Podengo Portugueso

Origins and History

The Portuguese Podengo (Podengo Português) is an ancient hunting hound that originated in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Historical records date the breed to the Roman era, and it was refined during the 15th‑16th centuries to hunt rabbit, hare, and wild boar. The breed was officially recognized by the Portuguese Kennel Club (GK) in 1932 and accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1972 (standard No. 241). Three size varieties – Pequeno (small), Médio (medium) and Grande (large) – were maintained to suit different game and terrain.

General Characteristics

• Compact, athletic build with a deep chest and strong hindquarters.
• Alert, lively temperament; high prey drive balanced by loyalty to family.
• Originally bred as a versatile cursor for coursing and flushing, excelling in both scent and sight hunting.

Physical Specifications

• Height: Small (Pequeno) 30‑38 cm (12‑15 in); Medium (Médio) 45‑55 cm (18‑22 in); Large (Grande) 55‑65 cm (22‑26 in) at the withers.
• Weight: Small 5‑7 kg (11‑15 lb); Medium 9‑14 kg (20‑30 lb); Large 16‑25 kg (35‑55 lb). Proportions should be balanced, with the length from point of shoulder to point of butt roughly equal to height.

Coat and Color

• Three coat types are recognized: smooth (curto, short and glossy), wire (duro, dense and harsh) and long (cão de caça, slightly longer and wavy). All coats must lie close to the body and be free of excessive feathering.
• Accepted colors: fawn (café), black, yellow, and combinations of fawn with black mask or ticked pattern. White markings are limited to a small blaze on the head or a narrow collar; excessive white is a disqualification.

Temperament Considerations

The Podengo Português possesses a strong independent streak and a keen hunting instinct. While affectionate with its household, it may be reserved with strangers and can be vocal when alert. Understanding its high prey drive is essential for safe off‑lead work.

Training Essentials

• Early socialization with people, children, and other animals to moderate wariness.
• Consistent, positive‑reinforcement methods that channel energy into structured activities such as agility, tracking, or lure coursing.
• Regular mental and physical exercise (minimum 1‑2 hours daily) to prevent boredom‑related destructive behavior.

Daily Grooming

• Brush smooth coats weekly with a soft‑bristle brush; wire coats require a firm brush or curry comb to remove loose hair and maintain texture.
• Bathing only as needed (typically every 6‑8 weeks) to preserve natural oils.
• Trim nails regularly; dental care includes weekly tooth brushing or dental chews.

Show Preparation

• Begin a grooming routine 2‑3 weeks before the show: trim coat to the standard length, clean ears, and clip nails to a neat edge.
• For wire‑coated dogs, hand‑strip or clip to achieve the required harsh texture; smooth‑coated dogs should be bathed and lightly brushed the day before the ring.
• Present the dog in a balanced stance, with the head high, tail carried in a gentle curve, and a bright, attentive expression.

Common Health Issues

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) – inherited retinal degeneration; DNA testing is available.
• Patellar luxation – more frequent in the small variety; regular orthopedic checks recommended.
• Hip dysplasia – reported in larger individuals; radiographic screening advised for breeding stock.
• Hypothyroidism and epilepsy – documented but low prevalence; routine blood work can aid early detection.

General Care

• Daily exercise: brisk walks, free‑run in a secure area, and hunting‑type games to satisfy instinctual needs.
• High‑quality protein‑rich diet appropriate for size and activity level; monitor body condition to avoid obesity.
• Lifespan: 12‑15 years, with proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care.

Disclaimer: Information provided reflects current breed standards and widely recognized health data, but individual dogs may vary. Always consult a qualified veterinarian or breed specialist for specific concerns.