Galgo Espanol vs Dogo Guatemalteco - Breed Comparison

Galgo Espanol vs Dogo Guatemalteco - Breed ComparisonDogo Guatemalteco is originated from Guatemala but Galgo Espanol is originated from Spain. Dogo Guatemalteco may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Galgo Espanol. Dogo Guatemalteco may weigh 16 kg / 36 pounds more than Galgo Espanol. Dogo Guatemalteco may live 3 years less than Galgo Espanol. Both Dogo Guatemalteco and Galgo Espanol has same litter size. Dogo Guatemalteco requires Moderate Maintenance. But Galgo Espanol requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Hound dog
undefined
Guatemala
Spain
Height Male:
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
66 - 67 cm
25 - 27 inches
Height Female:
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
65 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
40 - 45 kg
88 - 100 pounds
27 - 29 kg
59 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 45 kg
88 - 100 pounds
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
6 - 8
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Guatemalan Molosser, Guatemalteco Bull Terrier
Spanish Galgo, Galgo, Spanish Greyhound
Colors Available:
White with black markings
(brindle),
Coat:
Short and smooth
Smooth or Rough
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

dogo guatemaltecoKnown as the Guatemalteco Bull Terrier or Guatemalan Molosser, the Dogo Guatemalteco is also known as the Bull Terrier Guatemalteco, Guatemalan Bull Terrier, and Guatemalan Molosser.

This big Molosser-type dog originates in Guatemala. In the 20th century, it was known as the Bullterrier Guatemalteco, but at the end of the century, it was changed to Dogo Guatemalteco.

Today, while the dog is kept as a companion dog, most are working guard dogs. The Dogo Guatemalteco isn’t recognized by any major international kennel clubs. However, the Kennel Club of Guatemala has given full recognition to this dog and it was in 1981 that the Guatemalan government named the dog as their national dog breed.

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

dogo guatemalteco puppy - descriptionThe Guatemalteco is a medium to large dog standing at 54 – 60cm and weighing between 40-45kg. He has a short, smooth coat and is essentially white with some black markings on the head.

This breed was created from a crossing between a bull terrier, boxer and dalmatian. Some of the dogs are thickly built, while others are more leaner and athletic looking.

The ears of the dog vary quite a bit because while sometimes the ears fold down closely to the head, others are semi-pricked. There are some dog owners who have their dogs ears cropped into fully erect triangular shapes. The eye are small and usually dark brown.

Temperament:

The Dogo Guatemalteco is a fearless, evenly tempered dog. He was bred as a guard dog and he wants to protect his human family, forming a deep bond with them. It makes them difficult to re-home because of this.

It is imperative to have this dog trained and socialized because it might believe its the leader of the pack in your home. He is quite capable of getting along well with children and pets in the home. Because of his dominant nature, he isn’t suited as a pet for the first-time dog owner. He also doesn’t warm easily to strangers.

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

dogo guatemalteco dog - characteristicsYour Dogo Guatemalteco is an intelligent dog breed, and because he is strong-willed and stubborn he might give you a hard time during training. It is possible though and it is important as the training will turn him into an obedient, relaxed dog, able to get on with all his family members, including pets.

He is an energetic dog and will require walks and other forms of exercise each day.

This is certainly not the kind of dog that you buy to protect your property and provide little else for him except food and water. Frustration on the dog’s part can lead to destructive behavior and aggression.

Treat him well and he can make an excellent family 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

dogo guatemalteco puppies - health problemsThis dog can be susceptible to skin allergies. The skin is sensitive and prone to rashes.

Another health concern with this dog because of his white coat, is congenital deafness. The deafness could be in one- or both ears.

The dog could also experience lameness, of which the most common problem is hip dysplasia. Because skeletal problems occur in this breed, it is advisable for owners to have their pet tested by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

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

dogo guatemalteco dogs - caringThe coat of the dog is short and harsh and it sheds throughout the year. While he is still looked upon as a low maintenance dog, regular brushing will be required twice a week.

Because he is a dog breed that is susceptible to skin allergies, bathing isn't necessary as it removes the dog’s natural oils.

Other areas of grooming for this dog are brushing his teeth twice a week, trimming his nails and checking his ears.

Diet:

Always choose a high quality dog food for your Dogo Guatemalteco and look at the feeding recommendations on the packaging.

When you feed your pet kibble, you can also mix in some cooked brown rice, vegetable and chicken for variety and contentment.

Raw meat is also advised from time to time. Don’t just go on and on through the years feeding your dog the same amount of food, as there are factors to take into account when deciding on food quantity. The age of your dog, it’s stage of life and its activity levels will mean regulating your pet’s food to match his needs.

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