Once home to the fearsome Spanish Armada and the equally terrifying Inquisition, Spain is now better known as a top travel destination in Europe. With hot spots like Barcelona and Ibiza, tourists flock to Spain year-round to experience the wonderful culture.
However, Spain isn’t all about rooftop parties and delicious tapas. In fact, the country has quite a few dog breeds unique to the region. Many of which, can trace their heritage more than 5,000 years to breeds in Ancient Egypt. Many are breeds that you’ve never heard of!
Spanish dog breeds have been bred for everything, from herding to companionship and even dog fights (thankfully, this last one is now illegal). Some breeds will look familiar, sharing heritage with other breeds around the world, while a couple look truly unique.
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Native Dog Breeds From Spain
Though Spanish breeds are just as magnificent as any others around the world, they tend to go under the radar compared to high-demand breeds. But, as you’ll see below, Spanish breeds are well worth knowing about!
The most popular native Spanish dog breeds are the:
- Papillon
- Great Pyrenees
- Spanish Water dog
- Presa Canario
- Pyrenean Mastiff
- Ibizan Hound
- Galgos Español
- Catalan Sheepdog
- Andalusian Hound
- Spanish Mastiff
- Ratonero Bodeguero
- Pachón Navarro
- Spanish Pointer
- Basque Shepherd
- Spanish Alano
There are certainly more dog breeds native to Spain, however, these are just the more popular breeds, at least according to Google search data. Read on to learn about each dog breed’s physical traits, qualities, history, temperament and what makes them special.
1. Spanish Alano
Highlights: Sociable, Sturdy, Loyal
This Spanish dog breed has a long and storied history. Their name comes from the Iranian tribe of Alani who made their way to Spain some time around the 5th century AD. Their ancestors likely worked with the Alani as livestock guardian dogs and pursuit dogs.
However, after more than a millennia and a handful of centuries, the Alano breed began to make a name for itself in bullfighting and the occasional boar hunting trips. Just one look at the Spanish Alano can tell you why.
They’re proud, bulky dogs with a large head that seems to always wear a constant stern look. Though their bullfighting days are pretty much over and the Alano is not as widely popular as it once was, it is still an admirable breed.
Spanish Alano Temperament
Unlike many other Spanish breeds, the Alano Español is much more sociable, especially with other dogs. This is likely because of their history of working as a hunting dog alongside others in a pack. It’s all about the pack-dog mentality for the Alano.
However, this hunting background also comes with a need to get them acclimated to smaller animals or pets from a young age. If you have a cat or guinea pig, this is going to be crucial. Though they are kind to their owners, the prey-drive is still engrained in them.
Despite their large size, they are highly affectionate and not at all intimidating (unless you’re a small prey). However, like quite a few other hunting dogs, they can be wary of strangers and stick with those they know. That said, they can be great guard dogs.
2. Basque Shepherd Dog
Highlights: Outgoing, Calm, Loving
The Basque Shepherd is a Spanish landrace dog that originates from the Basque Country of Spain. And for several generations, these robust dogs served local shepherds as capable guardians and herders for both cattle and sheep.
Despite being around for thousands of years, the Basque Shepherd dog was originally grouped with their close cousins: the Catalan Sheepdog and Pyrenean Shepherd. It wasn’t until 1996 that the Royal Canine Society in Spain finally recognized this breed.
Basque Shepherd dogs come in two varieties: smooth and rough-coat. Though the smooth-haired type is believed to be more “purebred” with a more outgoing personality. On the other hand, the rough-coat tends to be smaller with a coarse coat.
Basque Shepherd Temperament
The Basque Shepherd dog, while extremely skilled in herding, can still be an excellent modern family dog today. Always full of energy and upbeat liveliness, they love to play and demand a lot of attention out of their owners. They’re not great for busy owners.
Thanks to their guard dog instincts, the Basque Shepherd makes a wonderful watchdog, and a decent guardian too. They can be a little protective and tend to be somewhat territorial, so plenty of socializing is necessary for these dogs.
Basque Shepherds can get along with everyone in the home. These dogs were, after all, bred to guard the pack. So whether you have cats, other dogs or children, they’ll keep an eye out for them. And in most cases, they’ll have your backs.
