Dog Breed

Portuguese Podengo

Long-livedRare
Primary image of Portuguese Podengo dog breed
Full Name
Portuguese Podengo
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Life Span
10 - 14 years
Weight
40 - 60 pounds
Description

Hardy, Friendly, Lively, Companionable, Intelligent, Active

Origin
Portugal
Bred For
Hunting
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Portuguese Podengo good with children?

    Yes, the Portuguese Podengo is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the Portuguese Podengo naturally loves children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Portuguese Podengo friendly with strangers?

    Yes, the Portuguese Podengo is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the Portuguese Podengo is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Portuguese Podengo friendly with other dogs?

    Yes, the Portuguese Podengo is very friendly with other dogs. We still recommend early socialization while the Portuguese Podengo is a puppy to introduce them to various new dogs, but in general they are friendly with dogs as soon as they meet them.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Portuguese Podengo like to cuddle?

    The Portuguese Podengo likes to cuddle up every once in a while. They appreciate physical affection, but probably won't stay in your lap for extended amounts of time.
    Playfulness

    Does the Portuguese Podengo like to play?

    The Portuguese Podengo will almost always be ready for play! The Portuguese Podengo is great for a family with children, or otherwise, an environment that is always ready for play.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Portuguese Podengo make a good service dog?

    The Portuguese Podengo would not be a great fit as a service dog for several reasons.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Portuguese Podengo good for first-time owners?

    The Portuguese Podengo is not the easiest breed for first-time owners, but can certainly still work out if the owner is willing to put the time into training and exercise.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Portuguese Podengo be trained?

    The Portuguese Podengo does not have high levels of training potential. There are exceptions, but the Portuguese Podengo is not typically seen in competitions or as a service dog or police dog.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Portuguese Podengo shed a lot?

    The Portuguese Podengo does shed, but less than average.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Portuguese Podengo easy to groom?

    The Portuguese Podengo requires some grooming, but less than the average dog breed. Typically you will not need to take the Portuguese Podengo to the pet salon, and occasional combing at home should be enough.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Portuguese Podengo need a lot of exercise?

    The Portuguese Podengo requires an average amount of exercise. You should be ready to dedicate a couple of short walks or a larger dog park session each day for your Portuguese Podengo to be happy and fulfilled.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Portuguese Podengo?

    The Portuguese Podengo is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Portuguese Podengo bark? Does the Portuguese Podengo bark too much?

    The Portuguese Podengo occasionally barks, but only for specific reasons such as when they need something, for protection, etc.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Portuguese Podengo a good guard dog?

    The Portuguese Podengo would not make a good guard dog. They can be alert, but typically do not have the desire or instinct to take on "guarding" as their job.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Portuguese Podengo good at staying alone? Is the Portuguese Podengo independent?

    The Portuguese Podengo does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Portuguese Podengo a good apartment dog?

    The Portuguese Podengo is not the best dog apartment living, but it can work if the owner is dedicated to exercising and training their Portuguese Podengo
    Size

    How big is the Portuguese Podengo?

    The Portuguese Podengo is below average when it comes to size. They are not a "toy" breed, but it is still significantly easier to travel with them.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Portuguese Podengo tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Portuguese Podengo?

    The Portuguese Podengo can do very well in hot weather. Owners should still be aware of over-heating as this is one of the most common reasons for dogs going into the emergency room, but overall the Portuguese Podengo can do well in hot climates.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Portuguese Podengo tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Portuguese Podengo?

    The Portuguese Podengo does not tolerate cold weather very well, and we would not recommend having a Portuguese Podengo if you live in a very cold weather climate. Even if your home is warm, it can be inconvenient to go on walks, and you may need to have a sweater for your Portuguese Podengo.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Portuguese Podengo try to run away?

    The Portuguese Podengo has huge wanderlust, meaning that it's natural for them to want to run away. They are known as escape artists. It's important to test your yard and have a tall fence that cannot be jumped or climbed over. Sometimes the Portuguese Podengo is not well suited for being off-leash, even if they are well trained.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Portuguese Podengo a healthy dog? The health of a Portuguese Podengo should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Portuguese Podengo is very healthy, but it is still important to feed the Portuguese Podengo high-quality food and to live a healthy lifestyle.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Portuguese Podengo?

    The Portuguese Podengo has a lot of energy and this needs to be considered before bringing the Portuguese Podengo into your home. Can you give your Portuguese Podengo enough exercise? They will need several small daily walks, or a large dog park trip to get all of the energy out.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Portuguese Podengo drool?

    The Portuguese Podengo drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Portuguese Podengo have a large prey drive? Does the Portuguese Podengo like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Portuguese Podengo has a high prey drive and has a natural tendency to chase after any small animal. Every case is unique, but the Portuguese Podengo may not be the best dog for living with other cats or small animals.
    Athleticism

    Is the Portuguese Podengo atheltic?

    The Portuguese Podengo is very athletic and would be well suited for a family that frequently works out or goes on adventures.
  • Secondary image of Portuguese Podengo dog breed
  • Secondary image of Portuguese Podengo dog breed

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  1. Hound
  2. Ancient
  3. Portuguese Podengo
The Portuguese Podengo is a purebred dog that belongs to the Ancient sub group, which falls under the larger Hound dog breed group.
Hound group: The hound has traditionally been used alongside hunters to track or chase prey. Unlike retrievers who are bred primarily to retrieve and bring back the prey, hounds were typically bred to have excellent vision, scent, or speed to pursue the prey. Because of the Hound's excellent vision, scent, and focus, they are a common police and secret services dog. Hounds are typically categorized into either "scent hounds" or "sight hounds". Both exercise and mental stimulation is important for hounds because of their history. They want to feel they have a "job" and want to go to bed feeling they have done their day's duty.
Ancient sub-group: These dogs are unique as they are some of the oldest dogs! Dogs in the ancient world have been documented, both for work, and companionship. Dogs have been recorded to be living alongside humans dating as far back as 12,000 BC, which can be seen from temple paintings. Ancient dogs have been recorded in ancient Mesopotamia, ancient Persia, and ancient Turkey and India. Ancient dogs are generally medium sized, healthy, and well-rounded. They are friendly but somewhat reserved with strangers- all characteristics that sense for a dog that has survived through thousands of years.

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