Canarian Podenco: The hunter dog

Of all dog races We know, some may have a small number of specimens. One of the reasons why this happens is that there are breeds that are developed in limited geographical areas. One of these is that of Canarian Podenco, a relative hunter dog of the Ibizan and Portuguese podench.

• Size: Medium.
• Weight: Between 20 and 25kg.
• Hair type: Short, smooth and dense.
• Character: Nervous, intense and dynamic
• Health: Healthy
• Life expectancy: Between 12 and 14 years.

The copies of this breed They are found in the Canary Islands, especially in the greatest Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

If you are considering Adopt a Canarian pod As part of your family you must take into account several aspects. This is a faithful dog, quiet, is one of those who feel friends with everyone. However, due to its size and characteristics, it is not advisable to raise it in small spaces, if you live on a floor you may reconsider the race you can adopt. It stands out mainly for its excellent ear, precise and acute smell smell.

Origins of the Canarian Podenco

Podencos are dogs with particular characteristics, such as their stature, their thin complexion and their elongated snout. These are classified by the FCI, International Cinological Federation, within group 5 Section 7: Primitive dogs - hunting dogs. The God Anubis "Guardian of the Dead", represented in the tomb of Tutankamon, keeps an extraordinary similar to the podench. In fact, it is believed that this dog was brought to the Canary Islands by the Greeks, the Phoenicians or the Egyptians probably 400 years ago, in some commercial exchange. This It is considered an old breed and traces of their existence in the tombs of the pharaohs have been found. Indicating that the first specimens existed seven thousand years ago. 

These dogs were Faithful companions in the hunting days, so they were used for this purpose for a long time. Currently, the Canarian Podenco keeps this characteristic as part of its character, being a born hunter, which managed to successfully adapt to the conditions of the islands. This breed was recognized by the Canine Society of Madrid in 1984, and it was not until 1987 that it was accepted as a breed for the FCI, International Cinological Federation.

Characteristics of the Canarian Podenc

It is mainly a hunting dog that locates its prey through sight and smell. These They start hunting since they are puppiesEven some specimens show their hunter instinct before three months. When they go after a dam, they bark shortly and repetitively, this particular way of barking is an indicative for the hunter, who calls it as «beat" either "Sing a rabbit”. The Canarian Podenco is a big dog, being the largest of the family of the Portuguese and Ibizan podiums. Males can reach between 55 and 64 cm and females between 53 and 60 cm. In its adulthood it will have an average of between 20 and 25 kg. As for its fur, it is common to be chocolate or reddish color, being able to combine with white. His hair is smooth and very short, quite attached to the skin. Their ears are pointed, large and normally they are erect, especially if it is on alert. 

His long and flat skull with prominent occipital bone is responsible for the elongated appearance of his head. They have rather small eyes, regularly almond. His truffle is chocolate color, in harmony with his fur. His body is high, stylized and muscular. Its front legs are straight, vertical and parallel, and their hind legs tend to be strong and muscular. Their legs have strong pads and lack spur. Finally, its tail is long, in fall, and often the tip is white.

Temperament of the Canarian Podenc

Canarian podencos are brave, dynamic and very adaptable. They are accustomed to long working days, they know how to hunt in Jaurías. They are very noble and nothing aggressive dogs, although they are usually disobedient, nervous and arisks. They develop real loyalty to their owners. It stands out for being a strong dog, capable of adapting to any means, which makes its wild origin evident. The sunny and hot weather allowed the Canarian podench to become independent of man. In fact, the navigators and travelers of the nineteenth century collected in their logbooks of these dogs, which wandered through the islands as wild, so they were not considered domestic. 

Despite these characteristics, it cannot be considered as a guard dog, because it is really very friendly. He is easily friends with humans and other dogs. On some opportunities it may seem nervous, this is because it is very restless, so it requires the necessary stimulation to burn energy and channel its hunter instinct. That is why the importance of not being kept in closed spaces is stressed. It can live with children without problem, however it is necessary that they are always supervised, because its large size can lead to the child without wanting, simply while playing.

How to raise the Canarian podench puppy

The Canarian podench, although it is a hunting dog, must be raised like any other puppy. Keep in mind that it will be a medium dog, which can weigh approximately 25 kilos. The feeding of the Canarian podench must contain high amounts of proteins, vitamins and some type of fiber to help you with digestion. Although they are essentially carnivorous, they can consume another type of food and even this dog can eat some fruits. From a puppy you have to get used to their own space: bed, plate and the cage or transport in which it will be transported. It is not convenient to raise it to a vehicle freely because it tends to get nervous. The Canarian Podenco will need a lot of exercise. This is why it is equally necessary for you to have open spaces where you can run. However, if this is not the case, you will need long daily walks. His cleaning will not give major problems because, being short -haired, it is facilitated. It is important to keep in mind that these dogs resist high temperatures and arid climates, but the cold weather can be counterproductive, especially if they are puppies. Do not stop protecting it by providing a warm bed to rest. 

