# Characterization and Typology of Hunting Dog Packs (Rehalas) and Breeder Management Practices in a Mediterranean Mountain System

## TL;DR

This study explores how hunting dog packs are managed in a Spanish mountain region, identifying different typologies and management practices that are important for their cultural and ecological role.

## Contribution

The study introduces a typology of hunting dog pack management practices in a Mediterranean mountain system, emphasizing their socio-ecological and cultural significance.

## Key findings

- Three management typologies were identified: traditional, pragmatic, and non-organized.
- Dog packs typically consist of around 52 dogs, mostly Large-sized Podenco Andaluz breed, with specific feeding and health management practices.
- Training begins at about 14.5 months and follows regular routines, with leishmaniasis being a notable health concern.

## Abstract

This study describes how hunting dog packs in the Sierra Morena region (Andalusian, Spain) are organized and managed by their owners. Information was collected through surveys with breeders, allowing the identification of different ways of managing dog packs based on aspects such as pack size, breeding, health care, feeding, and training practices. The findings highlight the cultural, genetic, and social importance of dog packs in Mediterranean rural areas. Preserving their long-term viability will require supporting responsible breeding, improving health management, and protecting traditional practices adapted to the specific characteristics of each management group. Policies that recognize this diversity are essential to conserve this unique heritage and sustain its contribution to local socio-economic development. The findings of this study should be interpreted within the specific context of the Sierra Morena region. This regional focus allows for an in-depth characterization of a particular hunting system while highlighting the need for caution when extrapolating the results to other regions or hunting contexts with different environmental and cultural characteristics.

This study aimed to characterize hunting dog packs (rehalas) and identify management typologies within a Mediterranean mountain system (Sierra Morena region of Córdoba). An ethno-demographic survey was designed and completed by 30 breeders. Descriptive statistics were used for general characterization, while variability assessment and typology identification were performed using multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering. The typical dog pack breeder was a 48-year-old man with extensive experience (28.5 years) and basic formal education. Dog packs comprised an average of 51.9 dogs, predominantly of the Large-sized Podenco Andaluz breed, participating in approximately 40 hunting events per year. Feeding practices commonly combine commercial feed with supplementary food items. Health management included routine deworming every six months, and 43% of breeders reported concern about leishmaniasis. Training generally began at around 14.5 months of age and followed regular weekly routines. Ten factors explained 82.4% of the observed variability, allowing the identification of three typologies: traditional, pragmatic, and non-organized. These findings underline the cultural, genetic, and socio-ecological relevance of dog packs as working groups in Mediterranean rural systems. The long-term sustainability of these systems depends on reinforcing selective breeding, improving health management, and safeguarding traditional practices adapted to each identified typology.