Discovering the Legacy of Spanish Galgos

Hello everyone, and welcome!

In our first post, we introduced you to our world and the passion that drives us to create our scarves. We talked about Terence, our beloved adopted greyhound, and today we want to take you on a fascinating journey to discover his breed: the Spanish Galgo.

Ancient and Legendary Origins

Did you know that Galgos have incredibly ancient origins? Their roots go deep into history, with depictions dating back to the time of the Assyrians and similar representations in Ancient Egyptian paintings. Amazing, right? It is said that even Alexander the Great had a greyhound named Peritas—a brave and loyal dog, with a slender and agile body, capable of keeping up with his master in battle.

Although there is no definitive proof that Peritas was a greyhound, many depictions, such as the Deer Hunting Mosaic or the Sarcophagus of Alexander, suggest this possibility. It’s fascinating to think that these dogs may have accompanied great historical figures on their adventures!

Alexander the Great:

Here's a fascinating detail from the so-called 'Alexander Sarcophagus,' showcasing Alexander the Great on horseback, with a sleek greyhound-like dog by his side—possibly his beloved.

The Arrival of Galgos in Spain

But how did Galgos arrive in Spain? We don’t have absolute certainty, but there are two main theories. The first suggests that the Galgo descends from the ancient Lévrier Gaulois, brought to Spain in the 6th century BC by Celtic populations who used them for hunting. The term Galgo may actually derive from Gallicus, meaning "from Gaul."

Another theory suggests that Galgos are descendants of Eastern sighthounds, such as the Saluki and Sloughi, which arrived in Spain from Africa during the Arab invasions between the 9th and 15th centuries AD. Most likely, the modern Spanish Galgo is the result of a cross between these two sighthound lineages: the Gallicus and the Eastern breeds.

The Elegant Sloughi:

The Arabian Greyhound (Sloughi) —a sleek and graceful breed originating from North Africa, proudly recognized by the FCI.

Terence: A Connection to the Past

Thinking that Terence, with his elegance and gentle nature, carries such an ancient heritage is something that deeply fascinates us. Every time we look at him, we feel connected to a millennia-old history of courage, loyalty, and beauty.

In the next posts, we will tell you more about the life of Galgos today and why we chose to dedicate our first creations to them.

In the meantime, did you already know this history? Would you like to learn how Terence has adapted to his new life with us?