I was researching more rare sighthound breeds and came across the Xarnego Valenciano, sometimes called Podenco Valenciano and lots of other reshufflings of those words. They look like the more well known Ibizan Hound but are a bit smaller and can have silky feathering! They also come in smooth and rough coats, and their ears are a touch less sharp and pointy than their Ibizan cousins; just a bit more rounded. I was immediately enchanted.
Photos by Matilda Lindström of the lovely Mira.
They also come in various shades of red/brown and can have black coats as well.
To say I fell down the rabbit hole was an understatement.
It appears that the only breeders of these dogs are in Spain where they are used for coursing small game. The only kennel club that recognizes the breed is the Kennel Club De España. I have contacted a few friends who have connections with various Podenco breeders in Spain, in the hopes that someone can indulge my curiosities and feed me as much info about them as possible. I don’t know if I’ll ever own one, but I am eager to learn more.
