Galgo Espanol vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison

Galgo Espanol vs Cairn Terrier - Breed ComparisonCairn Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Galgo Espanol is originated from Spain. Cairn Terrier may grow 34 cm / 13 inches shorter than Galgo Espanol. Cairn Terrier may weigh 21 kg / 46 pounds lesser than Galgo Espanol. Both Cairn Terrier and Galgo Espanol has same life span. Both Cairn Terrier and Galgo Espanol has almost same litter size. Both Cairn Terrier and Galgo Espanol requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Spain
Height Male:
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
66 - 67 cm
25 - 27 inches
Height Female:
23 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
65 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
27 - 29 kg
59 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Cairn, Toto Dog
Spanish Galgo, Galgo, Spanish Greyhound
Colors Available:
Black, Brindle, Cream, Wheaten, Red, Grey
(brindle),
Coat:
Medium length and wiry
Smooth or Rough
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet, Sweet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

cairn terrierThe Cairn Terrier originates in the Scottish Highlands. This feisty little dog was given the name Cairn, as he used to hunt prey between the Scottish cairns. At first the dog was grouped as a ‘Skye Terrier’way back in the 1900s with the Scottish and West Highland White Terrier. Then the different breeds began to be bred separately.

The name Cairn Terrier didn’t appear in print till 1887. It was in 1912 that the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom recognized the Cairn Terrier.

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.

Description

Temperament:

cairn terrier puppy - descriptionThe small sturdily built working Terrier is intelligent and courageous. Bright-eyed, he is small and active and he just loves to work- and party hard with his human family. You’ll see if you’ve got a ball you want to throw for him, his tail is quivering in anticipation and his ears are erect and alert to any noise. He is smart, independent and courageous.

Coat of Many Colors:

The Cairn Terrier has a tough, weather-resistant coat that can be any color but not white. He has a waterproof double coat – the outer one being wiry while the undercoat is soft. You’ll find the coat in man colours such as grey, black, red and brindle with dark points on the ears and muzzle.

The interesting thing with a Cairn is that when you get a puppy, you can’t be sure what color he will end up being as it changes over the years. The ears are fox-like, small and erect, and the natural medium-to-short tail is held straight out.

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.

Characteristics

cairn terrier dog - characteristicsThe Cairn Terrier is a fearless, jaunty little dog, known for his courageous spirit and inquisitive nature. He may be small, but he is stubborn. He will respond well to training and socialization which will turn him into the most awesome pet for families. He can make a wonderful friend and playmate for children too. Socialization and training ensures he gets on well with other pets in the household too.

He is small and energetic, and therefore not the kind of dog you can ignore in terms of exercise. He’ll need a good walk every day and he just loves to chase a ball as it takes him back to the days when he was used to chasing- and catching mice.

He isn’t your typical lap-dog at all and with the right care he becomes a devoted, loyal and loving companion.

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.

Health Problems

cairn terrier puppies - health problemsThe Cairn Terrier is a robust little dog, and with good care can reach 14 years of age and even older. However, with every dog breed there are some health concerns particular to that breed. With your Cairn Terrier look out for a disease known as Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL).

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL)

Known also as Krabbe Disease, Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a rare but fatal disease. It is caused by a mutation on the dog’s DNA. There is abnormal processing of an enzyme needed for the production of myelin, a substance that protects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The dog is weak, it has tremors and isn’t co-ordinated. The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog more susceptible to GCL.

Bone and joint diseases

Your Cairn Terrier may well suffer with joint diseases. These diseases, such as luxating patella which is about loose knee joints, and hip dysplasia which is a degenerative hip disease, can cause plenty of pain and discomfort for your pet.

Eye Diseases

Glaucoma is an eye disease where there is pressure on the eye, causing inadequate fluid drainage. Without treatment, there can be damage to the optic nerve which can lead to blindness.

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

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

cairn terrier dogs - caringThe Cairn Terrier sheds very little and the coat is easy to groom. Give him a thorough brushing twice a week to rid him of loose hairs. Some trimming will be needed as the coat can become shaggy and unruly.

Brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week to prevent tartar build up that can lead to bacteria, gum disease and possible tooth loss.

Diet:

The Cairn Terrier is small but he is an active dog and therefore needs to be on a high-quality dog food. If you feed him a commercially manufactured food, make sure its appropriate to his age, size and activity levels.

He is a small dog so you want to be careful about not letting him become overweight. Try and alternate his commercially manufactured food with some home-made rice, vegetables and meat and also include some raw meat in from time to time. This is of particular importance as chronic skin allergies are common in all terrier breeds. Make sure that there is always a clean bowl of fresh water available to him day and night.

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.

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. Cairn Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Cairn Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Cairn Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Cairn Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Cairn Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Cairn Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Cairn Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Cairn Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Cairn Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Cairn Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Cairn Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Cairn Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Cairn Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Cairn Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Cairn Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Cairn Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Cairn Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Cairn Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Cairn Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Cairn Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Cairn Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Cairn Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Cairn Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Cairn Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison