Overview
The Valdueza, or Perro Montero Valdueza, is a modern Spanish pack-hound built to hunt in rugged mountain terrain. It is large and sturdy, with a rough coat.
It was officially recognised in Spain in 2020 but is not recognised by the FCI.
History
Alfonso Álvarez de Toledo, the eleventh Marquess of Valdueza, began the breed in the 1940s. His son, the twelfth marquess, continued it. The goal was a pack-hound for the Montes de Toledo, the Sierras of Extremadura and the Sierra Morena.
Large rough-haired Podenco Andaluz were crossed with lightweight Mastín Extremeño, and some Griffon Vendéen was added later. It was listed as an ethnic group in 2014 and recognised by the Spanish ministry of agriculture in 2020.
Appearance
A large, rough-haired hound, shaped by its Podenco and light mastiff ancestry. Exact measurements are not given in the main source.
Temperament
Bred to work in a pack over hard country, it is tenacious and hardy, and tends to be at its best working with other hounds.
Care and exercise
It needs lots of exercise and space and is suited to hunting or very active rural homes. Its rough coat needs only simple brushing.
