Portuguese podengos may amount in three sizes ( grande , medio , pequeno ) and frolic two coats , but their role throughout history has been curious : hunt .
Discussing the Lusitanian podengo can vocalize a snatch like placing an order at Starbucks . That ’s because this National Dog of Portugal comes in three different , competently named sizes — pequeno ( peh - KEN - oo ) , medio ( MEH - dee - you ) , and grande ( grond , with a rolled " r")—with a difference of 60 hammer between the smallest and the large of the breed . And if that is n’t enough variety for you , the podengo ’s coat can be either smooth or wiry .
All podengos cracking and small ( and in between ) are generally lively and have a go at it dogs with magnanimous appetites for gambling . And as sight and odor hounds with a longsighted history of hunt rabbits , stags , and godforsaken boars , these qui vive , agile pups have also advance a reputation for their wits .
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Purebred podengos did n’t set up mitt on U.S. soil until the 1990s , andthe breed remains comparatively rarefied . But their low number are n’t a contemplation of their merit . With their rustic unspoilt looks , hardy spirit , and fun - loving demeanor , we anticipate the hunter will shortly become thehunted .
Appearance
When it make out to the Lusitanian podengo , size matters — at least where naming is refer .
To put this wide-eyed range into perspective , the small podengos weigh about as much as a Imperial gallon of Milk River and are under 1 foot high , while the largest podengos are over 2 foot tall and weigh as much as a preteen boy . If mixture is the spice of lifetime , the Portuguese podengo is one spicy breed !
assign aside our scale and tape measures , all podengos have characteristic wedge - shaped straits ( like a four - sided pyramid ) with expressive , almond - shaped eye and vertical , triangular ears . These ears are bonk for being extremely mobile , close down this path and that to reflect the podengo ’s mode or interest .
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These lean , agile cad can be either smooth- or wire - surface . The former haveshort , slow fur , and the latter have long , rough hair and beard on their muzzles . The podengo ’s coat in its natural state is a beginning of pride , which is why inordinate trim sculpting in show weenie can leave in being disqualified from competition . Their characteristically rustic fur — whether placid or rough , forgetful or long — comes in an raiment of colors , including :
The podengo’sau naturalefur is n’t just soft on the oculus — it ’s relatively easy on the care , as well . While wirehaired dogsneed unconstipated brushingto keep cast at true laurel , those with smooth coating need only an occasional brush . Add in theoccasional bathto either coating , and your pup is arrange .
Temperament
There ’s a famous architectural precept that say form should follow function . In other words , a construction should be designed for how it will be used . The same could certainly be said of not only the podengo ’s visual aspect but of his temperament as well . These frump were built for hunt , both physically and mentally .
So what traits make fora choice hunting dog ? In addition to their telling scent , vision , and hear abilities , the Lusitanian podengo is value for being alert , brave , and intelligent . They are able to work alone but can also hunt down in packs and are quick learners .
When they are n’t working , podengos can be loyal , affectionate companions . But while he adore his family , the Lusitanian podengo can be suspicious around strangers andwill skin to permit you knowwhen anyone unfamiliar approach .
Courtesy of callie_thepodengo / Instagram
Living Needs
No matter their size , Portuguese podengos are active dogs . Theyprefer running lapsto sitting on laps , so it ’s of import to give these pawl space and something to do . They do well in base with active family unit ( kids include ) andfenced backyards . Without a barrier to have them in , podengos are in danger of follow their noses into hassle or go after minor creature ( that hunting instinct is hard to stir , even in a suburban setting ) .
A hardy stock , they can thrive in a variety of climates and terrains , although thePortuguese Podengo Club of America(PPCA ) notes that quiet - hirsute podengos do peculiarly well in stiff climate ( their pelt dry quicker ) while wirehaired podengos are especially fit to dry , live atmospheric condition .
Because podengos often work in packs , they can share a menage with other dog their own size . But habituate forethought when usher in a podengo to a small creature , like a cat , that the breed could mistake for prey .
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Care
Podengos require small fuss over their fur . Smooth - cake podengosrarely shedand need only occasional brushing , while wirehaired dogsshed more oftenand thus take to be brush regularly . add together in the casual bath , even nail trims , anddaily dental care , and your podengo will be neaten to perfection .
As with any click , early socializationandtrainingare crucial aspect of handle for Lusitanian podengo puppies . And though these frankfurter are brainy and eager to please , their independent nature can make training a practice session in patience . But with anexperienced ownerandpositive training methods , a podengo can expand .
In addition to preparation , podengos take plenty ofdaily activity , preferably in way that meet their innate breed traits . " Podengos are hunter , and as such , they are problem - problem solver who stand out at think on their foot , " say Melissa McMath Hatfield , MS , CBCC - KA , CDBC , owner ofLoving Dogsin Fayetteville , Ark. " They thus require lots of mental input to satisfy their fast mind . "
Courtesy of callie_thepodengo / Instagram
Moreover , Hatfield observe that if you ’re hope for a hound who will keep your fundament warm while you spend a lazy Sunday reading on the couch , the podengo — who is used to running longsighted distances and working for hour — may not be the best fit , as he needs plenteousness of daily physical movement , as well .
For the perfect blend of mental and strong-arm stimulation , Hatfield recommends lure coursing , a sportswoman in which frankfurter chase a motorized come-on ( meant to copy live prey ) around a course of action . " Coursing would be an ideal outlet for both the cad and the owner , " she explains . " It allows the bounder to rehearse his unconditioned behavior of chase after down his prey but in a safe and assure surroundings . "
Without proper outlets for their energy , Lusitanian podengos can become bored and dun . And bored , frustrated podengos can develop unwanted behavior like chewing or excessive barking , Hatfield says . She advises possible podengo owner to have a plan for how they ’re run to keep their heel activebeforeadding one to their fellowship . If lure coursing is n’t an option , you may reach out to your veterinary for other ideas or for the contact information of a local , fearfulness - costless certified dog trainer who can help oneself brainstorm other breed - appropriate activities .
Health
The Portuguese podengo tends to be avery good for you breed , and all sizes can live up to 15 long time . However , thePortuguese Podengo Pequenos Club of Americarecommends that breeders test their dogs for the following condition :
History
With a history that span more than 2,000 years , the PPCA anticipate the Lusitanian podengo one of the older dog breed in the world . It ’s think that podengos are descendants of wiener who were fetch to the Iberian Peninsula by the Phoenicians and Romans to dish out as hunting comrade , and those that excelled in Portugal ’s climate and terrain were pick out over the next two millennia .
Over the yr , three different size emerged to serve various need . The podengo grande was educate to aid in hunt cervid and wild Sus scrofa . Primarily a dog of the nobility , the grande is now the rarest size in Portugal as interest in wild boar hunting has waned .
The podengo medio and the podengo pequeno , on the other hand , were developed for rabbit hunting . Historically associated with the peasantry , the PPCA says that the medio and the pequeno were expect to find , flush , capture , and regain their prey in Portugal ’s rough , craggy terrain .
The Portuguese podengo persist a popular hunting dog in Portugal ( almost all podengos hunt , even show dogs ) , but those in the United States are more likely to tackle toy than hot prey . But the PPCA considers this severance of the connection between the breed and its original function to be the majuscule threat to podengos in the U.S. and desires to see more Canis familiaris placed with hunters .
