At a glance the quick version
Depends on size variety: small about 5-11 kg, medium about 10-22 kg, large about 21-33 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
smooth, wire-haired (cerdeño) or long-haired (sedeño)
Comes in three sizes and three coat types, so two dogs of the breed can look quite different. The smooth coat is short and close, the wire coat is hard and bristly, and the long coat is soft and flowing.12
Personality what they are like
A lively, warm-hearted dog that bonds closely with its own people and tends to hold back with strangers. It adapts easily to life outdoors and has strong natural hunting instincts.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An energetic, athletic hunting dog that needs plenty of daily running and activity, ideally in a securely fenced area given its strong chase instinct.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Grooming is simple for the smooth coat; the wire and long coats benefit from regular brushing.1
The story where it all began
Dogs of this type have lived in Andalusia for a very long time, but their early history is poorly documented. A national club formed around 1990, the veterinary faculty of the University of Córdoba studied the breed, and the RSCE recognised it in 1992. It has long been one of Spain's most common working hounds on farms and hunting estates.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its trot is said to be as fast as its gallop.1
- 2
On Andalusian estates it has traditionally hunted rabbits and larger game, guarded the farmyard and kept rodents down.2
- 3
In the traditional hare hunt it can work as a 'quitaor', the dog that flushes the hare out of cover.1
- 4
It is one of the few breeds recognised in three sizes and three coat types.2
Recognised by the official bits
- Real Sociedad Canina de España (RSCE)
- Recognised in 1992 and classed in Group V, Section 7 (primitive-type hunting dogs); standard No. 401. Also listed in Spanish legislation, with an official standard published in 2001.2
- VDH (Germany)
- Recognised in 2014.1
- FCI
- Not recognised internationally; sources point to its close overlap with the Portuguese Podengo standard.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Podenco Andaluz. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Podenco Andaluz, and at what times?
Adult Podenco Andaluz should be fed at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help their digestion, but the exact times can fit your routine. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes.3
What should a Podenco Andaluz eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed your Podenco a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give them alcohol, caffeine, or raw meat and eggs.4
How often should I bathe a Podenco Andaluz?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors or has skin issues, you may bathe more often. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.5 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Podenco Andaluz need brushing?
For the smooth coat, weekly brushing is enough, while wire and long coats benefit from more frequent brushing. Furry Diary suggests brushing every seven days. Regular brushing removes loose hair and keeps the coat shiny.51 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Podenco Andaluz's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail clipper and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If you are unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.5 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Podenco Andaluz need?
This energetic hunting dog needs plenty of daily running and activity, ideally in a securely fenced area due to their strong chase instinct. Furry Diary recommends daily walks and play. A tired Podenco is a happy Podenco.12 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Podenco Andaluz's teeth and ears?
Brush your Podenco's teeth daily with dog toothpaste, as Furry Diary suggests, and aim for at least two to three times a week. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal.5 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Podenco Andaluz live?
Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet or a good breeder for specific information. With proper care, many dogs live well into their teens. Regular vet checkups help ensure a long, healthy life.
Is a Podenco Andaluz good with children and other pets?
This breed bonds closely with its own family and is lively and warm-hearted, so they can be wonderful with children they know. However, they tend to hold back with strangers and have strong hunting instincts, so careful introductions with small pets are important. Supervise interactions with young children and other animals.12
Can a Podenco Andaluz be left alone?
Podenco Andaluz form strong bonds with their people and may not enjoy long periods alone. How well they cope depends on the individual dog and their training. Consult a good breeder or a vet for advice tailored to your dog's temperament.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Podenco Andaluz - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for recognition, sizes, weights, coat, colours, temperament, uses, facts
- Podenco andaluz - Wikipedia (es) es.wikipedia.orgused for RSCE recognition 1992, coat types, history, uses
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.