Podenco Andaluz

Also called Andalusian Warren Hound, Andalusian Podenco

A lively, warm-hearted dog that bonds closely with its own people and tends to hold back with strangers.

Size	Small
Weight	5 to 33 kg (11 to 73 lb)1
Height	32 to 64 cm (13 to 25 in)males 35 to 64 cm, females 32 to 61 cm1
Coat	Smooth, wire-haired (cerdeño) or long-haired (sedeño)
Origin	Andalusia, southern Spain.1 2

Recognised breedShort profile

lively and affectionate

loyal to its family

sharp sight, hearing and nose

1 2

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.1 2

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.1 2

Colourswhitered shades from light to deep redwhite and red1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Podenco Andaluz. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

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

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.1 2

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.1 2

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

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Podenco Andaluz' means 'Andalusian Podenco,' referring to its origin in the Andalusia region of Spain and classifying it as a type of podenco, a group of ancient sighthound-like hunting dogs.1

Name ideas for your new friend

SolLunaRayoOlivoCastañaBrisaChispaNaranjaPimientoSombraAlmaTrueno

A day in the life told by a Podenco Andaluz

I wake when the sun peeks over the hills, stretching my long legs. First thing: a run across the field, nose low, following a rabbit trail. My human calls me back with a whistle, and I come galloping, tail wagging. We spend the morning exploring the olive grove; I point at a partridge and freeze like a statue. After a cool drink, we rest under a cork tree. In the afternoon, I chase butterflies and dig a little hole for no reason. When dusk falls, I curl up beside my human's chair, feeling the warm breeze. Life is good when you can run free and love your pack.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

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

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
a little water (as needed)

How

Preheat your oven to 175°C.
Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

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?

Pet Wiki'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 Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki suggests brushing every seven days. Regular brushing removes loose hair and keeps the coat shiny.5 1 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki recommends daily walks and play. A tired Podenco is a happy Podenco.1 2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Podenco Andaluz's teeth and ears?

Brush your Podenco's teeth daily with dog toothpaste, as Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki 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.1 2

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 Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.