Galgo Espanol vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison

Galgo Espanol vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed ComparisonAustralian Silky Terrier is originated from Australia but Galgo Espanol is originated from Spain. Australian Silky Terrier may grow 41 cm / 16 inches shorter than Galgo Espanol. Australian Silky Terrier may weigh 23 kg / 50 pounds lesser than Galgo Espanol. Both Australian Silky Terrier and Galgo Espanol has same life span. Australian Silky Terrier may have less litter size than Galgo Espanol. Australian Silky Terrier requires Moderate Maintenance. But Galgo Espanol requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Hound dog
undefined
Australia
Spain
Height Male:
23 - 26 cm
9 - 11 inches
66 - 67 cm
25 - 27 inches
Height Female:
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
65 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
27 - 29 kg
59 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
6 - 8
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Silky Terrier, Sydney Silky
Spanish Galgo, Galgo, Spanish Greyhound
Colors Available:
blue/tan, grey/blue and cream.
(brindle),
Coat:
long, straight and silky
Smooth or Rough
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

australian silky terrierMany toy breeds have been bred for centuries and were kept as lap dogs and companion dogs. Known at first as ‘The Sydney Silk’ the Australian Silky Terrier originated in Australia, but before the 2nd World War, the Australian SilkyTerrier was all but unknown outside Australia.

The toy breed came about by crossing the Yorkshire Terrier and the Australian Terrier, but further crossings contributed to the silky coat and the small size we are familiar with today. Despite this little dog being classified in the Toy Group, this spunky dog has the ability to hunt and kill rodents.

Victorian and Tasmanian breeders claimed to be originators of the breed, so the official name, Australian Silky Terrier, was adopted in 1956. Since recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1955, the breed has enjoyed a solid build up of fans.

galgo espanolGalgo Espanol means Spanish with galgo meaning greyhound, thus a Spanish Greyhound. This breed is ancient with their roots in perhaps the English greyhound and others in the sighthound family. They are much like the greyhound in that they are laid back, calm, gentle and quiet, unless they are competing on the local track. Like the greyhound they are shy and reserved; great with kids and other pets. And of course, they love cats.

There are dogs like the Galgo referred to in writing by the ancient Celts and Romans. One author, Arrian, had his own Galgos and used them when hunting. The breed flourished in the second half of the Middle Ages in Spain and well into the 8th century. When the Christians regained control of the Iberian Peninsula, they did away with the hunter old forms of hunting and introduced a new form with hounds that made the Galgo the pride of the aristocracy and not in the homes of the ordinary people. Arrian claim to two types of dogs, the smooth and rough coated.

Muslim and Chrisitan Kings kept Galgo Espanols. In all probability the Saluke and Galgo were crossbred at this time. It was illegal to kill a Galgo and in 1081, the Mayor of Cartuario of Slonza left his Galgo in his will to Diego Citid. Dogs seen in painting from the 12th century look just like dogs of this breed who can be seen today.

It is believed that when the Galgo was developed, it was in the midsection of Spain or the Castillian plains. They ruled the interior of the country while the bloodhound ruled the exterior. The 18th and 19th centuries saw very little change in the breed. However, in the 20th century, there was cross breeding with the English greyhound that produced a leaner, faster and powerful track racing dog. The results was a faster dog without the long distance stamina of the pure Galgo. For this reason, the breeders returned to breeding the pure professional racing dog.

The sport of racing the Galgo earns Spain around sixty million dollars per year. They train anywhere from three to four thousand of the Galgos every year for Open Field Coursing Championships. Still, there no longer is any cross breeding between the Greyhound and the Galgo. The current coursing programs feature a hare that is much hardier and difficult to pursue so the stamina of the old Galgo Espanol is desired. In Castile, where these games are played, the landscape is open with large fields that requires that the hare travels far greater distances. This means that the stamina of the original Galgo Espanol is needed.

When not racing the Galgos have become great house pets. They have a reputation as gentle dogs that are docile and quiet, with good health. This reputation is well earned. They are also successful show dogs in Europe much more than the states. This is perhaps because they are really rare outside of Spain. They are not recognized by the United Kennel Club nor the American Kennel Club.

Description

Small but Spunky

australian silky terrier puppy - descriptionThis is a small breed with Loads of Spunk. The Silky terrier is somewhat longer than tall and height is around 23cm, with weight being about 4kg. He has an athletic build and although the bone structure is refined, the small dog has amazing strength and durability with a keen, alert face. Small but sturdily built, the dark, almond-shaped eyes don’t miss a thing as do the small, erect v-shaped ears.

Full of fun and packed with character, the Silky Terrier isn’t your regular lap dog as he is bold, active, feisty and playful- always ready for action. He can be aggressive toward strange pets but becomes amicable with other pets in the home. He is sharp and clever, and can be trained to be an absolute pleasure in the home and a playmate for children trained to be kind to animals.

They are loving and devoted to their human family and can be excellent watchdogs even though they can’t offer much protection.

The Coat – the most Distinctive Feature

Of course, the Silky Terrier gets his name from the sleek, silky coat that if allowed to grow, flows down from their backs to the floor. It is the dogs most distinctive feature. They come in several solid colors and mixes of colors too such as blue/tan, grey/blue and cream.

He’s Adaptable

The Silky is an adaptable dog and even though he is energetic and will needs daily physical and mental exercise, he can be a country or an apartment dog, but will require plenty of exercise and getting out and about.

galgo espanol puppy - descriptionObviously the Galgos looks a lot like the Greyhound, but in some very important ways they are very different. The rear of the Galgos is higher than the front and their muscle are flatter. They are built for endurance while the Greyhound is built for speed. The Galgos is a lighter, smaller dog with larger ear on a long head. They have long tails and their chests are not deep like the Greyhounds.

