# Morphostructural Characterization of Hunting Dog Packs (Rehalas) Using Multivariate Methodology

## TL;DR

This study characterizes the Large-size Podenco Andaluz hunting dogs in Spain using morphometric measurements and multivariate analysis.

## Contribution

The study provides an updated morphostructural characterization of the Podenco Campanero breed using modern multivariate methods.

## Key findings

- The Large-size Podenco Andaluz is the most predominant breed in the study area with clear sexual dimorphism.
- Multivariate analysis revealed distinct morphostructural characteristics and considerable homogeneity in the breed.
- Breed diversity is influenced by genetic relationships and selective breeding based on hunting practices and terrain.

## Abstract

This investigation on hunting dog packs from the Sierra Morena in Córdoba aimed to deepen our knowledge of the dogs’ morphological characterization. The results showed that the Large-size Podenco Andaluz is the most predominant type of dog in the study area. This dog exhibits clear sexual dimorphism, and breeders choose it for its versatility during long hunting days. Morphologically, it is distinct from other Spanish dog breeds used in the Spanish traditional big game hunt known as Montería. This study provides an update on the morphostructural characteristics of the Large-size Podenco Andaluz, as the last study was conducted four decades ago.

On the south–central Iberian Peninsula, big game hunting is traditionally carried out using big-game hunting under the “Montería” modality, with dog packs. Breeders of these dogs value their versatility in both chasing and capturing prey. In this context, the most popular breed is the Large-sized Podenco Andaluz, colloquially known as Podenco Campanero. In this study, we aimed to morphologically characterize the hounds of the Sierra Morena in Córdoba and evaluate their possible relationships with other Spanish hunting dog breeds. For this purpose, 255 dogs were measured to obtain sixteen morphometric measurements and eleven indices. To assess morphostructural differentiation, we applied multivariate methodologies. The Podenco Campanero exhibited pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males being significantly (p < 0.001) longer, taller, wider, and deeper than females. The morphostructural model of this breed demonstrated considerable homogeneity and harmony, and the population exhibited distinct morphostructural characteristics, with body size and regional width varying between individuals. The morphometric characteristics of the breeds used in Monterías on the central and southern Iberian Peninsula highlight that the diversity of these local genetic resources is shaped by genetic relationships and selective breeding models chosen by dog pack breeders, which depend on the hunting modality and the terrain characteristics where it is practiced.