Galgo Espanol vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Galgo Espanol vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Galgo Espanol vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Galgo Espanol vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Galgo Espanol vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Galgo Espanol vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Galgo Espanol vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Galgo Espanol vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Galgo Espanol vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Galgo Espanol vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Galgo Espanol vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Galgo Espanol vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Galgo Espanol vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Galgo Espanol vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Galgo Espanol vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Galgo Espanol vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Galgo Espanol vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Galgo Espanol vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Galgo Espanol vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Galgo Espanol vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Galgo Espanol vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Galgo Espanol vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Galgo Espanol vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Toy Australian Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Toy Australian Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Toy Australian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Toy Australian Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Toy Australian Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Toy Australian Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison