Overview
The Podenco Valenciano, known locally as the Xarnego Valencià, is a rabbit hound from the Valencia region of Spain. It comes in smooth, wire and long coats, often with a distinctive harsh beard on the wire type, and is a little heavier set than the Canario. Hunters prize its stamina and its willingness to push through dense scrub.
It is the least common of the Spanish podencos in Britain and almost always a rescue. Expect a dog that is agile, watchful, initially reserved with new people, and increasingly affectionate as it learns the routine.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour to ninety minutes a day is a fair guide. Lead walks at a lively trot are fine for everyday, but the dog will be happiest with a weekly run in a fenced paddock where it can stretch out properly.
They tire mentally as well as physically. Scatter feeding in grass gives the nose a job and calms a wound-up dog.
On the walk
- Recall: Expect it to vanish the moment something runs. Even recall-trained podencos are selective. A long line is the realistic middle ground.
- Lead manners: Mostly good and not strong. Keep a firm, relaxed hold and stay alert at gaps in hedges where rabbits break cover.
- Other dogs: Sociable with other hounds, tolerant with most. Introduce bouncy dogs slowly; this is a dog that prefers to size up a newcomer first.
- Weather: Smooth-coated dogs feel British winters badly; the wire-coated ones manage better. Either way, carry a coat.
- Jumping: They are good jumpers. Check gates and fence lines before letting the dog off.
Tips for professional walkers
- Clip a tag with your number to the harness as well as the owner's; a lost podenco is a serious problem.
- Start with the same quiet route every day and widen the circle as the dog relaxes.
- Keep the first few walks short and finish before the dog gets anxious.
- Watch for grass seeds in the beard and feet on wire-coated dogs.
What to ask the owner
- Which coat type does the dog have, and how does it cope with cold and rain?
- What is its history with recall and with wildlife?
- Are there triggers, such as men in hats or traffic noise, you should know about?