Portuguese Podengo

For over two thousand years, the Portuguese Podengo has been an integral part of Portugal’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Originally brought to this region by Phoenicians from other parts of the Mediterranean Sea, these dogs have always been held in high esteem – so much that they were chosen as Portugal’s national dog! Not only is it one of the oldest breeds but also a beloved companion for centuries.

The Podengo is a breed that has been honed for centuries to fulfill its natural purpose: hunting. The modern-day incarnation of this canine comes in three sizes, Grande, Medio and Pequeno — all suited to taking on game according to size. So while the smaller breeds are adept at chasing rabbits through the underbrush, their larger cousins hunt boar and deer with ease.

The Portuguese Sighthound, a breed that looks similar to the Pharaoh Hound, Ibizan Hound, or Cirneco dell Etna and is likely closely related to them all. These lively dogs come in three sizes with two coat types: smooth and wire-haired – making it quite easy to find one you fancy. Although they make great watchdogs due to their alertness, Podengos are primarily hunting dogs given their pack mentality which leads them straight into chasing rabbits and other small animals; so investing in a tall fence might do you some good if getting one of these pups!

The lively and amicable Podengo has two varieties: wire-coated or smooth-coated. The Grande, which is seldom seen in North America, can weigh anywhere between 44 to 66 pounds; while the Medio weighs 35 to 45 pounds and the Pequeno 10 to 13 pounds. Of note, a Medio parent can produce puppies as large as Grande’s – and it works both ways!

Podengos are incredibly athletic, and excel at agility and lure coursing no matter what size they may be. Additionally, these agile pups can also thrive in obedience, rally, tracking training! For optimal health and wellbeing it is recommended to allow them 20-30 minutes of leashed exercise daily plus allowing some off leash play accompanied by a secure fence surrounding the area for safety purposes. As an added bonus you will find that their natural alertness makes Podengo’s superb watchdogs too!

Sighthounds are magnetically drawn to movement, and a Portuguese Podengo will joyfully hunt cats and other little furry creatures. However, if the pup is acclimated with them from puppyhood, he may be more likely to peacefully coexist with felines or tiny dogs.

With a Podengo, coat maintenance is fairly easy; simply brush the smooth or wirecoat weekly to get rid of any dead hairs. Furthermore, don’t forget to cut nails, clean teeth and ears regularly as part of your grooming routine – bathing isn’t even required that often!