[2][4][5] As with some other Mediterranean sighthounds, it is sometimes claimed that the Podenco descends from Egyptian hounds such as the Tesem or Saluki, distributed by Phoenician traders in the 1st century BC.

[2][4][9] This variability may be the result of adaptation to the different microclimates within Andalusia, including mountains, agricultural land and marshes, as well as the diverse game targeted by hunters.

[2][11][3] They are renowned for their methodical hunting style, as well as stamina and endurance while working in the mild winters with irregular precipitations, and dry, hot, sunny summers of Andalusia.

[3] One of the most typical functions of the large Andalusian hound was that of the so-called quitaor[12] accompanying the Spanish greyhound colleras[13] during hare hunting.

The quitaor‘s job consisted primarily of flushing out the hares from their home or hiding place and killing them; then, together with the greyhounds, retrieving them for the owner.