Typically healthy and long-lived, the Podengo has minimal care requirements and is suited to an active lifestyle. The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a no-frills, wash-and-wear kind of dog who comes in two coat types: smooth and wire. Because of its small size, the Pequeno Podengo may be prone to behavioural problems, so firm leadership is essential from an early age.

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno: AKC Study Guide - Portuguese Podengo Pequenos of America. As a breed, the Podengo is divided into three size categories that are not interbred: small, medium and large. 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. The Portuguese Podengo is an ancient multi-sensory hound breed of dog from Portugal.

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 designation of Primitive Breed is recognized by the Federation Cinolgique International (FCI) in the 5th group of Dogs from Spitz type and Primitive type. The Grande Podengo is often found hunting larger game than rabbits, including boar. For example, the Small Podengo is affectionate and good with children, so they are often purchased for apartment life. Different qualities characterize different sizes of Podengo. It is a very active dog that needs an equally active owner. 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. The Portuguese Podengo is amazing in its speed and endurance. 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.

Portuguese podengo dogs