Small but Tough.

The Manetos is in the current situation not approved by the FCI, only by the RSCE (Spanish Kennel Club). The Maneto was approved as an indigenous race in Spain in 2004. There is no scientific evidence of how old the breed is but there are different dogs looking like manetos depicted in paintings and photographs from the 19th century. It originated in Andalucia in southern Spain. In particular, the regions of Cadiz and Malaga, which counts as the cradle of birth for the manetos.

Very simplified you can describe this exclusive race as a podenco/dachshound (teckel).The weight is 10 kg plus / minus 1.5 kg. The authorized colors are different shades of red and white.They have the podencoids characteristic big errected ears and raised hunting zeal but the dachshounds characteristic legs. They are used just like their cousin Podenco Andaluz for rabbit hunting. We also believe that it is out of the  Podenco Andaluz median the Manetos once emerged from. By controlled inbreeding within the race to maintain pure bloodlines, breeders have spread the dominate, mutated gene throughout the race to the point that it is now a distinct characteristic for classifying the breed.

The Maneto is an expert at getting into dense thickets and thorns. They are also used in narrow ravines and for retrieving in streams.They are excellent trackers and retrievers both on land and in water. They are often used together with Podenco Andaluz in hunting, where they take up where the larger dogs can not come through. Maneton often works closer to the hunter than the Andaluz. When the hunter have shot the prey the Maneto runs out to retrieve it. But there are also Manetos that just like their cousins both tracks down and kills the prey.

They hunt in packs where they help eachother to identify the rabbit. They are not particularly fast, given their short legs but they are working calmly and methodically. During the track work they work quietly and give up the first bark when they found a trace. Then the other dogs quickly join in to hunt for the prey and the hunter start to prepare with the rifle.

But the Maneto is not just a hound. They are also known as very nice pet dogs which easily adapts to family life. They want to constantly be with the owners and are keen to get their affection. This means in other words, a dog that will be happy to sleep in your bed and warm your feets during cold winter nights, and they will cowork with you on most things as long as the reward is a delicious meatball. This is a dog that is well suited to family life because they are very loving to their own family. Another big advantage with the Maneto are their short legs. They can not use them as whirling drumsticks against one's own face during the heat of the play like their cousins do. Something that probably most owners appreciate very much.

Affectionate towards their family need to go no further than that. They are often what you call a one-man-dog. It should be borne in mind when you open your home for a Maneto. It may take time before the dog has accepted you as its new owner. Manetos may be suspicious and cautious towards strangers. But their natural curiosity and open manner usually takes the upper hand after a while. By spending much time together accelerates the process to be accepted by your new Maneto.

They have a strong guarding instinct, unless the owner is present. This can easily lead to a dog that barks a lot maybe at the door when people pass when they are alone at home. So it is something you should be aware of and practice on. It is a very independent and intelligent dog that need challenges in order to feel good. They have a strong temperament and psyche and can probably see themselves as slightly superior than other dogs. Towards other Manetos however, they show great respect. You should therefore exercise their socialskills a lot. So that the Maneto learn to socialize with many different breeds.

The Manetos have the hunting in their genes. That is, the hunt, is not a learned behavior, it is something that they have from birth. So even if you buy a small puppy, who have never seen a game in his whole life, the hunting instinct immediately rouse when they are exposed to the stimulus. You should be practicing a lot at calling in your dog, contact and its willingness to follow you. The advantage of Manetos, however, is that they have such a short legs, and because of that they do not run so quickly away from you. It is something you can take advantage of when you practice. If you are particularly fond of the temperament and independence of the dachshound/teckel, then the Maneto could also fit in to your home and family. 

                                                                                           La Podenquera!



*Note that a breed presentation is only a general description. A breed consists of numerous individuals, where each one is unique.