3. Spanish Pointer
Highlights: Stout, Composed, Adaptable
The Spanish Pointer is often referred to as the Burgos Pointer or Burgalese Pointer. This Spanish breed finds its origins in Castile, Spain – specifically the Castilian Plateau where it was developed for hunting small game, such as rabbits and foxes.
They are distinctive for their sturdy stature, but this is contrasted to loose and floppy ears. Even so, this Spanish dog is less centered around its exact style and more for its ability to track, run and hunt. Spanish Pointers, after all, are formidable hunting dogs.
Not only do they have high stamina but they’re also highly adaptable on the field. In other words, these pointers are the perfect hunting dog for just about any terrain. Despite having the high abilities, this dog doesn’t get as much recognition as the German Shorthaired Pointer.
Burgos Pointer Temperament
Like many other breeds with a background in hunting, the Burgos Pointer is intelligent and up for a good session of obedience training. Being bred to constantly run on hunting trips means the pointer will need substantial exercise while domesticated.
And despite having a colorful hunting pedigree, the Burgos Pointer is a rather gentle dog with a calm and mild demeanor. They are not easily startled, though they might prefer the open, quiet spaces offered by the countryside, compared to the bustle of urban settings.
They are quite adaptable so long as they receive the proper care and plenty of exercise. Having one live in an apartment won’t kill them if they get enough run. And like with all hunters, the Spanish Pointer will need plenty of socializing to become a docile pet.
4. Pachón Navarro
Highlights: Loyal, Brave, Docile
One of the more striking features of this breed is its split or double nose. Originally, this was thought to give them the extra capacity for smell, which made them popular for use in hunting excursions. However, nowadays it is purely cosmetic trait.
However, back in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Pachon Navarro was a prized dog among the booming hunting community. However after the Spanish Civil War, the Navarro experienced a stark and sudden decline in popularity.
The floppy ears and distinct nose are making a comeback, as enthusiasts in Spain have been at work to bring this breed back to prominence. Though there are still a limited number of them around the country, this very rarity can make them appealing.
Pachón Navarro Temperament
When not on the hunt, the Pachón Navarro has a calm, laid-back demeanor. In fact, they tend to enjoy spending off-time relaxing with their owners. While not the most active dogs, they do still appreciate activities that let them expend their ample energy.
Open yards are going to bring them hours of fun and exercise. Apartments, on the other hand, may leave them feeling cramped and can lead to stress. Despite this, they’re very friendly to both people and other animals (with socializing).
In order to be happy and content, they’ll need a clear pack leader. Much like other hunters, the Navarro is a pack-dog and should be treated as such. So, this can be reinforced by taking them on walks and heeling them beside or behind you.
When they know their position in the pack, they will feel more comfortable and ready to engage with those around them. This will be manifested in a docile attitude and calm demeanor, but with an air of interest in those around them.
5. Ratonero Bodeguero
Highlights: Athletic, Lively, Agile
This Spanish dog breed’s name gives it away. Originally bred and raised to hunt rats and mice in rural wineries in the region of Andalusia, Spain, this dog breed is now prized for his athletic ability and lively temperament and personality.
A glance might remind you of the Jack Russell Terrier, with some going so far as to rename this dog the Spanish Jack Russell. This isn’t a coincidence, as both dog breeds seem to contain Fox Terrier genetics in their bloodlines. The difference is where they were bred.
The Andalusian Rat Terrier most likely came to Spain’s region of Jerez from the British Isles. As such, they became popular for its lithe body and ability to catch rats from between barrels of wine, protecting the quality of this ever-popular commodity.
Andalusian Rat Terrier Temperament
With their long history in hunting (or rather, ratting), the Andalusian Rat Terrier will love a good chase. Just make sure things don’t get carried away. They can be very active and energetic on the field. Plus, they especially love spending time playing with other dogs.
The Andalusian Terriers are also very bright and alert. Their breeding background ensures that they will always on the lookout, bravely keeping watch for threats to their owners. In other words, they’re fantastic watchdogs in the home.
Being bred to work, they don’t like to spend too much time lying around. Instead, they prefer to be up and doing something stimulating. Whether it’s playing with their owners or simply running around a yard dreaming of chasing rats, they need play time.
