Let’s talk about… Podenco Canario: what are they?

• Podenco Canario, also known as the Canary Islands Podenco, is a breed of hunting dog that hails from the Canary Islands, Spain.
• They are believed to have descended from ancient Egyptian and Phoenician hunting dogs.
• Podenco Canarios are highly skilled in scent detection and excel in hunting small game, such as rabbits.
• They have a remarkable ability to jump. They are known for their impressive vertical leap, which allows them to clear obstacles and navigate rough terrain during hunts.
• On average, male Podenco Canarios stand between 55-64cm tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 53-60cm in height.
• Their weight typically ranges from 20-25 kg.
• Podenco Canarios have a life expectancy of around 10 to 14 years.

What is the temperament of Podenco Canarios like?

• Podenco Canarios are intelligent, independent, and highly energetic dogs.
• They are known for their strong prey drive and exceptional hunting instincts.
• As a result, they require experienced and dedicated owners who understand their unique needs.
• While Podenco Canarios can be affectionate and loyal with their families, they may be reserved or aloof with strangers.
• Early socialisation is crucial to help them develop proper behaviour and become more accepting of new people and situations.
• These dogs are renowned for their agility and speed. They are lively and active, enjoying opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation.
• Due to their hunting background, they have a strong desire to explore and may chase small animals, so it's important to keep them on a lead or in a securely fenced area.
• Podenco Canarios are generally not recommended for households with small pets such as cats or rabbits, as their strong prey drive may make them incompatible.
• However, with proper training and socialisation, some can coexist with other dogs and animals in the same household.

How much exercise do Podenco Canarios need?

• Podenco Canarios are highly active dogs that require a significant amount of exercise.
• They need at least 1.5 to 2 hours of vigorous exercise every day to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
• Engaging in activities such as long walks, jogging, running, and play sessions can help fulfil their exercise needs.
• It's important to note that Podenco Canarios have a strong instinct to chase, so they should always be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced area during outdoor activities.
• When it comes to Podenco Canario puppies, it's essential to provide them with age-appropriate exercise. Puppies have developing bones and joints that are more susceptible to injury. Their exercise sessions should be shorter, around 10 to 15 minutes, multiple times throughout the day. As they grow and mature, their exercise duration can gradually increase. Your vet can advise if they should get less or more exercise than this.
• Podenco Canarios reach full exercise capacity at an adult level around 12 to 18 months of age. However, individual dogs may vary, so it's important to monitor their energy levels and adjust their exercise accordingly, and as per vet advice
• Podenco Canarios are intelligent and active dogs. Engage their minds with puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for their overall well-being.

Do Podenco Canarios need grooming?

• Podenco Canarios have a short and dense coat that requires minimal grooming. They have a natural, low-maintenance coat that doesn't require regular brushing or professional grooming.
• However, occasional brushing can help remove loose hair and keep their coat in good condition.
• Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.

Are Podenco Canarios easy to train?

• Some Podenco Canarios can be independent and strong-willed so be patient and persistent in your training efforts, and never give up on them. Consistent training will yield positive results over time.
• Early socialisation and basic obedience training are crucial for their development, Using positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and play to reward good behaviour.
• Expose your Podenco Canario to various people, animals, and environments from a young age. This helps them become well-rounded and comfortable in different situations.
• Be consistent in your training methods and expectations. Use the same cues and gestures for commands, and ensure all family members follow the same rules and routines.

What do Podenco Canarios eat?

• Providing a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for the health of Podenco Canarios. High-quality commercial dog food that suits their age, size, and activity level is recommended.
• As adults they should be fed twice daily.
• For Podenco Canario puppies, it's important to feed them a specially formulated puppy food that supports their growth and development, giving them 3-4 meals a day until 6 months, when they should get fed twice a day.
• Puppies have specific dietary requirements, including higher protein and calorie intake. Consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations on the appropriate puppy food and feeding schedule.
• As Podenco Canarios transition into adulthood, usually around 12 months of age, they can be switched to adult dog food. It's important to monitor their weight and adjust the portion size accordingly to prevent obesity or excessive weight gain.

Are Podenco Canarios healthy?

Podenco Canarios are generally a healthy breed. However, like any dog breed, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Some potential health concerns in Podenco Canarios include:

Bones and Joints

• Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis.

Ears

• Ear infections - the ear canal, and sometimes the ears flaps have an overgrowth of bacteria, yeast etc. which can cause signs including irritation,  inflammation, smell and thickening of the ear canal tissue.

Hormonal

• Hermaphroditism - a dog with a mix of male and female sex organs.

This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Podenco Canario is right for you, consult with your vet.

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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian.  Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive.  If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.

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