Greyhounds are unmistakable dogs thanks to their elegant and athletic body, their elongated head and thin legs. These characteristics allow them to reach high speeds. In addition, they have excellent qualities to be great companion dogs. There are several very similar breeds of greyhounds, such as the English greyhound and the Spanish greyhound, so much so that they can be confused. In this article on our site we review the basic characteristics of both breeds, as well as the differences between the English Greyhound and the Spanish Greyhound
Origin of the English Greyhound and the Spanish Greyhound
As its name indicates, the first difference between these greyhound breeds is in their place of development The English greyhound or greyhound is It is believed to be a descendant of dogs from Egypt and evolved into the dog we know today in the UK, where it appears it may have been introduced by the Celts. The name grei meant "fine" or "beautiful".
One piece of information that confirms its antiquity is a carving discovered in an Egyptian tomb from 4,900 years ago. For its part, in the Spanish greyhound there is blood from the English greyhound, in addition to podencos and other dogs that arrived on the peninsula with traders or invaders, as was the case of the Sloughi about 1000 years ago.
As their physical characteristics indicate, both were designed for speed, although there are differences between them. The English greyhound, in its beginnings, was mainly used for hunting hare races. It is not surprising, since it is a very fast dog, capable of reaching 60 km/h His speed and eyesight help him outdo his prey. He is specialized in sprinting and explosive short runs.
On the other hand, the Spanish greyhound is less fast, remaining at about 48 km/h, but it is more resistant, that is, it can run fast for longer than the English greyhound. Today both continue to participate in hunting, but they can also be found racing, especially the English greyhound, and, of course, as excellent companion dogs.
Physical Characteristics of the English Greyhound and the Spanish Greyhound
The clearest physical difference between the English Greyhound and the Spanish Greyhound is size. Thus, although they are both sizelarge, the Greyhound is a little more so. Specimens of this breed weigh between 27-32 kg and measure from 69 to 76 cm. For its part, the Spanish greyhound weighs from 20 to 30 kg and measures between 60 and 70 cm at the withers.
All greyhounds will have in common their stylized, athletic, elegant, agile silhouette, with long, thin legs, a muscular, arched neck, and a thin, low-set tail. In addition, they share other aspects that contribute to developing their great speed, such as the breadth of the chest to improve lung and heart capacity or an elongated head with a flattened skull. Therefore, to find differences between the English greyhound and the Spanish greyhound on a physical level, you have to look at the details:
- Musculature: that of the Spanish Greyhound is more reminiscent of that of a Sloughi and gives it resistance to stay in the race. That of the English greyhound allows its ripped characteristics to run.
- Cabeza: in both dogs it is similar, but that of the Greyhound has a slightly wider skull, a more pronounced stop and a more pronounced snout. more pointed.
- Ears: although in both breeds they are small and fall in the shape of a rose, the Spanish greyhound has them somewhat thicker. The Greyhound, on the other hand, can place them upright when on alert.
- Body: The Greyhound's thorax is barrel-shaped, with a chest that reaches the height of the elbows. That of the Spanish greyhound is a deeper and elongated thorax, but the chest does not reach the elbows. On the other hand, her lower back is longer.
- Pies: those of the English greyhound are known as cat's feet, while those of the Spanish greyhound are called hare's feet.
- Coat: The English Greyhound and the Spanish Greyhound have short, fine hair. The colors of the English Greyhound are white, red, black, fawn or brindle. Those of the Spanish greyhound differ partially and are cream, brindle, black, gold and brown with white. In addition, although rarer, there are specimens of the Spanish wire-haired greyhound.
Character of the English Greyhound and the Spanish Greyhound
If the physical differences were subtle between the English greyhound and the Spanish greyhound, the same happens when we talk about their character. In this aspect, the differences may be more individual and dependent on the handling and experience of each dog than typical of the breed. In any case, we point out these points:
- Coexistence with children: both dogs can coexist with children, but they are not considered breeds especially suitable for the little ones. In the case of the Greyhound, the problem is that it does not like rough play, which could be solved if the children are older and aware of how to handle their Greyhound. It is not a dog that is going to react aggressively, but it will show its discomfort by leaving.
- Socialization: Good socialization is important for both breeds, but above all for the Spanish Greyhound. In general, he is more shy and independent and it is not uncommon for him to be more distant.
- Education: that of the Spanish Greyhound can be somewhat more complicated due to its more shy personality. In any case, both are very sensitive dogs that need a positive education to be successful.
English greyhound and Spanish greyhound care
General care does not present significant differences between the English Greyhound and the Spanish Greyhound. They will both need to perform considerable physical activity, as they are high-energy dogs. For this reason they are not the most suitable for life in an apartment, especially the Spanish greyhound, which is recommended for large spaces where it can run as it pleases.
On the other hand, we must influence their education to prevent them from running after anything that moves. For the same reason, if we leave them in an outdoor space, it must be perfectly closed. This chasing instinct can give us a scare with smaller animals if they identify them as prey. It should be noted that the Spanish Greyhound is less of a problem in this regard.
He alth of the English Greyhound and the Spanish Greyhound
Regarding he alth, there are not too many differences either. Both breeds require rigorous veterinary care, with check-ups, deworming and regular vaccinations, and both can suffer from disorders associated with their size, such as stomach torsion-dilation.
Otherwise, they are quite he althy animals, although the Greyhound is considered to be a bit more delicateMaybe that's why their hope life is estimated at about 10-12 years. In any case, it is a very variable data according to the circumstances of each specimen. The life expectancy of the Spanish greyhound is somewhat higher and stands at 12 years. The Spanish greyhound is not very prone to hereditary diseases.
