Pet Wiki

Valdueza

Also called Perro Montero Valdueza

Recognised breedShort profile

From Spain (Extremadura and central Spanish sierras)12

At a glance the quick version

Height, male67 to 75 cm12
Height, female66 to 72 cm12
Sizelarge
very sociable in a pack
docile and obedient
strong and agile in rough terrain
2

Coat and looks how to spot one

rough coat with undercoat

A tall, powerful pack hound with a harsh, dense coat roughly 3 to 8 cm long over a warm undercoat.12

Colourswhitecream (waxen)white with pale sandy patches12

Personality what they are like

Described as a friendly, easy-going dog that listens well and gets along with both people and the other hounds in its pack.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Developed to work in packs (rehalas) over mountainous hunting ground, so it is built for long days of hard exercise.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The harsh coat benefits from regular brushing to keep it clean and free of burrs after time outdoors.2

Home where they are happiest

A large working dog that is traditionally kept with other hounds; it needs generous space and outdoor time.12

Company who they like around

Used to living and working in a pack and described as highly sociable with dogs and people.2

The story where it all began

The Valdueza was shaped from the 1940s by Alonso Álvarez de Toledo y Cabeza de Vaca and later his son, the Marquis of Valdueza, for the Spanish montería hunt. Large rough-coated Podenco Andaluz dogs were combined with light Mastín-type dogs and later some Griffon Vendéen blood. Spain officially recognised it as a pure breed in 2020.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The breed carries the name of the noble family, the Marquesses of Valdueza, who developed it over more than 70 years.2

  2. 2

    It was bred to blend the power of a mastiff, the toughness of a podenco and the trailing skill of a griffon.2

  3. 3

    It works in rehalas, the traditional hound packs of Spanish mountain hunts in the Montes de Toledo and Sierra Morena.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Marqués de Valdueza, the title of the family who created the breed. Alonso Álvarez de Toledo y Urquijo, the twelfth Marqués de Valdueza, continued the breeding program started by his father in the 1940s.1

Name ideas for your new friend

AlbaCastaCotoDulceFaroGitanoJaraLealMonteRastroSierraValle

A day in the life told by a Valdueza

I wake with the pack, stretching in the cool stable. My human whistles, and we trot into the hills. I run beside my brothers, noses low, tails high. We find a scent and follow it together through the oaks. At midday, we rest under a cork tree, sharing water. Back home, I greet the children with a wagging tail. I sleep curled by the fire, content and ready for the next hunt.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (Spain)
Recognised as a Spanish pure breed by Order APA/698/2020 of 21 July 20202
Real Sociedad Canina de España (RSCE)
Listed as an ethnic canine group in 2014; the RSCE proposed its elevation to pure breed1
FCI
Not recognised1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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 Valdueza, and at what times?

Feed your Valdueza at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent meal times help digestion, and free feeding is not recommended for puppies. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.3

What should a Valdueza eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to your Valdueza's age and size is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always ask your vet for a tailored diet plan.4

How often should I bathe a Valdueza?

Bathe your Valdueza at least every three months, or more often if they get very dirty. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks to keep their harsh coat clean. Use a gentle dog shampoo.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Valdueza need brushing?

Brush your Valdueza's rough coat weekly to remove burrs and keep it clean. Regular brushing helps maintain the undercoat and prevents matting. Furry Diary recommends a weekly brushing session.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Valdueza's nails, and how often?

Trim your Valdueza's nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Valdueza need?

Your Valdueza needs daily vigorous exercise, such as long walks or runs, because it was bred for long days hunting in mountainous terrain. Furry Diary suggests daily walks and play. Provide plenty of space for this active, large dog.12 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush your Valdueza's teeth a few times a week using dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and dry them gently. Furry Diary recommends daily brushing and weekly ear checks.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Valdueza live?

The lifespan of a Valdueza can vary. For accurate information, ask your vet or a reputable breeder who knows the breed's history.

Is a Valdueza good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Valdueza is friendly and easy-going, getting along well with children and other dogs. It is highly sociable and enjoys being part of a pack, so it fits well into a family with other pets.2

Can a Valdueza be left alone?

The Valdueza is used to living and working in a pack and is highly sociable, so it may not enjoy being left alone for long periods. If you must leave it, ensure it has company or plenty of enrichment. Consider a dog walker or pet sitter.2

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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Wikipedia: Valdueza en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, recognition, height, coat, colours
  2. Jara y Sedal: El Valdueza ya es raza pura canina española revistajaraysedal.esused for recognition date, height, coat, temperament, use
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.