Training of the Canarian Podenc

He Training of the Canarian Podenc reinforces ties with its owner. Success depends on the periodicity and repetition of the routines, words and actions that are used, as well as the awards granted. Praise are a very important part in training this breed. The punishments when it does not obey are counterproductive and can make it a submissive and fearful animal, nothing recommended for the character of the Canarian podench. Until you get used to obeying our orders we must take it with Correa and harness, because you can try to escape sharply if you detect any animal that you can consider as a dam, such as cats, birds, rabbits or mice.

Hunting skills

Their extraordinary hunting skills They are usually used in rabbit hunting, as it is able to detect them even inside the cracks or caves where they are. These dogs do not find greater obstacle in land of different types, easily adapting. It also resists a lot of activity time, reaching without inconvenience complete hunting days.

Care of the Canarian Podenc

The life expectancy of this race is between approximately 12 and 14 years. The Canarian podencus does not usually present particular health problems, considering A healthy dog. However, some specimens may have unilateral or bilateral deafness. Some puppies when they are born are deaf and blind because their auditory and visual channels are closed, they usually open between 12 and 16 days of life. Even so, in the case of some newborns, a group of nerve cells in charge of detecting the sounds are deteriorating until the puppy celebrates approximately 6 weeks, which, unfortunately, is not reversible. It is also important to pay attention to regular care of your eyes and ears to avoid any condition. The Canarian Podenco is a very resistant dog, however, despite being a healthy dog, it can suffer from common diseases to almost all races, such as hip and elbow dysplasia or stomach torsion. First of all it is advisable to take it from puppy to the veterinarian for periodic control. This will be in charge of evaluating your health, indicating your vaccine plan and the type of food recommended for your copy. It is also important not to hesitate to go to the veterinarian before any strange symptom that the dog presents. 

Other tips to keep the copies of Canarian podench healthy:

• Take care that it has a healthy weight

The Canarian podench is thin by nature, however, it is important to take care that domestic life does not lead to more food than it needs, or that it does not exercise enough. These factors can lead your pet to suffer changes in their weight that are not favorable. Also, if you notice that your dog eats too fast, consult it.

• Invest in your training

It is important that, before throwing yourself to train your dog, you report very well how to do it correctly according to the characteristics of its race. If possible, go to a professional coach. The process of training of any dog ​​is vital, since this will depend on their behavior and adaptation to the home. Always make sure your pet has clean and fresh water, because its hyperactivity and hot climate in which the Canarian podench lives can favor urinary infections and dehydration. You have to change the water and wash their dishes frequently.

Recommendations before buying a Canarian podench

Buy a Canarian podench puppy, or of any other race, online it represents a considerable risk. It is vital to verify the breeder's reputation before making the decision to acquire a puppy by this route. One way to do this is reviewing how much knowledge it has about the race. You can also verify in the associations specialized in this breed if they know the performance of the breeder. 

The responsible breeders are not only limited to placing a puppy, they evaluate in depth if those interested in it have the necessary requirements for adoption, they will even demonstrate interest in the development of the puppy in their new home. Make sure they give you the documentation that certifies that the puppy is vaccinated and dewormed, as well as other data of interest. The breeder, in addition, must show a willingness to show the place where he has the dog's dogs.

To take into account

This noble race comes from origins that have centuries of antiquity. His main hunter characteristic made him the faithful companion of those who came out in search of food, because the podench is not only an excellent hunter, but does not tear his prey, being very convenient for the ancestral man. With the passage of time this was brought to the Canary Islands, reason is unknown to science, because some stories say they brought them as food. However, he could adapt to the arid conditions of the islands, becoming even part of their characteristic fauna. At the moment This beautiful dog can live in houses, sharing lovingly with their owners. It merits particular care, although not very extensive, because if something characterizes it is its ability to resist rugged climatic conditions and good health. A wide space, sufficient exercise, good food and basic care will be enough. Of course, never put aside all the love you can give him. Keep it away from other species as its instinct hunter will come to light. However, it gets along very well with other races. 

The man and the dog have been closely united for many centuries. Throughout history, the dog has performed various functions: guardian, pastor, hunter, guide, but to this day he is still appreciated by the affection and the company they provide. If you want to feel the true loyalty and nobility, A Canarian podench is the perfect choice.