What’s a “Galgo?”

The Galgo Español (aka the Spanish Galgo, or Spanish Greyhound) is a breed of sighthound currently facing a crisis in Spain. Used for hunting hares, these dogs are typically kept in abysmal conditions until they are disposed of in cruel and inhumane ways at the end of the hunting season, only for new dogs to be purchased each season from overpopulated breeding mills. The hunters that utilize Galgos, or “galgueros,” believe that the more their retired hunting dog suffers as it dies, the more successful their next hunting season will be.

Galgos share a number of similarities with their look-a-like, the English Greyhound. Athletic, intelligent, and sensitive, this historic breed deserves to be loved and cared for throughout its preservation.

What is being done?

In April and May of this year (2024), members of the Daphne Legacy Tour, with the help of American Greyhound, Inc., will be traveling to Barcelona and Madrid to escort 24 deserving Galgos to Chicago. From there, these dogs will need loving foster homes to help them adjust to a new way of living. Consider taking advantage of this unique opportunity to help save an animal’s life and welcome a majestic Galgo companion into your own home. You can easily apply to foster one of these extraordinary dogs through the American Greyhound, Inc. website, or simply follow this link.

We understand that introducing a new companion to your home, whether it’s temporary or permanent, can be tricky. But, there are resources available to help you come to a decision.

• The Daphne Legacy Group [link]
  • A Colorado based transport organization dedicated to rescuing Galgos from Spain and facilitating their adoption in the US through greyhound adoption groups
• American Greyhound, Inc. [link]
  • Dedicated to finding homes for retired greyhounds and other sighthounds
• Love, Hope, Believe Galgo Adoption, Inc. [link]
  • Based out of the Chicagoland area, another organization dedicated to rescuing and finding home for Galgos
• Greyhound Pets of America-Wisconsin [link]
  • The Wisconsin chapter of a nationwide, non-profit organization dedicated to finding homes for retired racing greyhounds. Several resources on living with and caring for greyhounds (and other sighthounds) are available through their website.
• Learn more about the breed and its history on the Galgo Español Wikipedia page.

Where do we come in?

As these brave Galgos make their way to their new, loving homes in the US, Sauk Point Veterinary Clinic is pleased to offer outstanding healthcare services. Our doctors have expertise in sighthound specific medical and surgical care, ensuring each Galgo receives the highest standard of veterinary care. If you find that your home is a good fit for one of these noble hounds, you can rest assured that SPVC will be there to help guide and support you while caring for your new companion.