6. Andalusian Hound
Highlights: Playful, Loyal, Energetic
As the name suggests, this Spanish breed comes from Andalusia, the area in the south region of the Iberian Peninsula of Spain. For reference, Seville is down there. And since being discovered, they’ve made their way all over the country.
In that region, there are caves where you can find paintings that bear a striking resemblance to this dog. However, despite the mystic allure this lends to the breed, genetic tests point to the Andalusia not being as old as originally thought.
There are actually quite a few varieties of this dog. Plus, they come in a variety of small, medium, and large sizes. But a trait that is common across the board is their amazing senses. The sight, hearing, and smell are all phenomenal.
Andalusian Podenco Temperament
These dogs are very energetic and will need an active owner to match them. They were bred to go on hunts and chase things down, so to keep them happy you’ll need to find an outlet for their energy. I’d try frisbee or catch for these high energy dogs.
They are also quite playful, regardless of size. So if you have small kids, a smaller size of the Andalusian Hound might be a better bet. They can sometimes get carried away with their boundless energy, and the larger version may unintentional knock over a kid.
Part of their hunting heritage also left them with a strong desire to please a confident owner. I would not recommend them for inexperienced owners, though. But they’ll respond much better to firm, consistent training, that is, if you want a loyal dog.
7. Catalan Sheepdog
Highlights: Brave, Intelligent, Reserved
Covered in shaggy fur from tail to nose, the famous Catalan Sheepdog (or Gos d’atura català) is yet another easily recognizable breed. This Spanish dog comes from Catalonia, a community in the north-east region of Spain. Think Barcelona.
They’re a breed of the Catalan Pyrenean dog, but they specialize in working as a sheepdog or shepherd. From far away they might look like one mess of uniform-colored fur, but upon closer inspection you may realize that they’re a mess of several different colored hairs.
A unique trait of this dog is that they tend to molt in two stages. First, shedding the front half of their body and then the rear half. The result is that towards the end of the first stage, you’ve got a dog that looks like he forgot to shed half its fur!
Catalan Sheepdog Temperament
As a sheepdog must be, this Spanish dog breed is inherently courageous and confident. They’re ready to protect and defend their owners should the situation call for it. I mean, they were pretty much bred to do this job with flocks of sheep.
As you’ll see with quite a few of dogs with a heritage of working with livestock, Catalans will be wary and suspicious of strangers. After all, how can they know that the person they just met isn’t trying to steal a sheep or two?
One noteworthy aspect of this dog is their intelligence and ability to perform in agility races and other dog-sports. In general, they have high amounts of energy and are always glad to have ways to expend it with their owners.
8. Galgos Español
Highlights: Sensitive, Athletic, Calm
The first thing you might notice is the familiar Greyhound body, both slender and graceful. It’s really no surprise considering they’re called the “Spanish Greyhound.” However, the origins of the breed are a bit more complicated than that.
They trace their origins back to Asian hounds brought to Spain by the Moors. From there, the first cross-breeding began with local hunting dogs. As a result, the final product was one of the best hare-hunting dog Spain had ever seen.
Eventually, the breed was further honed toward perfection. The breeders carefully crossbred the dog with Greyhounds until they ended up with a dog fit for kings, literally. The Spanish Greyhound was a favorite companion of Spanish Kings for their hunting skills.
Spanish Greyhound Temperament
Despite their lithe shape and athletic ability, Spanish Greyhounds are actually very laid-back dogs. In the home, they’re always up for a test of their running skills. However, they are equally content with lounging around with their loved owners.
They can be very sensitive and affectionate. This sensitivity and care carries over to children as well, and they can be very protective of them. But with strangers, they are less open, instead preferring to remain aloof until familiar with someone.
On the bright side, the Spanish Greyhound does get along well with other dogs. Though with cats or other smaller pets…let’s just say that they love a good chase. Thanks to their prey-drive, they do best in homes without smaller pets.
9. Spanish Mastiff
Highlights: Loyal, Solitary, Laid-Back
With droopy skin and ears, and eyes that are sweet yet inquisitive, the majestic Spanish Mastiffs will always be immediately recognizable. Not only do they have the typical mastiff breed looks, but also the confident and courageous temperaments.
They are massive, and rightly so, as they were originally bred to protect livestock from larger predators, such as wolves. However, they were more popular during the Middle Ages when such dangers were more of a threat to