Quadrangular pyramid head, with erect ears, sickle shaped tail, well proportioned, with sound construction and well muscled very lively and intelligent sober and rustic. Each size category traditionally hunts game appropriate to their size and temperament. Keen hunting dogs, the Podengo has an affinity for game regardless of size.
The wire coat variety is better suited for hotter climates with its more open coat texture which provides better cooling and the smooth variety is better suited for cooler climates with its tighter, denser coat which provides better insulation.(2) Each is a very versatile hunter and companion that use all of its senses combined with agility, speed and endurance, running singly or in packs. The Portuguese Podengo was developed with six varieties (consisting of two coat types, short and smooth or long and wire, and each with three sizes small, medium and large), each suited to different climates, terrain, type of prey and hunting style. The smooth coated variety is traditional, dating back to the 5th century, whereas the wire coated variety is an outcome of the assimilation of various other breeds during the 20th century.(1) Their coats are either short and 'smooth', or longer and 'wired'. As a breed, the Podengo is divided into three size categories that are not interbred: small (Pequeno), medium (Médio) and large (Grande). Typically healthy and long-lived, the Podengo has minimal care requirements and is suited to an active lifestyle.The Portuguese Podengois an ancient multi-sensory hound (sight and scent) breed of dog from Portugal. Because of its small size, the Pequeno Podengo may be prone to behavioural problems, so firm leadership is essential from an early age. Weaknesses.ĭue to the breed's relative rarity it is difficult to establish the susceptibility of the Podengo to genetic or breed-specific diseases, although no breed is ever completely unaffected. On average, a healthy Medio Podengo will weigh 16-20 kg, with a life expectancy of 10-14 years when shown the appropriate care. Its vigilance to change and threat makes this an efficient guard dog, protecting its family if potential danger is perceived. Highly trainable, the breed is well suited to the domestic setting and makes the ideal addition to family life. The average Portugese Podengo.Ī lively and intelligent breed, the Podengo requires regular exercise and human companionship.
A typical sight hound, the Podengo is happy to hunt in packs or alone. The Grande Podengo is often found hunting larger game than rabbits, including boar. The coat is seen in two varieties - Smooth-Haired and Wire-Haired, which is most common in the United States, in colour variations of black, yellow or fawn. Identifiable for its proportionate build, small inseted eyes, black nose, large upright ears and flat skull. The Podengo comes in three size classifications - Grande, Medio and Pequeno (small). The Portugese Podengo is characterised by. Well-established in 16th century Portugal, the Podengo grew to great popularity as a companion dog and is particularly commonplace in rural areas of northern Portugal. Primarily bred for hunting, the Podengo developed a keen interest in hunting rabbit - from where its name derives - and was commonly utilised in ratting and guarding property. Some suggest a likeness with the Pharaoh Hound, which migrated to the Iberian Peninsula, whilst others speculate that the breed is a direct descendent of small Iberian wolves crossed with the dogs of Phoenician traders. The Podengo, meaning 'rabbit hunter' in Portugese, is the country's National Dog, despite being of uncertain origin.