Saved from Spain, now our little pods are perfect pets
LIKE Colin Dunne with his Portuguese pod (Mail), I would also highly recommend the Spanish podenco. We have both a podenco and a podenco maneto, a short-legged version with a big personality. We found both these dogs, as well as four others, as strays in Spain and now have all six living with us in Surrey. They love affection, are very loyal and, as Colin says, are either dashing around or sleeping — nothing in between. Our little pod always shares our bed at night — a good foot warmer. Podencos are very common in Spain as they’re used as hunting dogs but at the end of the season many are simply abandoned, have legs broken so they can’t return home or are simply left to starve. This is a huge problem in Spain as the Spanish tend to think these dogs won’t make good pets, though this is simply not true. They’re often cat- friendly as well. There are now several charities in Spain, normally run by British people, helping rehome these dogs throughout Europe. For anyone interested in rehoming a podenco or galgo (another type of hunting dog — think Scooby) a good charity called galgosdelsol.org has about 100 dogs and puppies looking for homes.
ROSEMARY POCKETT, Felbridge, Surrey. COLIN DUNNE thinks Labradors are passé (Mail). What an insult to the wonderful work this breed does to so many disabled people and to their owners who, like me, have a superb Labrador. They’re faithful and hardworking and the companionship these dogs provide and their neverending understanding is second to none. Get out more, Mr Dunne, or get a gerbil.
Mrs F. SEVENE, address supplied. WE’VE seen an undeniable movement away from the original native breeds that made up the 43 originally recognised by the Kennel Club in this country in 1874. Dog owners now have more choice than ever before. The Kennel Club likes to see the public having as much choice as possible in picking the right companion, but it’s critical that people understand the vast differences between the various breeds. Anyone who wants to find out more can do so at the Discover Dogs event at Earls Court, London, on November 8-9. There will be more than 200 dog breeds for people to meet, with experts on hand to give advice so that people can find the right dog for their lifestyle and learn how to buy a pet from a responsible source.
CAROLINE KISKO, The Kennel Club, London.