The Galgos from Spain for homing in the UK
Galgos (breed name galgo español) are Spanish bred greyhounds used widely by hunters in the rural areas of Spain, for coursing the hare with betting but the season is only 4 months after which time they are abandoned or brutally killed. Many have not been handled kindly, some have suffered victimisation in overcrowded shelters in Spain, making them wary of other dogs, and some need gentle socialisation and a lot of reassurance that they are never going to be hungry or hurt again. They were rescued in the first place by volunteers who themselves suffer the hostility of their own countrymen for showing such concern and care.
All of the galgos we rescue are tested for Leishmaniasis, Babesiosis, Heartworm and Ehrlichiosis which are diseases that occur in Mediterranean countries but are not commonly known or endemic in the UK. The tests we undertake are to ascertain whether an individual galgo is currently infected with this disease but diagnosis can be challenging and latent infections can be difficult to diagnose. More details of these diseases can be found on our website.
Adoption Process
If you are interested in offering a home to a galgo please :-
· Contact us on 01784 483206 to ask for a homing pack or view the homing pack
· Complete and send the questionnaire in the pack to us at Greyhounds in Need, 5A, 80 High Street, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9HE, or email it to our homing officer info@greyhoundsinneed.co.uk
The questionnaire is also available separately – pdf and online version here
· We will then get in touch to chat more with you and arrange a home visit and try to match the right dog to the right home.
Please note that we aim to keep our website as up to date as possible regarding dogs reserved/adopted but this can change quickly so please ring us or email for the latest position. Thank you.
Galgos for Adoption:
Melon, (dob 03/12/20) is a sweet lad. He starts off a bit shy but is doing great on the walking list and getting on nicely with other dogs. He’s skittish on a lead and prefers dogs to people for the most part. He loves playing in the park with other dogs and is partial to a Zoomie 😅 ADOPTED
Andalucía, (dob 25/09/18). She’s a scared girl that would benefit from staying with other dogs. Once she’s out on a lead she does ok but always with 3 point harness and double lead. She lived in the mountains a long time where she gave birth. We would recommend an experienced home. Once she comes around we think she will be a loving loyal companion. ADOPTED
Ian, (dob 14/01/2019) was rescued from the streets and was so scared at first he wouldn’t even walk. Now he’s walking lovely on a lead and will stay close to a human that he knows. He’s really come on nicely. He is the sweetest character but still very nervous when meeting new people. Once he gets to know you, he’ll wag his tail in greeting and likes a cuddle. His natural curiosity means he really wants to learn to trust but just needs someone who’s willing to let him take his time to gain confidence. Living with another confident dog could help but with the right person he will come round. To progress further he really needs to be in a home rather than kennels so we’re hoping he won’t have to wait much longer for someone to give him a chance.
Nieblo, (dob 31/05/21). Sweet boy that has been a little shy but has come on in leaps and bounds. Great with other dogs and likes to play. Enjoys his walks on the sensory walk. ADOPTED
Jemma, (dob 01/05/21) is a very scared girl that will do much better in a home. She arrived with a broken leg and the plate is still in , she’s doing great with it. Great with other dogs just scared with people. She is on the walking list with volunteers and does ok. ADOPTED
Jodie, (dob 09/11/2017). Lovely, sweet girl who’s a little shy but will come around. She had a stomach torsion but luckily after an operation was fine. Jodie walks beautifully on a lead and is great with other dogs. ADOPTED
Viento, (dob 19/05/19). He is a handsome black galgo boy with a white chest. He’s about 5 years old. He was rescued from an overcrowded perrera. He’s slightly larger than the average galgo, fantastic on the lead and is a lovely confident boy who greets new people, men included, with a waggy tail and a smiley face. He loves his zoomies around the kennel paddock and chasing after a squeaky ball but equally loves a cuddle and a treat. He’s a great all rounder and just ready to start his new life.
Dana, (dob 03/12/20) is a wonderful girl that came in pregnant. She literally started giving birth as we rescued her. Extremely friendly girl, does well with other dogs, kids, not scared at all. Fairly high energy but also loves a long snooze. ADOPTED
Justino, (dob 14/09/15) is a firm favourite of many of the volunteers. Walks great on a lead, sleeps thru the night, is extremely friendly and ok with other dogs. In the kennels with face on face greets he can be a bit grumpy so when introducing him to another dog we always go for a walk together first. He also likes to be alone and doesn’t really need other dogs. His favourite thing is people. ADOPTED
Sally, (dob 05/03/23). Lovely sweet girl. Handed in by another rescue that found her on the streets. ADOPTED
Please check out Life with a Galgo.
See At home with a blind lurcher, a greyhound and four galgos!
Read Galga Bambi
Read Galga Bambi 2
Read Galga Bambi 3