Pet Wiki

Sabueso Español

Also called Spanish Hound · Spain

Mild, affectionate and easygoing in everyday life, it turns determined and fearless once on a scent.

Comes in

6 sources

Height48–57cm

19–22 inmales 52 to 57 cm, females 48 to 53 cm12

At a glance

Key facts
SizeMedium
Height48 to 57 cm (19 to 22 in)males 52 to 57 cm, females 48 to 53 cm12
CoatShort, smooth
OriginSpain, mainly the mountainous north of the Iberian Peninsula.12
GroupFCI group 6

Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.

Gentle and affectionate
Calm at home
Tireless, courageous tracker
12

what they are likeSabueso Español temperament

Mild, affectionate and easygoing in everyday life, it turns determined and fearless once on a scent. It is a devoted working companion for hunters and can also settle well with an active rural family.12

how to spot oneSabueso Español coat and colours

short, smooth

A medium-sized, long-bodied hound with an elegant head, very long ears and a gentle, slightly melancholy look. The coat is short, fine, dense and smooth all over. Females are clearly smaller and lighter than males.12

Comes inwhite with orangewhite with lemonwhite with red-brown12

a typical week and yearThe care rhythm

A typical home-care rhythm for a Sabueso Español. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

how busy a day looksSabueso Español exercise needs

A persistent scent hound that needs long daily walks and chances to follow its nose, ideally in open countryside.12

where they are happiestSabueso Español at home

Best in a rural home with secure space; its loud voice suits the countryside more than close neighbours.2

who they like aroundSabueso Español with people and other pets

Traditionally worked alongside other hounds and hunters; enjoys company and an active routine.2

the hands-on bitsSabueso Español grooming and care

The short, smooth coat needs little more than a weekly brush; check the long ears regularly.1

the things everyone asksOwner questions

How often should I feed my Sabueso Español, and at what times?

Feed your adult Sabueso Español at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Stick to set times each day to help their digestion, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for amounts.3

What should a Sabueso Español eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced, high-quality dog food is best for your Sabueso Español. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these well away from your dog.4

How often should I bathe a Sabueso Español?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. At least once every three months is fine for this short, smooth coat.5

How often does a Sabueso Español need brushing?

A weekly brush is enough for the short, smooth coat of a Sabueso Español. This helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy.15

How do I trim a Sabueso Español's nails, and how often?

Trim your Sabueso Español's nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain.5

How much exercise does a Sabueso Español need?

This scent hound needs long daily walks and chances to follow its nose, ideally in open countryside. Daily exercise is a must to keep them happy and healthy.12

How do I look after a Sabueso Español's teeth and ears?

Brush your Sabueso Español's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check their long, floppy ears weekly and dry them gently, never pushing anything into the ear canal.5

How long does a Sabueso Español live?

The lifespan of a Sabueso Español varies by individual, so ask your vet or a good breeder for a more specific estimate. Regular vet check-ups help them live a long, healthy life.

Is a Sabueso Español good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Sabueso Español is mild, affectionate, and easygoing in everyday life, making it good with children and other pets. They are traditionally worked alongside other hounds and enjoy company.12

Can a Sabueso Español be left alone?

This breed enjoys company and an active routine, so they may not do well left alone for long periods. They are best in a home where someone is around or with other dogs for company.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

per year, in your countryWhat a Sabueso Español costs

Running costs for a Sabueso Español, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.

1,039 GBPa year
1,596 GBPfirst year
Foodabout 91 kg of dry food a year298 GBP ↗
Routine vet care345 GBP ↗
Pet insurancetypical policy, varies by breed and age384 GBP ↗
Dog tax0 GBP ↗
Licence and registration12 GBP ↗
Gear to start531 GBP ↗
Microchip and registration26 GBP ↗
Yearly cost in all 28 countries

Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.

homemade and simpleTreats they will love

All treat recipes for dogs

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

for the dinner tableFun facts

  1. Its ears are so long they should reach past the tip of the nose.2

  2. Hunters can tell what stage a hunt is at from changes in its booming voice.2

  3. Its tail typically ends in a white tip.2

  4. The breed was already written about in the 14th century.1

the story behind itWhere the name comes from

The breed name 'Sabueso Español' translates directly from Spanish to 'Spanish Hound', with 'sabueso' meaning 'hound' or 'scenthound'.2

for your new friendName ideas

SombraRastroCazadorBrisaMonteTrufaValienteSendaNubeRocíoPistaLeal

told by a Sabueso EspañolA day in the life

I woke to the smell of dew on the heather. My human clipped on my lead and we set off across the meadow. My nose twitched, a rabbit had passed hours ago, but I followed its trail anyway, zigzagging through the ferns. The sun climbed high, and I flopped into a cool stream, splashing happily. Later, back home, I rested my chin on my human's knee as they read. A treat appeared, a biscuit, which I accepted with a gentle lick. Now I'm curled by the fire, dreaming of tomorrow's scents.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

where it all beganSabueso Español history

Spanish hounds of this type were described in King Alfonso XI's 14th-century hunting book and in later Spanish hunting texts. They have long been used in northern Spain on boar, deer, hare and rabbit, and the modern standard dates from 1982.12

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the official bitsRecognised by

FCI
Standard no. 204, Group 6 (Scent hounds), Section 1.2 Medium-sized hounds; definitive acceptance 15 November 1957, standard 26 May 1982; working trial required.6
Real Sociedad Canina de España
Spanish breed standard; listed among Spain's vulnerable native breeds (per Wikipedia).2

Sources (6)

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI standard no. 204 fci.beused for history, coat, colours, height, temperament
  2. Wikipedia: Sabueso Español en.wikipedia.orgused for uses, fun facts, vulnerable status
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. FCI nomenclature: Sabueso Español (204) fci.beused for recognition

Text is written in our own words from these sources.