Podenco Canario (Canarian Warren Hound)
The Podenco Canario, indigenous to the Canary Islands is a hunting dog, mainly used for tracking down rabbits. This slender-bodied, medium sized, athletic breed is characterized by a longish, wedge-shaped head, big pointed ears, small-sized almond-shaped eyes, prominent muzzle, long, muscular neck, straight and strong back, as well as a pointed, curved tail which is generally hanging, but attains a sickle shape rising to its back when it gets excited. Its great hunting skills, as well as friendly nature, makes it a great house pet.
Podenco Canario Pictures
- Canarian Warren Hound
- Canary Islands Warren Hound
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- Podenco Canario Pictures
- Podenco Canario Puppies
- Podenco Canario
Quick Information
Other names | Canarian Warren Hound, Canary Islands Warren Hound |
Coat | Short and dense |
Color | Red, white, combination of red, white and brown |
Type | Purebred |
Group | Hounds, Sighthounds |
Size | Medium |
Lifespan/ Life Expectancy | 11 to13 years |
Height | 21-25 inches |
Weight | 44 to 55 lb |
Litter size | Approximately 6 |
Behavioral Characteristics | Playful, gentle, enthusiastic, smart |
Good with children | Yes when raised with them |
Barking | Rarely |
Shedding (Does it shed) | Average |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Competitive Registration Qualification/ Information | FCI, UKC |
Country | Canary Islands, Spain |
Video of Podenco Canario
History
Podenco Canario is said to be in the list of ancient canines that may be the descendants of the Egyptian and African breeds which were found along the coastal regions of Iberian Peninsula. Certain sources stated that it existed for over 7000 years, though its presence in the Canary Islands has been recorded only 500 years back. Since the time it developed it had been used for hunting rabbits which were considered to be a pest by the people dwelling in this island. Since the population of the rabbits did not decline much even after they were hunted, the utility of this breed reduced to a great extent. Being a rare breed it has attained recognition from the Spanish Kennel Club, FCI, and UKC (sighthound), though AKC has not acknowledged it yet.
Temperament
Though they have high energy levels and are also playful, the Podenco Canario is quiet and calm. They would bond well with the members of their family and even share a good rapport with children provided especially if brought up with them. They have a reserved attitude with strangers, warning their masters by barking at the sight of an intruder, a quality that makes them a good watchdog. Though they may mingle with other canines of the family mainly if socialized to deal with them, it is better not to keep these dogs alongside smaller pets since they have a high prey drive.
Care
Exercise
These smart dogs require a lot of physical and mental activities, lest they may get bored, resorting to destructive activities. They thrive well in households with a big, spacious yard, rather than apartments. If not put on any hunting job, you need to take it on a long walk at least twice a day. It may even accompany you for jogging. However, make sure you leash it, or it may be on the run the moment it sees a rabbit or any other small game.
Grooming
Being an average shedder, it needs to be brushed on a weekly or bi-weekly basis using a bristled brush or even rub it with a chamois to maintain the shine of its skin. Other hygiene measures include cleaning its ears and eyes using a damp cloth, brushing its teeth as well as trimming its nails.
Health Problems
Though a healthy and hardy breed, the Podenco Canario is known to suffer from an ovotesticular or testicular disorder, where the female puppies might develop testes in place of ovaries after being born.
Training
Though these dogs are cooperative, they would need a firm trainer who would tactfully guide them.
- Socialize the Podenco Canario puppies by acquainting him with different types of people, places, sounds, and experiences, so that they would gradually be able to distinguish a friend from a foe.
- Give them obedience training so that they may learn to follow your commands since their puppy days and stop doing anything undesirable the moment they hear your voice. If your Podenco Canario tends to break through at the sight of prey, pull his leash gently and firmly say “Stop”. You may even want to avoid places that excite it the most or also feed your pet well before taking it out so that it may be too full to go after any prey.
- Leash training is a must since they are great chasers, and anything on the move may excite them.
Feeding
You may feed your Podenco Canario with 2.5 -3.5 cups dried food dog. You can also include a homemade diet alongside the dog food to maintain its nutritional requirements. However, do not overfeed it as it might result in obesity.