The Galgo comes in smooth and rough coats and a variety of colors. The rough coat protects dogs that are in climates colder than the ones in Spain and also keeps them from injuring their skin while running. The colors include brindle, black, golden, toasted, cinnamon, yellow, red, white, white with patches, or any color as long as they have a white forehead and muzzle.

Characteristics

Caution with Small Children

australian silky terrier dog - characteristicsSmall in stature but with a strong personality, the Australian Silky Terrier is a keen, intelligent, active, energetic and spunky breed. He is affectionate and loyal towards his human family, and although good with older children and other pets, he may not get on too well with small children and their erratic movements.

Training Required for his Wilful Nature

Don’t leave him alone for too long as he becomes anxious and destructive. He is an active dog too and while he will adapt to apartment living, he will need exercise and games to keep him active, fit, stimulated and healthy. Your Silky is an intelligent dog but he is stubborn too and proper socialization and training will be important for Silky Terriers, as then he becomes quite sociable.

A firm but gentle hand will be needed to train this wilful little dog, but when you show him who’s boss, he becomes your devoted and loyal friend.

Children friendliness

galgo espanol dog - characteristicsThey are good with children, but you need to be careful no one gets knocked down or hurt.

Special talents

Stamina for running and a good record in lure coursing.

Adaptability

Though they can be couch potatoes like greyhounds they are better off with a fenced yard and not an apartment.

Learning ability

They are smart and can learn anything you want to teach them if you can keep their attention.

Health Problems

Some Ailments to Look out For

australian silky terrier puppies - health problemsThe Australian Silky Terrier is generally healthy and he has a lifespan of 11 – 14 years. However he may suffer from some problems such as Legg-Perthes disease. This means degeneration of the head on the femur bone of the dog's hind leg, resulting is osteoarthritis. This ailment is commonly seen in miniature-, small and toy breeds and can result in lameness and pain.

Silky Terriers are also prone to certain eye disorders, including PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy as well as cataracts. PRA can lead to total blindness.

Vaccinating your Pet – what’s required?

Getting the right puppy shots and vaccinations is also part of good health care for your Silky and you can speak to your vet about what injections are due at 6 – 8 weeks of age and what booster vaccinations may be necessary.

galgo espanol puppies - health problemsBeing a large dog, the Galgo Espanol would normally face a high probability of hip dysplasia. Fortunately for the breed this is not true. In this respect their lightness of weight, their history as a working dog and their anatomy have protected them from it. They are however susceptible to other issues.

Osteosarcoma

Bone Cancer

Malignant tumors that quickly spread throughout the body. Life threatening.

Anesthetics

As a sighthound, the Galgo Espanol is prone to have issues anytime with anesthetics. They don’t metabolize the anesthetics like other dogs do. They will take longer to revive, and they are susceptible to hypothermia while under an aesthetic.

Muscle/Toe Injuries

While running, they are prone to injuries

Caring The Pet

Regular Brushing of the Silky Hair

australian silky terrier dogs - caringThe long, straight coat of the Silky will need a fair amount of brushing each day. This dog is considered a hypoallergenic breed, and although he doesn’t shed a lot, the length of the hair will require regular brushing to get rid of loose hairs but also ensure there is no tangling of the hair. If the hair of the dog is kept long, he may require a bath every now and then to keep his hair silky and clean and to get rid of dirt build-up.

Nutrition and Diet

A healthy, nutritional diet is important for keeping your canine friend healthy and free from disease and unhealthy skin. To stay health your pet will require correct amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Dog food companies make different types of dog food such as dry, semi-moist, and moist and these are available for dogs of different ages, activity levels and stage of life. Speak to your vet about selecting a dog food that is right for your Australian Silky Terrier and always ensure a bowl of fresh water is available to him.

Feeding the puppy

galgo espanol dogs - caringFeed your puppy a high quality dry food made for large breed dogs. Feed 3 meals a day 2.5 to 3 cups total for the day.

Feeding the adult

Feed your adult Galgo a high quality dry food made for large breed dogs. Feed 2 meals a day but don’t overfeed Give 4-5 cups total for the day.

Points for Good Health

They have amazing stamina and good speed. Generally good health as a breed.

Games and Exercises

He can be a couch potato indoors and runs forever outdoors. He does need daily exercise and bedrest both. The best would be if you could sprint him every day or have a small yard he can play in. They excel of course at agility and lure coursing. Keep them on a leash because if they run you will never catch them. The American Sighthound Field Association presents lure coursing events that they are eligible for. They have exceled at show competition in Europe but are not well known in the U.S.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Galgo Espanol vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Galgo Espanol vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Galgo Espanol vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Galgo Espanol vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Galgo Espanol vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Galgo Espanol vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Galgo Espanol vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Galgo Espanol vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Galgo Espanol vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Galgo Espanol vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Galgo Espanol vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Galgo Espanol vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Galgo Espanol vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Galgo Espanol vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Galgo Espanol vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Galgo Espanol vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Galgo Espanol vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Galgo Espanol vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Galgo Espanol vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Galgo Espanol vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Galgo Espanol vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Galgo Espanol vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Galgo Espanol vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Galgo Espanol vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Galgo Espanol vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Australian Silky Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Silky Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Australian Silky Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Silky Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Australian Silky Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Australian Silky Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Australian Silky Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Australian Silky Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Australian Silky Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Australian Silky Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Australian Silky Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Australian Silky Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Australian Silky Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Australian Silky Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Australian Silky Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Australian Silky Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Australian Silky Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Australian Silky Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Australian Silky Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Australian Silky Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Australian Silky Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Australian Silky Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Australian Silky Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Australian Silky Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Australian Silky Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison