Andalusian Hound Basics

Ranging in size from small to large, the Andalusian Hound has been a favorite breed in its homeland for hundreds of years. With its pointed snout and large, erect ears, the Andalusian Hound is a skilled hunting breed known for its excellent sight, hearing, and sense of smell. Though typically used for hunting hare, some of the larger specimens of the breed have been used for deer and wild boar.

Andalusian Hounds come in three sizes – small, medium, and large.

Origin

The Andalusian Hound is type of hound that originated in Spain, in the Andalusia region specifically. It is closely related to various Iberian breeds such as the Portuguese Podengo, the Maneto, the Ibizan Hound, and the Podenco Canario. Though there are cave paintings depicting dogs that look similar to the Andalusian Hound and related breeds, recent genetic testing reveals that related Podenco breeds were more likely developed from European hunting dogs, not ancient Phonecian breeds that were introduced in Spain about 3,000 years ago.

Pedigree

The Andalusian Hound is an ancient breed native to the Andalusia region of Spain, likely descended from Iberian breeds like the Portuguese Podengo, the Maneto, the Ibizan Hound, and the Podenco Canario.

Food/Diet

Because the Andalusian Hound comes in three different sizes, you should choose a high-quality diet formulated for dogs of its size. The small and medium versions of the breed can both be fed high-quality dry foods formulated for small- or medium-breed dogs while the large version should be fed a large-breed specific recipe. As a hunting breed with excellent stamina, the Andalusian Hound may also benefit from an active or working breed formula.

The Andalusian Hound is a skilled hunting breed known for its excellent sight, hearing, and sense of smell.

Training

As is true for all dogs, the Andalusian Hound should be started with socialization and training as early as possible. Because this is a hunting breed, it is intelligent and typically responds well to firm and consistent training. This dog is not easily frightened or intimidated so they require a handler who will be an authority figure. This hound can be socialized and trained to work alongside other breeds but no amount of training will eliminate their prey drive, so they may not do well in homes with cats and other small pets.

Weight

The Andalusian Hound comes in three sizes – small, medium, and large. The smallest version of the breed stands about 13 to 17 inches and weighs 11 to 24 pounds. Medium Andalusian Hounds stand 17 to 21 inches tall and weighs 22 to 49 pounds. Large Andalusian Hounds stand 21 to 24 inches and weighs 46 to 73 pounds, on average.

Temperament/Behavior

The Andalusian Hound is an intelligent breed and it can sometimes be a little over-energetic, though these dogs typically do fine when they get enough daily exercise. These dogs are playful and cheerful in the home and the smaller versions of the breed generally do well with children. This dog has a natural desire to please and does well with a strong authority figure. Andalusian Hounds can be somewhat protective and suspicious of strangers, so they make good watchdogs.

Common Health Problems

As an ancient breed, the Andalusian Hound is not prone to many serious health problems. Some of the conditions that have been seen to affect this breed include ear infections, eye conditions, and arthritis.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy of this dog is about 10 to 12 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Andalusian Hound was developed for hunting hare, so these dogs have high stamina and fairly high energy levels. This breed requires a long daily walk and will appreciate having additional time to run in a fenced yard.

Andalusian Hounds are an intelligent breed that can sometimes be a little over-energetic.

AKC

The Andalusian Hound is part of the Hound group for the American Kennel Club (AKC) and for most other breed clubs including the CKC and UKC.

Coat

The Andalusian Hound has a compact but muscular build befitting a hunting breed. Not only does it come in three distinct sizes, but it also comes in three separate coat types – wirehair, longhair, and smooth. None of the three varieties have an undercoat but regular brushing is encouraged to reduce shedding and to prevent matting in longer coats. Coat colors for the Andalusian include various shades of white and reddish brown.

Puppies

The average litter size for the Andalusian Hound breed is 3 to 5 puppies. Because there are three different sizes and three different coat types for this dog, breeding is an important factor. As is true for other breeds, Andalusian Hounds with differing coat types can be born in the same litter – the same is true for different coat colors. Because this is a fairly high-energy breed, you want to start your Andalusian Hound puppy with early socialization and training.

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