The Podenco Campanero is a rare and ancient breed that originated in the Canary Islands.
Its ancestors date back to the Roman Empire, with some records suggesting they were brought to the islands by Phoenician traders.
The breed's name, Campanero, translates to "bell ringer" in Spanish, likely due to its distinctive barking sound.
This sound is a result of the breed's unique vocal cords, which allow for a wide range of frequencies.
Characteristics
The Podenco Campanero is a unique breed with several distinct characteristics. It's a medium-sized dog with a muscular build, typically weighing between 25-40 kg.
This breed has a short, smooth coat that's easy to maintain, requiring only occasional brushing. Their coat comes in a variety of colors, including fawn, brindle, and red.
Their wedge-shaped head and almond-shaped eyes give them a distinctive appearance.
A different take: Flat Coat Doodle
Other Types of
Other types of Podenco vary in size, colour and coat, and are often defined by region.
The Podenco Maneto is the smallest of the Podenco breeds, while the Podenco Campanero is the largest and is used for boar hunting in the North of Spain.
Over the years, these breeds have come to be defined by region, with each type bred to hunt in a different terrain and a different type of prey.
You might also find references to Portugese Podengos, which are very similar to Spanish Podencos but are their own breed from Portugal.
A slightly smaller breed of Podenco is the Podenco Andaluz, which typically stands between 40-55cm and weighs 12-20kg.
They often come in solid red colour, or red with white feet, tip of tail and chest, and can have either smooth or wire coats.
Their muzzle is often a little shorter than that of an Ibizan or Canarian Podenco, but they have the same trademark ears.
Adaptability
The Podenco's adaptability is truly one of its most impressive characteristics. They can thrive in a variety of roles, from loving family pets to therapy dogs, canicross athletes, and agility competitors.
Given the right support and training, this breed can excel in almost any activity. The Podenco's ability to adapt to different environments and roles makes them a versatile companion.
Whether they're running alongside their owner on a canicross course or providing comfort as a therapy dog, the Podenco's adaptability shines through.
Podenco Campanero
The Podenco Campanero is a sturdy breed, thought to have been bred to hunt large game like boar and deer. They have a distinctive shaggy white coat.
Their build is stocky, which makes sense given their hunting background. They tend to be a bit shorter than the Ibicencos, but pack a lot of muscle.
One thing to note is that they have a similar look to other breeds like the Cirneco dell'Etna and Pharoah Hounds. But don't worry, they're still uniquely wonderful companions in their own right.
The Podenco Campanero is a wonderful companion, and once you have one, you might find yourself wanting another.
Canarios
The Canarios are a type of Podenco, known for their distinctive physical characteristics and hunting skills. They're a rare breed, originating from the Canary Islands.
Their coats can be a mix of fawn, brown, and brindle colors, with or without white markings. This variation makes each Canario unique.
In terms of size, Canarios are generally medium-sized dogs, weighing between 20-30 kg. They're agile and athletic, built for hunting.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners. They are also known for being relatively low-maintenance pets.
Intriguing read: Hunting Dog Poodle
Un Chien Inconnu
The podenco campanero is a relatively unknown breed of dog from Spain, not officially recognized by the FCI. It's considered a variant of the podenco andalou and is found throughout the country.
This dog is of predominantly white color, sometimes with a reddish tint, and has long, hard fur. It's a very noble-looking dog.
The podenco campanero is known for its great intelligence, sociable nature, and docile temperament. It's also very affectionate and loyal.
It has a strong prey drive and excellent sense of smell, making it an excellent hunting companion. It's also very resistant to fatigue.
Unfortunately, the podenco campanero's sole purpose is to hunt large game in a group called a rehala in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are podencos aggressive?
Podencos are generally not aggressive, but they can be reserved with strangers and may have a defensive instinct when protecting their family or territory.
Do podencos make good pets?
Podencos make loyal and loving family pets for active adopters who can devote time and energy to their needs. With proper care, they can bring great joy and companionship to a family.
Why are podencos abandoned?
Podencos are often abandoned due to massive overbreeding and the high cost of caring for them. This leads to a cycle of abandonment and neglect, particularly after the hunting season ends.
Featured Images: pexels.com
