Tag: Podenco Friends

  • World Podenco Day 22nd February – take a podenco into your heart and home

    22nd March is World Podenco Day.

    Bev Farmer of Podenco Friends writes.

    oday, March 22nd, marks World Podenco Day in Spain!
    On this day we pay tribute to a breed that embodies nobility and pride, yet often endures a harsh reality in Spain. Many Podencos are subjected to unimaginable conditions, deprived of the respect they rightfully deserve.

    Tragically, countless Podencos spend their lives confined in dark buildings, underground caves, or chained to walls, with nothing but rancid water to drink. They’re expected to run tirelessly until exhaustion takes its toll, only to be discarded when they’re no longer deemed useful.
    Some brave the streets, while others find themselves in overcrowded shelters with slim chances of adoption. (more…)

  • From Pyramid to Perrera – the definitive guide to the Podenco

    This is my definitive guide to the plight of the podenco, giving you all the information about the different types of podenco, their history, diseases and a lot more.  All sale proceeds are donated to appeals for help for podencos with rescue associations and shelter.

  • Traumatised Podenco Andi needs a special home

    Regular readers will know the story of Podenco Pepe and his rehabilitation with Bev Farmer of Podenco Friends.  This is his brother Andi who also needs a special experienced understanding home.

    We are desperately searching for a long-term foster home for Andi who is with Friends of Aprop in the Valencia region, Spain.
    Please share , let’s make him visible to as many people as possible.

    Just like Pepe, Andi is very anxious and fearful of people. The rescue has been working with a behaviourist, and he is now allowing gentle touch, which is a huge step forward. But sensitive, troubled dogs like these two boys will never truly thrive in a busy rescue environment.
    They need calm.       They need quiet.      They need one person willing to give patient, one-to-one support. (more…)

  • Cas International takes the Fight for Spanish Hunting Dogs to the European Parliament,

    While Spain continues to exclude hunting dogs from basic protection under national law, EU-level legislation and enforcement could ensure these dogs are finally protected across all Member States.

    On Tuesday 27th January the European Parliament in Brussels hosted an important event to raise awareness about the cruel treatment of Spanish hunting dogs and the need for protection.  Director, Maite van Gerwen, was one of the speakers. She shared insights on the new EU regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and explained how these rules could bring significant improvements for hunting dogs. (more…)

  • Galgos Rescue Almeria – end of a busy year

    Video

    2025 is slowly closing its doors and making room for a new chapter: 2026.

    The past year was one of ups and downs. We faced unexpected setbacks and intense emotions, but also countless beautiful moments, shared with the special dogs who crossed our path. It was a hectic year that flew by, yet one we look back on with warm and grateful hearts.

    We think back to all the D-days: those unforgettable moments when our beloved dogs packed their bags to meet their new families. No fewer than 177 dogs found their happiness this year. A result we could only dream of, and one that was made possible thanks to our amazing partners: Associazione ZAC Odv , Un Levriero per la Vita, Project Galgo, Vegrennen EV, Simona Norkute (Lithuania), Helping Animals Almanzora, Friends of Mazarrón Animals, Stichting Wereldhonden, and of course you—our loyal supporters. By sharing their stories so widely, you helped give each of them a new future. (more…)

  • Podenco Pepe – slow progress being made in his rehabilitation

    Pepe and his buddy Hope

    Update from Bev Farmer

    It’s been 5 weeks since Pepe arrived, and the progress we’ve made together may be small, but every tiny step matters. With a dog as deeply traumatised as Pepe, nothing can be rushed — it’s all about understanding what he can cope with and giving him the space he needs.
    One thing that truly seems to comfort him is working together on the lead. When we’re moving with purpose, his focus settles and he becomes much calmer. So I’ve brought back the most basic obedience exercises from years ago, and to my surprise… he actually enjoys it.
    He’s no longer constantly in flight-or-fight mode. Bit by bit, he is learning how to relax. He chooses to spend less time in his crate now. the door is always open for him if he needs it. (more…)

  • Podenca Tila – A Spanish Agility Champion

    From Bev Farmer

    Tila — a rescued Podenco and RFEC Agility Champion of Spain 2025.

    I’ve followed Adrián Granda for several years watching his incredible journey with Tila. Once again, for the third time, she has won her group at the Spanish Championships.

    Tila’s story began in the most humble of places. She was one of three tiny pups in a pet shop that helped local rescues find homes. At just 3 months old, Adrián adopted her… who could have imagined then, that this little Podenco would grow into a three-time agility champion? (more…)

  • Galgo Project EU – looking for information from shelters

    Galgo Project EU is a Dutch organisation dedicated to supporting, rescuing, and giving a voice to galgos and podencos. They work closely with Spanish shelters, help dogs find safe homes, and raise awareness about the structural mistreatment these dogs still suffer.

    With Galgo Project EU, we’re gathering data, testimonies, and concrete evidence to build a detailed dossier for the European Parliament. Our goal is clear:

    To hold Spain accountable for not applying Article 13 of the Lisbon Treaty, and to push for equal, EU-wide protection of all dogs, including galgos and podencos, without exceptions. (more…)

  • Never use an electric collar on a podenco – or any dog!

    There was uproar at the beginning of 2025 when a UK adopter of 2 podencos saw no problem in using electric collars on the dogs to control them!  Needless to say, the result was 2 terrified dogs back to a hellish life such as the one from which they had been rescued in Spain.

  • Protectora Scooby fighting for the hunting dogs of Spain

    MANIFESTO FOR THE EQUALITY OF ALL DOGS. Join with your organisation!

    As many of you already know, there is an attempt to exclude hunting and working dogs from the Royal Decree on animal facilities (núcleos zoológicos) — their last chance to be protected. These dogs would be left even more unprotected under a decree issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, which would only require registration, identification, and little else. Reporting the poor conditions of hunting packs (rehalas) would become even more difficult. (more…)