Portuguese Podengo

The Portuguese Podengo is a primitive hunting hound in three sizes and two coats — a national breed of Portugal used on rabbit and boar depending on how large the dog is.

History

It is an old Iberian type related to the other Mediterranean prick-eared hounds, working by sight, scent and hearing together rather than specialising in one. The small size hunts rabbit and is often kept in packs; the large size was used on deer and boar, and is now rare.

Temperament

The breed is known for being lively, intelligent and independent, playful with its own household and reserved with strangers. It is a genuine hunting dog with a strong prey drive.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and secure fencing — it is an accomplished jumper and climber. Both the smooth and wire coats are easy to keep. Training works best short and interesting; repetition bores it.

Health

Generally robust, with few defects widely documented as specific to the breed. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.