![]() ![]() These dogs have wedge shaped heads and erect ears. A Portugese Podengo that is relegated to a cramped backyard is not really a happy dog. They bond well with family members and need to be in the thick of things most of the time. These are lively dogs that need to be on the go most of the time. Recall training is important for this breed. All training should be accomplished in a fenced yard with higher than normal fences as these agile dogs can often jump very high. However, they can be really independent thus the trainer needs to establish some basic rules pretty much at the beginning. These dogs are very intelligent and respond pretty quickly to obedience training. They need continuous mental and physical stimulation and should ideally be exercised in enclosed areas as they are prone to chasing. Thus, these are exceptionally active dogs that need to be outdoors performing physical activities for a major part of the day. ![]() This breed is used to hunting from morning till night and then getting back to work the very next day. Socializing should begin at an early age. This is no lap dog but it can be fiercely loyal and is generally friendly with children and other pets. A Pequeno on the other hand is becoming very popular as a pet especially amongst owners who enjoy the company of a less domesticated dog. Although still a rarity, it is slowly gaining popularity as an appealing companion and show dog.Portuguese Podengo Medico and Grande are both hunting dogs and are not really meant to be kept as pets. Today, the Podengo is the national dog of Portugal and still holds on to the features of its early ancestors. ![]() In 2002, the breed was introduced to the United Kingdom and was officially recognized by the Kennel Club in 2003. To this date, there are many canines similar to the Podengo that exists in northern Africa and the border countries of the Mediterranean, though some don’t represent sound breeds but the healthy population establishes the origin of the Podengo. Later, it was brought by Portuguese sailors to central Africa, Brazil, and India in the 15 th and 16 th centuries. It remained a popular household pet, vermin controller and rabbit hunter for many centuries and it is more likely that it was deliberately bred down in size to enable it to enter burrows and flush out rabbits. during the time of King Sancho I of Portugal. Later, the Greeks and the Romans introduced other breeds with the same characteristics as evident in the mosaics within the ancient Roman ruins at Conimbriga, Portugal and by the first written record that referred to the Podengo in 1199 A.D. The abundance of the rabbit population on the Iberian Peninsula along with the need for a more versatile hunting technique encouraged the use of this agile breed given its adaptable qualities and skills in hunting. to northern Africa and the Mediterranean region including Portugal. It was brought by the Phoenicians from Asia Minor around 700 B.C. It is believed that the Podengo descended from the Pharaoh hound of ancient Egypt and may have existed as far back as 5,000 years ago. There are several theories as to the origin of the Portuguese Podengo but the most probable is that it shares common ancestral origin with some of the breeds of the Mediterranean. Coat colour comes in yellow, fawn (light to dark shades), black (diluted or faded) with or without white markings and white with markings of yellow, fawn, or black. ![]() The wire-coated also sports a distinct beard. The coat of the smooth variety is very dense and short while the coat of the wire variety is rough and harsh though is not as thick as the smooth variety and it comes without an undercoat. The Podengo comes in smooth- or wire-coat and never trimmed. The legs are supported by strong, round feet with firm pads that helps cushion the breed when in motion. The Portuguese Podengo has a fairly deep chest and a level topline, with straight and parallel forelegs and equally muscular hindquarters. A straight and well muscled neck provides ample support to the wedge-shaped head. The large, triangular ears are broad at the base, tapering to a point and are carried erect. The eyes are set obliquely ranging from light to dark brown colour which depends on the colour of the coat. It has a wedge-shaped head with prominent occipital bone, and short, pointed muzzle with a slightly overhanging nose. Slightly longer than tall, this breed is an expert hunter who hunts by sight, scent and hearing. The Portuguese Podengo is a small and primitive sighthound/scenthound. ![]()
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