✓ Verified · Reviewed datavaries by registry
Spanish Greyhound
Hound breed from Spain
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Spanish Greyhound
The Spanish Greyhound, also known as the Galgo Español, is a medium-sized sighthound breed originating from Spain. It is recognized by the FCI and the national Spanish kennel club, but recognition varies by registry. The breed is known for its lean, athletic build and speed. Temperament traits include being gentle, calm, intelligent, affectionate, independent, and loyal. However, individual dogs may vary. Estimated adult weight ranges from 23 to 30 kg for both sexes, and estimated adult height ranges from 60 to 70 cm. The estimated lifespan is 12 to 15 years. Energy, trainability, grooming, and shedding scores are all 3 out of 5, indicating moderate levels. Suitability for children, other dogs, and apartment living is also rated 3 out of 5, suggesting moderate compatibility that depends on the individual dog.
Quick facts
Spanish Greyhound at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHound
OriginSpain
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight23–30 kilogram
Female weight23–30 kilogram
Male height60–70 centimetre
Female height60–70 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Spanish Greyhound is an ancient breed with roots tracing back over 2000 years to Celtic hounds in the Iberian Peninsula. It was used by Spanish nobility and rural hunters for coursing hare across open plains and fields. The breed is also called Galgo Español and comes in both smooth and wire-coated varieties, though specific coat types and colors are not detailed in the available facts. Its history is closely tied to Spain, where it has been bred for grace and a reserved demeanor. The breed's recognition status varies by registry, with the FCI and Spanish kennel club recognizing it, but other registries may not. No specific dates, health claims, or working purpose beyond coursing are provided in the evidence.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
23–30 kilogramAdult weight60–70 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesPendingCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodimported
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Gentlecalmintelligentaffectionateindependentloyal
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Spanish Greyhound-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
Similar breeds
Continue comparing
Related comparisons
Compare this breed
Growth chart
Spanish Greyhound puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight23–30 kilogramAdult female weight23–30 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Spanish Greyhound?
The Spanish Greyhound is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult weight for both males and females is 23 to 30 kg, and estimated adult height is 60 to 70 cm. The estimated lifespan is 12 to 15 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of a Spanish Greyhound?
Reported temperament traits include gentle, calm, intelligent, affectionate, independent, and loyal. However, individual dogs may not exhibit all these traits, and behavior can vary.
How much exercise does a Spanish Greyhound need?
The breed has an energy score of 3 out of 5, indicating moderate energy levels. Regular exercise is likely needed, but specific requirements are not detailed in the available facts.
What are the grooming needs of a Spanish Greyhound?
Grooming and shedding scores are both 3 out of 5, suggesting moderate grooming needs. The breed comes in smooth and wire-coated varieties, but specific coat care is not described.
Is the Spanish Greyhound good for apartment living?
Apartment suitability is rated 3 out of 5, indicating moderate compatibility. This may depend on the individual dog's exercise needs and temperament.
Is the Spanish Greyhound good with children and other dogs?
Child suitability and dog compatibility are both rated 3 out of 5, suggesting moderate suitability that varies by individual. Early socialization and supervision are recommended.
Where does the Spanish Greyhound originate from?
The breed originates from Spain. Its history traces back over 2000 years to Celtic hounds in the Iberian Peninsula, used for coursing hare.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.