Portuguese Podengo

The Portuguese Podengo is an ancient sight and scenthound from Portugal divided into three size categories that are never interbred: Pequeno (small), Médio (medium) and Grande (large). Their coats are either short and smooth or longer and wired. The smooth coated variety is the traditional breed, whereas the wire coated is the result crossbreeding during the 20th century.

All Portuguese Podengo varieties are loyal and fierce. They make excellent house guards and hunting dogs. Each variety specializes in hunting game corresponding to their size: Pequeno: mice and rabbits; Médio: rabbits and wild boar; Grande: deer and wild boar.

Weight:
Pequeno:: 9-13 lb (4.1-5.9 kg)
Médio: 35-45 lb (15.9-20.4 kg)
Grande: 44-66 lb (20-29.9 kg)
Height:
Pequeno: 8-12 in (20-30 cm)
Médio: 16-22 in (40.6-55.9 cm)
Grande: 22-28 in (55.9-71.1 cm)
Coat: Two types: Sort/smooth or Long/wirehaired.
Color:  Black, Fawn, Grey, Gold, Chestnut, Orange
Life span: Pequeno: 15-17 years, Medio/Grande: 12-14 years

Temperament: Intelligent, Hardy, Lively, Companionable, Friendly, Active.

Health: May be susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, and luxating patella.

Special Interest:
• Related to the Pharaoh Hound, Cirneco dell’Etna and Ibizan Hound.
• Archaeological excavation under the Lisbon Cathedral revealed that the ancestor of the Portuguese Podengo arrived with Phoenician traders in approximately 700 BC.

Classifications:
AKC: Pequeno: Hound / Médio and Grande: Miscellaneous
ANKC: Group 4 (Hounds)
KC (UK): Hound
NZKC: Hound
UKC: Sighthound & Pariah
FCI: Group 5 Spitz and Primitive dogs, Section 7 Primitive Hunting Dogs #94:
(Pequeno 94a / Médio 94b / Grande 94c)

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