The Portuguese Podengo!
There is no single description of the Portuguese Podengo because it actually
falls into three categories, according to size: Grande (large), Medio (medium),
and Pequeno (small). However, the most common is the Medio Podengo Portugueso
which is a sighthound, moderately sized with flat skull and well-proportioned
head. The nose can be black at times but the most common color is brown. The
tail of the Portuguese Podengo is indicative of its mood. When it is calm,
the tail is slightly drooped. When in motion or excited, the tail is horizontal.
Their ears are naturally upright, triangular, large, and highly mobile, turning
forward to catch sound. The Portuguese podengo also has a prominent chest which
is muscular. Their feet are similar to that of a cat and have well arched toes
with strong and hard pads. There is only a slight arch to the back line. Their
necks are also strong and muscular minus the dewlap.
Some Quick Facts:
Life Expectancy:
12-14 years
Energy Level:
Higher than average.
Living Conditions:
Best suited for warm climates.
Barking:
Average.
Exercise Needs:
Long outdoor activities.
Breed Group:
Sight Hound
Size:
Grande: Medium-Large
Medio: Medium-Small
Pequeno: Small
Height:
Grande: 22-27 inches
Medio: 15-22 inches
Pequeno: 8-12 inches
Weight:
Grande: 44 to 66 pounds
Medio: 35-44 pounds
Pequeno: 9-13 pounds
Standard Hair Colors:
Yellow, fawn, and black
National breed club:
The Portuguese Podengo Club
of America
Portuguese Podengo Skills
The Grande Portuguese Podengo, from which the Medio Portuguese Podengo and the Pequeno Portuguese Podengo came from is similar to a tan-colored sighthound which managed to spread to the Iberian peninsula from north Africa. Although now considered rare, the Grande Portuguese Podengo is still popular in rural parts of Northern Portugal because they are used as small-game hunter there. Portugues Hounds are very good at hunting rabbits. In Portugal, they are used for ratting, guard work, companionship and specially hunting.
Portuguese Podengo Personality
Portuguese Podengos are intelligent, lively dogs. They are also very brave and this makes them a good watch dog. Their sweet disposition make them excellent family companions. Though generally affectionate, some may fight with other dogs. The Portuguese Podengos are more affectionate to people than to other dogs.
Exercise Needs
They need a good deal of outdoor exercise because of the active and fast nature that comes from being a sight hound.
Living Conditions
This breed will not survive living in an apartment. They need exposure to sunlight as they are well-suited for hot climates and they can survive living and sleeping outdoors just as long as they have adequate shelter.
Grooming Requirements
An average shedder. They do not need a lot of grooming rituals, just the occasional combing and brushing.
Health Issues
A very healthy breed and not prone to any known serious illness or disease.
If you liked this dog…
...you might also like the Pharaoh Hound which is an independent, extremely intelligent and strong willed dog. If there is one thing, that holds true for them, there are no two alike. Dogs of this breed are very unique.
