Spain is an ancient country, known for its cities like Barcelona and Ibiza, which many tourists visit year-round.
Yet, Spain isn’t just about parties and historical sites. It also has a surprising number of dog breeds, many of which trace back to Egypt.
If you’re looking for a Spanish dog breed, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I will list 15 dog breeds that originate from Spain, so without further ado, let’s begin.
1. Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff is by far one of the largest breeds in Spain.
Spanish Mastiffs can weigh up to 200 pounds and reach up to 35 inches when they are fully grown.
These dogs aren’t overly active, though they will still need daily exercise to stay fit and healthy.
Typically speaking, Spanish Mastiffs are calm and affectionate, but remember, always be careful when you’re dealing with large dogs. They can easily hurt you, even if they don’t mean to.
Did You Know?: “Mastiff” descends from the Latin word “mansuetus,” which means “gentle, mild, and tame.”
2. Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized dog breed, standing at around 15-20 inches and weighing 31–49 pounds when fully grown.
These dogs are also affectionate with the family, though early socialization and puppy training are a must no matter what breed it is.
Spanish Water Dogs are relatively healthy, but health conditions to watch out for include hip dysplasia and eye anomalies.
3. Perro De Presa Canario
The Perro de Presa Canario is a larger dog breed, standing around 22-26 inches tall and weighing up to 110 pounds.
Because they were originally used for guarding and herding cattle, the Perro de Presa Canario (“Canary Dog of Prey”) is large and robust, and they require regular exercise.
Although some individuals may face health conditions, typically speaking, Perro de Presa Canarios are healthy dogs.
Early socialization and puppy training are strongly recommended for all dog breeds, even more so than for other dogs.
4. Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound is 22–27.5 inches tall and weighs 45–50 pounds when full-grown.
These hounds are generally healthy dogs. However, Ibizan hounds are prone to diseases such as hip dysplasia, eye disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, and congenital deafness.
Ears should be checked regularly, nails should be trimmed when necessary, and teeth should be brushed as much as possible (preferably daily).
Fun fact: the Ibizan hound’s history is traceable back to approximately 3400 BC!
5. Bichon Frise
Although the Bichon Frise is typically associated with France, it is thought that they began their modern development in Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands.
Although these dogs are typically hardy, watch out for health problems such as allergies, bladder infections, luxating patella, cataracts, and other eye diseases.
6. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees, the infamously large white dog breed, stands at around 25-32 inches tall.
Unfortunately, Pyrs do have a fairly short lifespan, however, as with most large dog breeds. Thus, to help ensure they will live a long and happy life, make sure these dogs get top-notch care.
Some health conditions that Pyrs are prone to include elbow and hip dysplasia, eye disorders, luxating patella, neurological and immune-mediated disorders, and bloat.
Caution!: Bloating is a serious health condition! Make sure you understand the symptoms of it and what to do if your dog ever encounters this health condition!
7. Pyrenean Mastiff
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a large dog breed, getting 25–31 inches tall and weighing 120–240 pounds.
Pyrenean Mastiffs are great with families and should behave well around children, but early socialization and puppy training is a must!
Their coat should be brushed 2-3 times a week, their teeth should be brushed regularly, and their nails trimmed when necessary.
8. Papillon
The Papillion Mastiff is a small dog breed, standing 8–11 inches tall and weighing 10 pounds or less.
Overall, they are affectionate with the family and should behave around young children. However, even though they are small, Papillons should still be socialized at an early age and properly trained.
Lastly, remember that these dogs are also very active, so they require regular exercise to stay fit and healthy.
9. Spanish Pointer
The Spanish Pointer, sometimes also referred to as the Burgos Pointer or Burgalese Pointer was developed to hunt small game, like foxes or rabbits.
Since these dogs were developed to hunt, they are generally active and require daily exercise.
As of August 2022, the Spanish Pointer is not recognized by the AKC. However, it is recognized by the FCI and UKC (United Kennel Club).
10. Catalan Sheepdog
The Catalan Sheepdog gets 17.5-21.5 inches tall and weighs 35–40 pounds when it is full-grown.
Originating from the Catalonia region of Spain, as the name suggests, it was developed as a herding dog.
When it comes to their health, little is known, with some saying it is a rarer dog breed. However, it is thought they are generally healthy.
11. Andalusian Hound
The Andalusian Hound, originating from the Andalusia region of Spain, was also bred to hunt.
Andalusian Hounds are strong yet intelligent. These dogs are strong-willed and typically don’t get intimidated easily, so they require a handler who will be an authority figure and can give them firm and consistent training.
12. Basque Shepherd Dog
The Basque Shepherd is one of the few working dog breeds that are well suited for family life. This dog breed is energetic and loves its family!
Although Basque shepherds do thrive on having a job, they can also excel in training for dog sports like agility, obedience, and more.
If you’re looking for a working dog that’s also well suited for family life, consider getting a Basque Shepherd.
13. Can De Palleiro
The Can de Palleiro is a large dog breed, standing up to 26 inches tall and weighing up to 84 pounds.
When it comes to health conditions, not much is known. However, it is assumed that these dogs are relatively healthy since they are an ancient dog breed.
The Can de Palleiro can be traced back to Galiza. As a result, it’s also known as the Galician Shepherd.
14. Majorca Shepherd Dog
While the exact origins are unknown, there is a theory that suggests it arrived from the Balearic Islands right after the conquest of King James I of Aragon.
These dogs are generally healthy, however, this breed is prone to health conditions such as gastric torsion, various musculoskeletal issues like hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation.
15. Canario Podenco
And last on the list is the Podenco Canario. This dog is fairly tall, standing up to 25 inches tall when fully grown and it weighs 44-55 pounds.
Their ancestors most likely lived on the Iberian Peninsula and then were imported to the Canary Islands around 500 years ago.
Note that these dogs do have an independent nature; thus, they can be a bit stubborn at times, so they require an experienced owner.
Conclusion
Spain is a popular country, and while it is famous for its tourist cities like Barcelona, Spain also has a surprisingly large number of dog breeds.
Which dog breed was your favorite? Let me know in the comment section below!
