L’Europe des Levriers bringing podencos to France

Those of you who read Galgo News will know that I have travelled into Spain on several rescue missions with the French association L'Europe des Levriers.  Besides galgos, we have brought out many podencos, travelling to their forever homes.  This is the translation of an article written by preisdent Beatrice Monnet on the EDL website.

'Yes, most dogs presented for adoption on our site are galgos.  Spanish galgos used for hunting hares. The galgos are similar to greyhound Whippets, better known in France, although quieter and larger.  A Galgo sees something and will run, the instinct is to chase, whatever the prey, a rabbit, a deer, a bicycle, a jogger … As long as he moves, the Galgo chases.  If it stops moving, the Galgo is not interested. Thus it provides to its hunter a prey intact. But if  rabbits may be a few meters from him, if it does not move, the Galgo will not see it.

What exactly is a Podenco? Ibicenco, Portuguese, Andalusian … short-haired or rough-haired … there are different breeds of Podencos. This is a sighthound which hunts rabbit in difficult terrain with his hearing, his sight and scent. The galgueros use it for its smell. They put two or three Podencos in a pack of galgos; the Podenco flushes the game with loud squeak to warn the hounds and galgos catch it. Some hunters use packs of Podencos to hunt. They are then seen jumping over the grass and brush in a fantastic ballet.

Spread the word: the Podenco needs to run.  He needs a walk each day so he can be released to run in leisure. All small Podencos Portuguese than I had in foster care had a good reminder. On the walk, Choco and Aldo can be dropped in the woods without a problem. It's very pleasant to walk with them. They are inquisitive and frolic happily with you. Walkers, joggers, cyclists will be delighted to have a little dog run with them.  Not all Podencos are nervous.  Many are quiet at home, majestically enthroned on cushions while watching your every move.

For those who live in the countryside, they are also a formidable hunter of mice. But mostly, they are very lovable dogs. They are more independent than galgos but also very close to their master. Very smart and playful, they are a remedy against depression. The Podencos are unloved galgos. Even in France, very few families want to adopt them. They are wonderful companions who will surprise you with their kindness as the galgos were able to surprise you and make you addicted.

They deserve a chance because they live the same martyrdom as galgos in Spain and on the Spanish islands.'

There are some beautiful podencos waiting for their forever homes, just click on the link.  If you wish to ask about them, email L'Europe des Levriers, Beatrice speaks good English!

NB  Pictured here are rough-haired Mourino and smooth-haired Esperanza