Galgo Espanol vs Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Galgo Espanol vs Fox Terrier - Breed ComparisonFox Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Galgo Espanol is originated from Spain. Fox Terrier may grow 28 cm / 11 inches shorter than Galgo Espanol. Fox Terrier may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than Galgo Espanol. Both Fox Terrier and Galgo Espanol has same life span. Both Fox Terrier and Galgo Espanol has almost same litter size. Both Fox Terrier and Galgo Espanol requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Spain
Height Male:
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
66 - 67 cm
25 - 27 inches
Height Female:
32 - 36 cm
12 - 15 inches
65 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 9 kg
17 - 20 pounds
27 - 29 kg
59 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
7 - 8 kg
15 - 18 pounds
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Wire hair fox terrier Wirehaired terrier Fox terrier Wire
Spanish Galgo, Galgo, Spanish Greyhound
Colors Available:
predominant white base with brown markings of the face and ears, and usually a black saddle or large splotch of color; there may be other black or brown markings on the body.
(brindle),
Coat:
rough, Broken
Smooth or Rough
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet, Sweet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

fox terrierThe Wirehaired Fox Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier were for over 100 years the same breed of dog. Now it is believed that they are two separate breeds with two separate ancestry. It is an English creation with Dachshunds, Fox Hound, English Hounds, and Beagle in their background. It is also believed that the Wales, Durham and Derbyshire extinct rough-coated black and tan working terrier. The white terrier breeds that exist today are related to the Fox Terrier. In addition, it is recognized that terrier breeds of today such as the Jack Russel, the Rat Terrier, and the Miniature Fox Terrier are descendants of the Fox Terrier.

They are one of the oldest of the terrier breeds dating back to the 17tth century in the British Isles. They were primarily farm dogs guarding against the fox and vermin. Like any terrier they go to ground – digging, growling, barking and lunging at the den until the animal comes out and the farmer killed it. The breed was made popular in England through their living with royalty. The Nots Kennel had a lot to do with this as well. King Edward VII’ Wire Fox Terrier came from the Notts Kennel. The Best Champion of Crufts in 1911 was a Wire Fox Terrier, and Queen Victoria had one as well. The Wire Fox Terrier finally became a family dog in the 1930’s. During this time there were feature movies and comic strips that feature a Wire Fox Terrier, such as The Thin Man and The Adventures of Tintin.

The late 1900’s saw the population moving off the farms, out of the country and into the cities. This caused a decline in the popularity of the breed. Keeping terriers born to hunt in the city proved a challenge in the beginning. Their popularity is influenced as well by the breeds success in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York – second only to the Crufts Dog Show in England. Adding to their early success at Crufts, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier breed has won more Westminster Best in Show than any other with 14. Only five dogs have won at Westminster more than once and one of those is a Wirehaired Fox Terrier. A Smooth Fox Terrier won it three times.

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

fox terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wirehaired Fox terrier is a sturdy dog with features quite similar to the Smooth Fox Terrier. It is symmetrical with a short back, round, dark eyes, a body that is shorter and ears that are v-shaped. He is medium sized with a flat skull that narrows as it approaches the nose. The nose is black, and the muzzle also tapers to it. The breed has a high, docked tail outside the United Kingdom. The tail is natural in the United Kingdom. They don’t have a broad or narrow chest, but it is deep. Laid back shoulders and a short back are signs of good breeding. Their legs are strong, and their feet have tough, cushioned pads.

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

Children friendliness

fox terrier dog - characteristicsThe Wirehaired Fox Terrier is good with children but if teased and frustrated he could bite. Children should know how to play with them and not to tease them.

Special talents

He is great at performing tricks, tracking, agility, watch dog, competitive hunting or field trials.

Adaptability

The Wirehaired Fox Terrier is quite adaptable and can live anywhere. He is not a big dog but remember he is very high energy.

Learning ability

The breed is very smart but being independent thinkers, they can be difficult to train at times. Consistency and patience are needed when training the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. They get bored easily and if training sessions are not fun you will lose them. This is a breed that loves people but need constant supervision and companionship.

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

fox terrier puppies - health problemsThis is basically a healthy breed, but there are some potential issues that could arise:

  1. Cataracts
  2. Causes a cloudiness and can cause blindness
  3. Luxating Patellas
  4. “Floating Kneecaps” – dislocated kneecaps. Causes lameness and arthritis
  5. Legg-Calve-Perthes Syndrome
  6. Causes a very serious muscle loss in the dog’s legs
  7. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
  8. Causes lameness and arthritis
  9. Epilepsy
  10. Causes seizures
  11. Shoulder Dislocation
  12. Causes pain and arthritis
  13. Mast Cell Tumors
  14. Cancer – could be fatal
  15. Post Nasal Drip
  16. Just annoying
  17. Deafness

This is possible in white terriers

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 the puppy

fox terrier dogs - caringGive them two meals maybe three per day. Total food per day divided into the number of meals is 1/8-1/4 cup day.

Feeding the adult

Once again feed one-two meals per day and don’t overfeed. Total of ½ cup day

Games and Exercises

Being a terrier, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier needs a lot of exercise. He is energetic and playful. He loves to play ball, take interesting walks, and play in fenced areas. He needs to be in either a fenced area or on a leash as he will chase any small animal that he sees moving. But if you leave him unsupervised in a fenced area, don’t forget he is a terrier. He is likely to dig under or climb over a fence that isn’t entirely secure.

He loves earth dog trials, agility, tracking, hunting, flyball, and running. He hardly ever walks. He can play ball chasing for hours if you let him. Exercise is bonding for you and your Wirehaired Fox Terrier.

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. Fox Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Fox Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Fox Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Fox Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Fox Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Fox Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Fox Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Fox Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Fox Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Fox Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Fox Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Fox Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Fox Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Fox Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Fox Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Fox Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Fox Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Fox Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Fox Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Fox Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Fox Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Fox Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Fox Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Fox Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Galgo Espanol vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Galgo Espanol vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Galgo Espanol vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Galgo Espanol vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Galgo Espanol vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Galgo Espanol vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Galgo Espanol vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Galgo Espanol vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Galgo Espanol vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Galgo Espanol vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Galgo Espanol vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Galgo Espanol vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Galgo Espanol vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Galgo Espanol vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Galgo Espanol vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Galgo Espanol vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Galgo Espanol vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Galgo Espanol vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Galgo Espanol vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Galgo Espanol vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Galgo Espanol vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Galgo Espanol vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Galgo Espanol vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Galgo Espanol vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Galgo Espanol vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison