Portuguese Podengo |
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The Portuguese Podengo is an ancient and versatile breed that developed in Portugal. It is a sight hound and a scent hound. Also called the "Portuguese Rabbit Dog," it is an indispensable piece of Portugal's heritage. It is seen in three sizes, each in two coat varieties. The Portuguese Podengo Grande (large), which in the past was primarily used to hunt wild boar and deer, and as a guard dog, is now rare. It stands an average 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs an average 44 to 66 pounds. The Portuguese Podengo Medio (medium) is still the most popular in Portugal, and the variety most people think of when they say "Podengo.". It has traditionally been used to hunt both rabbits and wild boar and is considered to be the fastest of the three varieties. It stands 15 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 35 to 44 pounds. The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno (small) is used primarily to hunt rabbits and for ratting. It is the most common variety outside of Portugal. Over 80 per cent of the Podengos in the U.S. are Pequenos. Comparable to other "toy" breeds, it stands an average 8 to12 inches at the shoulder, and weighs an average 9 to 13 pounds.The Portuguese Podengo is a sighthound type in appearance, with a well-proportioned head. The nose is dark, either black or brown. The ears are large, triangular, prick and always in motion seeking the direction of various sounds. The eyes are amber or brown. The muzzle is medium length and straight. The neck is strong and muscular. The chest of this breed is deep and also muscular. The feet are catlike and arched and have strong, thick pads. The tail is natural and long, and is either held down, or in a horizontal position when the dog is excited.The coat of the Portuguese Podengo, regardless of size category, comes in two varieties, smooth and wirehaired. The smooth coat is rather harsh and long, but straight and close to the body. It was developed to shed dirt and debris and more importantly water; it is well-suited to the wet winters of northern Portugal. The wirehaired coat is single, shaggy, coarse and of medium length. Coat colors range from yellow, to various shades of fawn, to black with white markings. This rough coat functions to insulate the dog, keeping it cool in hot sun. In the south of Portugal where it is traditionally very warm, this coat is preferred. When Phoenician traders reached the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century BC, they brought with them their prized hunting dogs sight hounds. These hounds were not only used by the Phoenicians for hunting, but they were a trading commodity as well. In this way they spread across the peninsula. Later, in the early medieval period, when the Moors invaded the Iberian Peninsula, they also brought sighthounds from North Africa, which crossbred with the now indigenous dogs. From these crosses are descended the Podengo and its cousins such as the Spanish Galgo and the Ibizan Hound. Podengos are tenacious hunters, and independent of style. They often hunt in packs by foraging ahead of the hunter, downing the prey, and then either waiting for the hunter patiently keeping scavengers at bay, or going back to lead the hunter to the quarry. Although the Podengo has only been formally recognized in recent years, Portuguese immigrants to other European nations and to the New World have traditionally brought their packs of Podengos with them for hunting purposes. The first pack was imported to the United States as early as the 19th century. In the 1990's fanciers of the Portuguese Podengo began to communicate through the internet. The United States club first met and organized through the internet. The first Podengos were shown in the U.S. in 2004. Grooming for the Portuguese Podengo is very easy. The wirehaired coat sheds very little and can do with a brushing every few weeks to remove dead hair and any debris. The smooth coat sheds moderately, and regular brushing can greatly reduce shedding indoors. This dog will rarely need a bath, but may be bathed as needed. This breed is very healthy, and exhibits few inherited disorders. The Portuguese Podengo is a breed that exhibits a great deal of "primitive" traits, meaning that its behavior is not refined. This breed is still kept in Portugal as primarily a hunting animal, not a house pet. As a result, the breed has not had the opportunity to become as domesticated as other breeds. The Podengo is extremely active both physically and mentally. It is not suited for apartment living. It needs room to roam and occupy itself. This breed needs a very high secure fence: Podengos are excellent climbers and will scale not only fences but walls. This breed is also a proficient digger. The owner should periodically check that the dog is not digging under the fence.The Portuguese Podengo can be a challenge to train. It is a very intelligent dog, but independent of mind. Repetitive training will bore this dog, and it will become easily distracted. Training should incorporate variety to hold the dog's attention, and training is best accomplished within small, frequent increments of time, rather than long sessions.This breed can be very suspicious of strangers. It is vocal and will warn the owner of an approaching visitor or intruder. It is important to socialize this breed early to many different people, so as to create a friendly adult dog who accepts welcome visitors. It should also be socialized early to other dogs, and to smaller household pets. If it is not, this breed can be dog aggressive and treat smaller animals as prey. This breed is generally friendly and tolerant around livestock. The Portuguese Podengo is lively, playful and active as a house pet. It is friendly and affectionate with its own family and those with whom it is familiar. With the owner who enjoys working with a primitive personality in a dog, this breed can be a welcome and interesting challenge.
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