Galgo Espanol vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison

Galgo Espanol vs American English Coonhound - Breed ComparisonAmerican English Coonhound is originated from United States but Galgo Espanol is originated from Spain. Both American English Coonhound and Galgo Espanol are having almost same height. Both American English Coonhound and Galgo Espanol are having almost same weight. American English Coonhound may live 3 years less than Galgo Espanol. American English Coonhound may have more litter size than Galgo Espanol. Both American English Coonhound and Galgo Espanol requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
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United States
Spain
Height Male:
56 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
66 - 67 cm
25 - 27 inches
Height Female:
23 - 65 cm
9 - 26 inches
65 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 27 kg
55 - 60 pounds
27 - 29 kg
59 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
12 - 13
6 - 8
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Coonhound, English Coonhound
Spanish Galgo, Galgo, Spanish Greyhound
Colors Available:
Black and white ticked, blue ticked, red with black and white tick
(brindle),
Coat:
hard, sleek
Smooth or Rough
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet, Sweet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

american english coonhoundThe American English Coonhound was developed in the Southern part of the United States from the variety of English hunting dogs that came to the States with the early settlers. At one point they were known as the Virginia Hound. This breed is well known for its prowess in hunting raccoons and her endurance and speed. Of course as a hound dog he loves to howl during the hunt and at home with the family. He can be frustrated and destructive if his energy and need for a job are not satisfied.

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

american english coonhound puppy - descriptionThe American English Coonhound is an athlete with a deep chest and cute face. They have broad heads, domed skulls, dark eyes and soft, low ears. They are as fast and athletic as they look. These are highly athletic dogs with long legs and a slim but muscular body. They are so well built for their hunting role, that any deficiencies are quickly identified and bred out of the breed.

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

american english coonhound dog - characteristicsThe American English Coonhound knows how to relax just as much as he knows how to work. He is mellow after work and tenacious in the chase. This is not the dog for a first-time owner. They are stubborn and hard to train. They howl and bark at home as much as they do on the hunt. They need a strong pack leader, especially when living in the city or neighborhoods.

They are outgoing and friendly and very sensitive. They mature later than most other breeds their size. They are about 2 when they mature.

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

american english coonhound puppies - health problemsIf kept active and happy, the American English Coonhound has very few health problems. The benefit from a large gen pool but do have some health concerns including elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, cataracts, bloat, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. They do have a tendency to gain weight as they age. These issues will be addressed in more detail below. DNA testing is available for the dysplasia and eye issues.

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

Feeding

american english coonhound dogs - caringyour working American English Coonhound needs different food than one who is not working. So, if you hunt with your dog remember he really needs the calories to keep his energy up. However, they can get obese as they age so cut back with less activity and more years. Watch the number of treats when training.

Health issues mentioned earlier include

Elbow and Hip Dysplasia – the joint issues prevent the bones from connecting and functioning properly. Any good breeder of American English Coonhounds will do tests for both.

Eye issues range from cataracts to PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) Again there are tests available for these conditions.

Bloat is a condition many medium to large size dogs can experience when their stomach can become inverted and intestines distended. The is a situational issue and can’t be predicted. Don’t allow your coonhound to wolf down food right before exercise and feed him more than once a day in a smaller meal.

Exercise and games

The American English Coonhound needs a lot of exercise and has an extremely strong work and prey drive.

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

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