Portuguese Podengo Dog Breed Information - All About Dogs

Portuguese Podengo

Portuguese Podengo

PORTUGUESE PODENGO DOG BREED

Description:

The Portuguese Podengo comes in three sizes: small (Pequeno), medium (Medio) and large (Grande). Podengos are sight and scent hounds, bred in Portugal for the purpose of deer, rabbits and wild boar hunting. The Portuguese Podengo is not suitable to be a pet.

Height: 8-27 inches  Weight: 9-66 pounds Lifespan: 12-15 years

Characteristics:

The Portuguese Podengo is a mobile, active and enthusiastic dog breed. This dog retained the ability to easily adapt to adverse environmental conditions while maintaining their hunting skills. Besides, Portuguese Podengos are very hardy dogs that can tolerate both extremely hot and cold temperatures. Comparable Breeds: The Basenji and Andalusian Podenco.

Character:

The Portuguese Podengo is good-natured and loyal to his master. He gets along well with teenagers, and he is very friendly to strangers. However, if feel threatened, Podengos will bark loudly to warn the family about possible danger. Since this breed is primitive, it is not recommended for dog breeders with no previous experience.

Coat / Care:

The Portuguese Podengo comes in two types of coat: soft and hard. Soft-coated varieties are covered with hair of average length that is rough in texture, while hard-coated Podengos are adorned with long and shaggy hair, rough to the touch. This breed sheds moderately. Hence, periodic brushing in order to remove excess hair will be enough. Bathing is not allowed. Clean your pet using a dry shampoo instead. Also, oral hygiene is highly important for the Portuguese Podengo.

Health Problems:

Due to limited human intervention in this breed’s development, Portuguese Podengos have excellent health and are usually not prone to hereditary diseases. The Portuguese Podengo has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Weight / Height

The male Portuguese Podengo (Pequeno) dog breed’s height is around 8 – 12 inches and weighs around 9 and 13 pounds. Female Portuguese Podengo dogs can reach a size from 8 – 12 inches and weighs between 9 and 13 pounds.

The male Portuguese Podengo (Medio) dog breed’s height is around 15 – 22 inches and weighs around 35 and 44 pounds. Female Portuguese Podengo dogs can reach a size from 15 – 22 inches and weighs between 35 and 44 pounds.

The male Portuguese Podengo (Grande) dog breed’s height is around 22 – 27 inches and weighs around 44 and 66 pounds. Female Portuguese Podengo dogs can reach a size from 22 – 27 inches and weighs between 44 and 66 pounds.

Training:

The Portuguese Podengo needs socialization and obedience training at puppyhood. This breed learns quickly, but it will not react to oppressive training methods. Since young Portuguese Podengos have fragile bones, make sure not to carry out agility exercises in first 6 months.

Activity:

Portuguese Podengos cannot live in the apartment. As a matter of fact, they need a large, fenced yard for daily exercising. The fence enclosing the yard should be minimally 180 cm (6 feet) high, and it should be embedded in the ground. Also, the Portuguese Podengo enjoys daily walks with his owner. He is quite successful in hunting and various dog sports.

Photo Credit: Cesar Aparato/Flickr

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