Rare Breeds of the World Continued FROM page 81
orange, red, or green depending on the material used. Another typical Canarian food is called ‘ropa vieja’, which means ‘old cloth (a dish made of chicken and beef with potatoes and garbanzo beans). And at the least, and I love this – People in the Canary Islands use not only Spanish to communicate, they also uses (especially in the villages) the Silbo-Gomero, the unique whistle language. A speaker of Silbo Gomero is referred to in Spanish as a “silbador” (‘whistler’). This “language” was declared as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. If you wish go to http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Irahmx1V9foe - I am sure this will surprise you. The archipelago has several indigenous dog breeds, including the Tenerife, one of the forefathers of the Bichon Frise. (The Barbichon group of dogs evolved into four breeds: The Bichon Bolognese, the Bichon Havanese, the Bichon Maltese and the Bichon Tenerife. From the Bichon Tenerife came today’s Bichon Frise. These lively and affectionate dogs found their way from the Mediterranean area to the Canary Islands, specifically to the Island of Tenerife.). There are the popular Perro de Presa Canario and the lesser known Perro de Presa Majorero or Perro de Ganado Majorero (a watch dog originally from the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, where he is referred to in popular form as Dog Bardino). Currently, this race of dog is in danger of extinction. In the XVI and XVII centuries we can find many citations related to these dogs with historical documents which were found after the conquest of Canary Islands. Decrees concerning the two breeds were issued, and concerning the Perro de Presa Canario was determined that only butchers could keep these dogs, because Presa dogs were used for slaughter. A later resolution was signed and made mandatory that both races of dogs had to be chained at day
and let loose only at night to fulfill their guard duties. Finally, the Podenco Canario called by the locals as the Noble Canario.( Podenco Canarios originally arrived in the Canaries from Egypt, brought by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Egyptians. Podenco Canarios are extremely hard, slender, medium-sized resilient dogs with well developed bones, and muscles). The Podenco probably is possibly the less known “lebrero” (rabbit hunter) outside Spain, but this is a hunting dog just like its cousins (Pharaoh, Ibizan etc...) Compared to the other hounds they have probably the best sense of smell. The volcanic surface in most parts of the Canary Islands where the soil is harsh, with hollows and rocks where the rabbits live is the environment that the Podenco Canario better uses its supreme qualities; excellent nose, sight and superb hearing. With these attributes they can easily track a prey under the ground. The hunting with this dog is really curious, see what I found; Primarily the canario is a scent dog. He shall scan the area methodically with his nose for the prey. On the Canarias they are often used together with ferrets during the hunt. When the dogs have found and marked where the rabbit is hiding out it is time for the ferrets to get to work. The ferret who is wearing a small bell around its neck is sent in to the whole or the crack to chase out the prey. If the rabbit chooses to take another way out the dogs can track the rabbit with the help of the sound from the ferrets bell and by their scent. When the rabbit comes out, the dogs stands ready to catch it. The dogs tracks, kills and retrieves the prey to the hunter. Hunting with armour is also used. But the most common is that the dog is performing all the stages of the hunt and the owner is just a bystander. On the Canarias it is most common to hunt with up to five dogs at a time. The way of hunting may differ a bit on the Spanish mainland ( www. bibliotecapleyades.net). Again, to me, hunting is not a sport, but it
is important to remember the function a breed was firstly selected. Hunters were food providers and we can not stress enough the importance of this activity in those early times. The Pharaohound and the Podenco Canario, two separate breeds, closely resemble each other. The Canario is of medium size. They are supposed to be between 53-64 cm plus or minus 2 cm. The body should be slightly longer than high. The dogs have long legs, and are slim and elegant. Allowed colours are solid shades red from clear to deep or white, and combinations of those two. The other difference is the Podenco’s uncommonly big paws with very long and flexible toes, which makes them able to run and grab on to the loose and sharp stones covering the volcanic ground. The skin and the fur are much finer and shorter than on the other Podencos -the hunt in open terrain doesn’t need the extra fur for protection. The breed is not suited to hunt in forests since they may get different kind of skin damages.
T
hese dogs have a sweet, affectionate and loyal personality which makes them especially suitable for families with children. Anyhow the breed needs early education because if not properly introduced may refuse humans other than their own family members. It is important not to leave little children unattended with any dogs, Podencos included. These dogs have a keen perception on separating unfriendly from the friendly approach. Also due their nature the Podenco Canario can be considered as overexcited but this is a quality for hunting dogs. Indeed it is an “always ready for action” attitude. For being sweet tempered and sensitive they need love, and patience to be correctly conditioned. Never ever use harsh methods because their feelings can easily be affected with the dog becoming scared, or shy, refusing the training and the trainer. Positive and rewarding are the best methods to work with this (and every) breed. Finally, this is a fearless dog full with energy and enthusiasm. Clean, intelligent, and joyful, it is a pleasure to have them in the household. We must remember that to spend their energy the Podenco needs plenty of exercise. There is no one Podenco Canario owner who does not have thousands of positive remarks about the breed, which still needs attention from the fancy’s part to save them from extinction. The Podenco Canario is recognized by La Real Sociedad Canina de España (R.S.C.E., (the Spanish Kennel Club) as an indigenous breed and internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as Primitive type - Hunting Dogs, Spain. In North America the breed is listed with the United Kennel Club as a hunting dog in the Sighthound & Pariah Group. At those entities site under Standards our dear breeders will find the official, and complete description..
Dog News 133