Canarian warren hound

Overall description of the breed

The Podenco Canario is one of the oldest known dog breeds. Historians have managed to trace its presence back nearly 7000 years. It was likely imported from North Africa, specifically from Egypt, by Phoenician, Greek, or Carthaginian merchants. Representations of dogs resembling it closely have been found on certain pharaohs' tombs.

Widely spread across the Canary Islands, particularly in Tenerife and Grand Canary, it became indispensable over the centuries due to its hunting skills. The Podenco is an incredibly fast and reactive dog, equipped with remarkable scenting abilities and great endurance.

Versatile, this breed easily adapts to various environments, even the most challenging ones. Flexible and attentive to its surroundings, nowadays the Canary Islands Hound is still appreciated for its tracking talents. It was recognized relatively late by the International Cynological Federation, which definitively registered it on June 24, 1987.

The Podenco Canario is a medium-sized dog, yet it retains a similar type to Spanish Greyhounds: tall, slim, and slender. Its body length is approximately equal to its height at the withers, giving it a square appearance. With an athletic build, its frame is slim and lightweight, while its musculature is well developed. Its compact and energetic body allows it to reach exceptional top speeds. Mainly used for hare hunting, its endurance is remarkable.

With a deep and narrow chest, the roundness of its ribcage contrasts with its well-raised belly. Its chest is discreetly expanded, in combination with slightly broadened shoulders. Its topline is rounded, with a marked withers, a typical characteristic of the breed.

Set high on its back, its tail, of medium length, gradually tapers towards its tip. With an elongated shape, its head is fine and deep, giving it a dynamic profile. Its narrow muzzle forms a point and reveals a slightly marked stop. Its coat is short, and the color of its fur is red, with various shades of lightness, sometimes speckled with white.

The Canary Islands Warren Hound is very dynamic, even hyperactive on a daily basis. It literally overflows with energy. However, if it receives significant attention from its owners, it proves affectionate and calm indoors. To maintain its mental balance, it needs to expend its energy intensely every day, which is essential for its health. The Podenco thrives better in the countryside than in the city.

Rather independent, its primitive side makes it wary of humans and distant with strangers. It's not a very good guard dog. On the other hand, it excels as a hunting partner. Still active today, it's used by the inhabitants of the Canary Islands for rabbit hunting. Most of the time, it works in tandem with a ferret to flush rabbits out of their burrows. Its training is generally straightforward, provided that strict rules are established from a young age. Its owners must be both firm and affectionate.

As a pleasant companion, the Podenco is sociable but particularly nervous. It requires an active owner who engages frequently in hunting or intensive sports activities.

In adulthood, it will weigh approximately 20 to 30 kg (44 to 66 lb) and measure around 55 cm to 64 cm (21.5" to 25") for males and 53 to 60 cm (21" to 23.5") for females.