It’s probably too late, I’ve probably already committed to adopting a Podenco from Spain. But, I thought I’d throw it out there: experience? Tips? Advice? Thanks!
I only know a handful (we have a local breeder/agility competitor) but they’ve been fun little dogs. Good trainability
Thank you! That’s what I have heard. Good to know it’s true!
a friend of mine lives in the Netherlands. she was always a yellow Labrador person. now. she has two podencos from a rescue in Spain. they look like a ton of fun from the pics and videos on facebook. best of luck!
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There are a couple that do agility in my area. Seem like very sweet dogs.
I would expect them to be nice dogs in general, but keep in mind that purebred rescue is a mixed bag. They often come from breeders who don’t select (for anything) but maybe especially not for temperament. So, treat it as an individual, give it a couple of weeks of adjustment time before you assume anything, and then go with what you have.
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Oh! I’m so excited for you! Please keep us updated. After the greyhound thread from last year, I’ve been seriously considering a galgo or podenco for my next dog.
I’ll admit to having to look them up - we had two greyhounds - the sweetest dogs ever, even if they don’t fetch your slippers. Perhaps they have similar qualities?
Where are you located OP? Are you having the dog imported?
I had to look up the breed. Poor things. In my area all we have is Pit Bulls and i just cannot understand the attraction.
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OP I am so excited for you! I adopted a Galgo from Spain 7 years ago. Since then I have followed all the rescues both stateside and in Spain. The Podencos are adorable! They seem very clever and smart and mischievous and charming. Looks like a super fun dog, especially if you enjoy activities with your dog. I’ve fallen in love with a number of them online! Unfortunately my husband put his foot down and insisted we are a one-dog household, otherwise I probably would have a bazillion galgos and podencos by now.
Please keep us up to date - I would love to hear all about it! (And live vicariously, of course!) 
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I’m always here for any enabling, should you ever need it 
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Noted! :winkgrin:
I am in Tennessee and she is coming from Spain. She arrives April 20, if all goes as planned. I didn’t know about them either, until a friend posted a link to one of the rescues. Then I read about them, and wanted to help. This girl will make mine a 3 dog/1 cat household. I must be crazy.
I daren’t post pics until it’s truly reality. The rescue has been wonderful.
I picked the Podenco because I wanted a smaller dog. The Galgos are just stunning. If you look at some of the rescues, and the videos,while many of the dogs are terrified, they just radiate a desire to be loved. Those ears and eyes!!!
Mostly, I love Spain,but this is a dark side. I picked an older dog, recommended by the rescue, since those are harder to place usually, and I don’t really have the life style for a pup. My other two are getting on (12 and10). I think they will better tolerate a mature adult, too.
So that is what I know! For those of you unfamiliar, do Google them. It’s very sad. The Podencos come in all sizes, with some wiry haired and others more smooth coated. Related to Ibiza hounds,a breed I did know of. The Galgos are extremely similar to greyhounds, but unrelated. Used for rabbit hunting, they are sighthounds. My mom raised Scottish deerhounds and also owned a borzoi or two, so I have known and loved some sighthounds in my life.
once she gets here, I will update!
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Fingers crossed for you OP! Are you comfortable sharing what rescue in Spain you are working with? Would love to see pics of your (hopefully!) new family member.
Thinking back – was in Germany and saw a type of dog that looked like what you are getting – so I asked and the lady said they had got it from Spain - so I guess the rescues send quite a few to European countries…like greyhounds here.
Foxtrot’s, they do send probably more to Europe than to U.S. It’s cheaper and easier. A couple of the dogs I inquired about just wouldn’t do well on a cross-Atlantic flight. The rescue was hoping to get them to the U.K. the rescues seem to have a lot of support in the U.K.
The rescue I have been working with is Galgos del Sol. MaryLou Hecht is the head of their U.S. affiliate. Wonderful folks with a ton of sense. Go to their webpage, galgosdelsol.org. look at all the adorable faces!!!
I had a feeling it might be Galgos del Sol :D! What a great rescue - I have followed them for years. Of course I went over and had a quick peep at their adoptables page.
My galgo came to the US from SOS Galgos, by way of a local greyhound rescue group. I hope everything goes well! Hope you will check back in and update us.
Cute dogs. What is the cost to rescue a dog from Spain. Asking for a friend 
LuvRedHeads, I PM’d you. Sugarwells, it’s not cheap, as you can imagine. All in, including air fare, crate, spay/neuter, clean bill of health, passport was about $800. In the end, I should have healthy dog, airline-type crate (unless I donate it back to GDS), harness and collar. So, not really that bad. Compare to local rescue, you wouldn’t get a crate, and still would spend $200-$400.
If you read the descriptions and watch the videos, it is so heartbreaking. Every one of these dogs has a sad story and they all seem so everlastingly grateful. I watched the long video about the start of GDS over the weekend. What a strong woman!
MaryLou will send pics of my girl in a week or so when she is at GDS! I will post them! Tina, who doesn’t really love the Podencos, her heart dogs are the Galgos, really likes this girl, so I’m hoping that’s good.
My friends who live in the Netherlands have 2 podencos. I think they came from the same group. They appear to be very happy with their dogs, which is why they got the second one. I hope you give updates!
