The galgo does not need much exercise. Three walks of 20 minutes a day is usually enough. Despite being the athletes of the canine world, galgos are not very active dogs. Obviously it depends a lot on the age, a young galgo less than two years old has more need to run than an older one. In general, they love to lie down resting, saving their energy to run when they feel like it.

Most galgos cannot be released in open spaces, since they can run very fast, in a short space of time, and do not react if they are called. Galgos are more sight-oriented than other breeds and the slightest stimulus (visual or otherwise) can scare or startle them, causing them to run off. A cat some distance away could trigger their chasing instinct, for example. This means it is very dangerous to let a galgo off its leash on the street or even in a park, as a frightened or startled galgo will sprint off without looking and runs the risk of being run over.

For a galgo to be allowed off its lead and to run around and play at its leisure, it must be in a fenced-in enclosure surrounded by a fence at least 2 metres high. As you get to know your galgo you will learn what areas are safe for it and which are not.

Galgos feel the cold very easily because they hardly have body hat or hair, they are unsuitable for living outside in a garden. They are very sociable and like to be at home and feel part of the family. They need a soft surface to rest upon. If they can choose, they usually choose the sofa but, if it is not allowed, a comfortable bed on the floor is more than enough.

Galgos are very lazy and sleep up to 18 hours a day. Most are happy sleeping all day until you take them for a walk.

This depends on each individual galgo. Many galgos come from the hunting world, where they were used to living together with others, and these might get anxious if they find themselves on their own in new or unfamiliar surroundings.

As we always evaluate galgos in foster homes prior to their adoption, we know which ones can be left alone at home and which ones need another dog’s company to feel safe. If the galgo does not have an anxiety problem, and has been out for a morning walk, it can sleep peacefully at home until you get back from work.

The galgo eats the same amount of feed as any other dog of his weight, adjusting the quantities according to its level of activity. It is recommended to give a high-end feed twice a day (never just before or after intense exercise). Many times it is more comfortable for them to eat and drink from an elevated bowl.

The galgo always goes to his new home in temporary shelter in case it is not adapt for any reason. Once you see that it has adapted well and you are happy with it, the final adoption is made by registering the microchip in your name.

The adoption fee is 350 euros which includes the microchip, vaccination, deworming, blood analysis, transport and sterilisation (both female and male), which is mandatory for adopted animals.

Some yes, and others no. We do a compatibility test before they go to a house with cats.

Galgos usually get along very well with children and older people, since they are calm and respectful dogs. Do not jump or drool. In fact, they are perfect for assisted intervention with animals. SOS Galgos takes its galgos to schools, orphanages and old people’s homes to give talks and do pet therapy sessions.

Galgos do not usually bark or pull on the leash. They are very serene and at home they hardly notice since they like to sleep!!

They usually live between 12 and 14 years depending on their level of health.

We are always looking for shelters to accommodate and evaluate newly arrived galgos. A foster home is a welcome option and plays a very important role in the physical and psychological recovery of a galgo before he or she finds a forever home.

It is a a great way to help many different galgos without having the commitment of looking after one for 12 to 15 years. It can be an option for a person who is not very sure of their life plans, someone staying in Spain temporarily not sure how long for, someone who already has a dog and has room for another for a temporary period of time or who simply wants to help out.

It is true that many galgos are traumatised by abandonment, the way they have been treated in the past, or a lack of socialisation. Some do panic in the presence of people, with the result that they are more comfortable living in rural environments where they can gradually build up their confidence with their adoptive family (and sometimes with no one else at all). Others are found to be more confident and sociable, are able to greet both other dogs and people, and are used to travelling in a car and walking around the city. Regardless of whether they are somewhat fearful or more confident, galgos are very affectionate and sensitive dogs.

Many galgos are suitable to life in flats while they are provided with the proper exercise. Some galgos will prefer an urban location and some a rural location, depending on their background.

Galgos are intelligent dogs and can be trained by motivating them with rewards. It is important to teach them its name and to come to the call. In general, they don’t enjoy obedience or other canine skills, prefer to be walking, socialising with other dogs or people, exploring, running and, if not, sleeping! But there are always exceptions, and there are people who do “agility” with their galgo and they enjoy it like another breed!

When a rescue animal is collected, it is taken to a residence or shelter. There, it will begin to adapt to the new environment. If and when a galgo is placed in a foster home, it is important to check that it does not suffer separation anxiety. If it does, we reducate the galgo in order to overcome this.

Similarly, it is also important to re-educate a galgo to teach it good hygiene habits, such as toilet training on walks and not stealing rubbish or food, since the latter has been the only means of survival for nearly all animals who have lived on the streets.

It is necessary to observe the galgo’s behaviour, with a view to ensuring its recovery and growing trust in people. The galgos gradually adapt to their new routine (such as the timing of meals and walks), as well as becoming used to interaction with other animals, whether dogs or cats, whilst we monitor their behaviour.