The Portuguese Podengo Shop
Portuguese Podengo Breed Summary
Energetic, Alert, Lively, Intelligent and Friendly
These dogs are actually the National Dog of Portugal and considered a real treasure to the country. Originally, they were bred to get rid of vermin, hunt and to protect the home. However they are also excellent around children and make very good pets as well.
They are very sturdy in build and are often a little bit longer in the body than they are tall! Unfortunately, they are fairly rare though popularity is slowly starting to rise.
Fun Fact: They have been around since the 15th century!
| Kennel Club Group | Hound |
| Lifespan | 10 - 12 Years |
| Height (at the withers) | Males and Females 22in - 28in (large) 16in - 22in (medium) |
| Weight | Males and Females 44lb - 66lb (large) 35lb - 44lb (medium) |
| Coat | Two Varieties. Smooth Coated Dogs have Dense, Short Hair. Wirehair Coated Dogs have Rougher, Harsh Coats with No Undercoat |
| Color | Black & Tan, Black & White, Dark Fawn, Dark Fawn & White, Fawn, Fawn & White, Gray, Light Fawn & White, White & Fawn, Yellow, Yellow & White |
| Eye color | Light Brown or Dark Brown |
| Common health issues | Epilepsy, Luxating patellar, Legge Perthes disease (femoral head necrosis), Seizures, Brain tumor, Cryptorchidism, Hydrocephalus, Inguinal Hernias, Hypothyroidism, Allergies, Corneal Ulcer, Cherry Eye , Distichiasis, Ear Infections, Aural Haematoma, Overshot/undershot Jaw |
| Other Names | Podengo, Podengo Portugues. Portuguese Warren Hound |
The Portuguese Podengo are known for their love of the outdoors and high energy levels. For this reason, they would best suit a family who already lead an active lifestyle that they can easily slot into. Additionally, they are very alert and will let their owners know if they see or hear something unusual, meaning they make great watch dogs! They are not the best breed for first time owners as they must be handled and trained correctly and need to be with someone who has experience with similar breeds. Additionally, if they see something interesting or became distracted, they are not very good at recalling commands.
The Portuguese Podengo is one of ten National Dogs of Portugal and has the honor of being the symbol of the Portuguese Kennel Club.
The first purebred Portuguese Podengos came to the United States in the 1990s and now reside in more than forty-five states. The first documented Portuguese Podengos of any size in America were the wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medios imported in August, 1994.