Podenco Galego vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Dorkie Terriers originate from the United States of America. The small Dorkie, a cross between the Dachshund and the Yorkshire Terrier has a short history, unlike the two dog breeds that were bred to bring him about.

These dog breeds were both used for hunting small animals but the Dorkie today is essentially a companion dog. The International Designer Canine Association started recording registration of the Dorkie from 2009.

The Galego is an ancient sighthound breed of hunting dog from Spain.

Unfortunately, like most of the Podencos, they have been badly treated in Spain. People who own them have also used them for rabbit hunting.

It is thought that these dogs may have been bred with other sighthounds over the centuries. The dog may well be the most recognized breed in Spain, but its isn’t recognized by the World Canine Organization. There are however breeders wanting to make it an official breed.

The Dorkie is a small hybrid breed standing at 13 – 23cm in height and weighing 2 – 6kg. The Dorkie mostly comes with long, straight hair but there are however Dorkies who have the short hair of the Dachshund.

The Dorkie is hypoallergenic, making them the ideal pet for allergy sufferers. They have floppy ears, a long body and short legs. The tail is long and furry. Most times they come in the Yorkshire Terrier colors of black and tan, but this can also vary.

Temperament:

The Dorkie is a loving, loyal, happy little dog who makes an excellent family dog. Although he isn’t looked upon as your typical lap dog, it is what he is really, as he loves nothing more than to be curling up on your lap or as close to you as he can get.

He loves spending time with his human family and is a social, extrovert kind of dog. Because he is also alert, he will do a good job of alerting his family to danger. He is good with children, but because of his smallness, rough children will need to be careful in rough and tumble games as he could get injured.

Even with a small dog like this, he will need training and socialization otherwise he can become a yapper, which comes from the Dachshund side. Training makes him obedient and relaxed around visitors in the home, and because he is an intelligent breed, he is easy to train and is a great dog for first time dog owners.

The Podenco Galego is a medium sized dog standing at between 42 to 52cm in height and weighing roughly from 10 to 15kg.

The Podenco Galego is similar in appearance to greyhounds, being tall ad slender with short smooth coats There are varieties with longer coats. The dog is lean and agile with bright, intelligent eyes.

The coat is thick and dense and available in a variety of colours which include brindle and white. The ears are erect and the tail long.

Temerament:

Loving and loyal to his human family, it is terrible that this dog that has been so abused by humans should still wag his tail and offer a paw of friendship.

He is a gentle dog that loves to play with children. He is intelligent too and if you train him and have him socialized he can be a pleasure to have around.

He is the kind of dog that can adapt to life in the city or the countryside so long as he is exercised regualarly. He has well developed senses and is an alert dog, active and independent, responding well to training.

Dorkies are easy going little dogs and adapt easily to life in the city or in the country.

Ideally they are inside dogs, feeling happy and content around their human family. They love adults and children and will get on well with other pets in the home too.

They are quite active little dogs and will thrive on games inside the home or outside in the garden. He may be small, but you can put him on a leash and take him for walks.

They make excellent pets and are only too happy to become a devoted and loyal family member of yours.

Your Podenco Galego is an energetic dog who will rely on you to provide him with lots of daily action.

He is a strong willed dog and will do well with a confident firm, patient and consistent owner. He becomes attached to his human owner and he plays well with gentle, kind, respectful children in the home.

He is a quiet dog too that doesn’t irritate with constant barking. He has had a raw deal from the people in Spain but he is still willing to show you what he can offer you – ongoing friendship and love, and that’s a lot more than lots of humans can offer you.

The Dorkie, being a cross-breed, is a healthy dog and with good care can live t be 10 – 13 years of age. Nonetheless he is still prone to genetic problems and he can inherit traits from both parents.

Diet and Obesity:

A healthy diet will be needed to maintain the Dorkie’s health. You don’t want to overfeed your Dorkie, more so because he is a small dog.

The way you feed a dog can have a massive impact on his health and longevity. Just remember that a dog that is obese will battle to exercise, but also obesity can result in serious health problems, putting strain on the bones and joints too.

You don’t want to feed your dog day after day with kibble, and adding in some cooked rice, vegetables and chicken can just give him a more varied diet. Raw meat can also be included from time to time. Always ensure that there is fresh, cool water available to him.

Skin Allergies:

The most common symptoms of an allergy is skin irritation – your pet will be constantly scratching and licking. Some skin conditions with your Dorkie can be cleared up quickly while some might be so severe as to require lifelong treatment.

These dogs are ancient dog breeds not particularly well known outside the Iberian Penninsula. They are strong, robust dogs,resistant to disease. However, they can succumb to some of the more common dog diseases even though they are so resistant to diseases.

With proper care, a Podenco hardly ever gets sick and can live to be 12 – 14 years of age.They also have a low probability of developing degenerative diseases such as hip dysplasia. This is a joint disease common in other breeds.

Skin Allergies

Dogs can get allergies which can be very upsetting for both you and your dog.Your dog scratches and licks and can’t find relief. The most common area affected are the ears, underarms, the eye area, groin and paws. You will need to get your pet to the vet as he can become frantic with the itching and pain.

Diet:

What you feed your pet can play an important role in managing health and skin conditions. Speak to your vet about special quality dog foods that can help reduce skin conditions and other nasty reactions to common, unhealthy food ingredients.

Grooming:

Dorkies are very low maintenance dogs, and they will require a brushing every 2 weeks. Those with longer coats may require some professional grooming. Check their teeth regularly and brush them 2 or 3 times a week. The occasional nail clipping may also be required.

Your Galego is a lean, muscular dog, and he wants lots of exercise. He won’t be content with just a walk every day, but will want ball and frisbee games or joining in with you as you as you go running or jogging.

Diet:

To ensure your dog stays as robust and healthy as he is, make sue he gets quality food. If you do opt to feed him a commercially manufactured dog food, make sure it isn’t one of the low quality foods that are filled with bad ingredients and which can actually make your dog sick.

Apart from a high quality dry kibble, provide him with some tasty homemade food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice and pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach, all chopped up and added into the kibble once in a while will be a wonderful treat for your pet.He will be totally satisfied with this. Try and give him some raw meat occasionally as this helps to stave off irritating skin problems.. Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water close by.

Make sure his vaccinations are up to date.

Provide him with a dry, warm comfortable place to sleep.

Brush him twice a week. Check inside his ears for infections.Trim his nails and look inside his mouth for bad teeth which can play havoc with his health.

Take him to the vet whenever he is sick.