Overview
The Maneto is a dwarf variety of the Podenco Andaluz, a rabbit hunter from southern Spain with the long body and short legs that let it push through dense scrub where taller hounds cannot follow. Smooth-coated, usually in white and tan or cinnamon, it has the big upright ears and bright eyes of the podenco family. In Britain they turn up mainly through Spanish rescue.
Podencos are hunters by scent, sight and sound, and the Maneto has all three senses pointed at rabbits. Away from the hunt they are friendly, sociable, a bit sensitive and good company. The walker's task is working with that nose rather than against it.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour a day in two walks is a sensible level for an adult. The short legs do not mean a low-energy dog; the Maneto will keep going for a long time at its own trotting pace and enjoys rough, scrubby ground where there is scent to work.
Watch the back. Long-bodied, short-legged dogs are better off not jumping down from heights or doing repetitive stairs, so lift the dog in and out of the van if the owner prefers.
On the walk
- Rabbits: The whole purpose of the breed. Warrens, hedgerows and rough grass will take all of the dog's attention and it may try to go to ground. Lead on in rabbit country unless recall is proven.
- Recall: Trainable, but a podenco on scent has selective hearing. Use a long line until you have seen it hold under distraction.
- Other dogs: Bred to hunt in packs and usually easy with other dogs. A good candidate for group walks with sensible company.
- Sensitivity: Many rescued podencos are wary of raised voices and sudden movement. Keep things calm and let the dog build confidence.
Tips for professional walkers
- Carry a few strong-smelling treats to compete with rabbit scent for the dog's attention.
- Use a harness; the podenco neck is slim and a determined dog can back out of a collar.
- Give the dog a coat in cold wet weather, as Spanish hounds are not built for British winters.
What to ask the owner
- Is the dog a Spanish rescue, and are there things it is still nervous about?
- Does it have any recall, and does it try to go down holes?
- Any back problems, and do you want it lifted in and out of vehicles?