El Portuguese Podenco is a very varied breed which can be confused with other species that are part of the hound family, since they all share characteristics due to their descent from the ancient hounds that inhabited the Mediterranean area. The Portuguese Podenco is a breed that has been bred in the area of Portugal and that shows certain characteristics.
To recognize this dog we will have to take into account that there are some variants in terms of size and coat, but all are part of the breed called Portuguese Podenco. We are going to know the character and details of this dog whose main purpose is hunting, but which has proven to be a great companion dog.
History of the Portuguese Podenco
La history of the podencos goes back many centuries, and it is that it is a type of dog that today forms a whole family with variants in the breed. The hounds They are dogs that have essentially been used for hunting since their inception. Although its existence is known at the time of the Phoenicians, the truth is that it is believed that it already existed in Ancient Egypt. The Podencos have been linked to the Mediterranean area, that is why today we can find breeds such as the Ibizan Hound, from which the Portuguese Podenco is descended, a more current breed that comes from the Ibizan. This dog arose from a large number of mixes of the podenco with dogs from Portugal until it reached the current breed. These varied mixtures have meant that today we find some variants that must be taken into account, since they all belong to the same breed.
Physical characteristics of the breed
This type of podenco can appear in three different sizes, small, medium and large. His height at the withers can be 25, 47 and 63 cm respectively, with weights of 5, 15 and 25 kilos. These three types of animal have arisen due to the need for varied dogs according to the type of hunting, which is why the hound came to have three variants that have already been registered. But not only its size is variable.
The Portuguese Podenco has the peculiarity that it can also have two types of fur. Short hair and longer hard coat. When the hair is short, it is usually more abundant, although it is not a dog that has a great abundance of fur, since it comes from areas where there are warm climates. When it has a longer coat, it has a beard. As for the color, it can be brown or fawn, with some white spots, which are usually the typical tones of the hounds. In a family that does not vary much in terms of appearance, it is easy to confuse the hounds of some areas with those of other areas.
These podencos stand out, like all those in the family, for their slender bodies. It's a dog that is almost impossible to gain overweighteven if you have a big appetite. They tend to gain very little weight and have slim limbs and agile bodies. They have a thin snout and a long tail. Everything in its appearance is quite slim, although perhaps those of the smaller variant are a little less so, which have a certain more robust touch.
Dog character
Portuguese Podencos, like almost all hunting dogs, are very active. If we are not going to be willing to walk them and play with them then it is better to look for another more leisurely race. These dogs love to walk and run through natural areas, so this must be taken into account. They will not be happy shut up at home all day. They are obedient dogs with a great inclination to work, who learn commands quickly. They will enjoy games such as catching the ball, since it will bring out that hunting instinct and collect pieces that they have.
To be with the family, the podenco can be a wonderful dog. He is very faithful and very loving. In addition, since there are different sizes, we can choose the one that best suits our home, always taking into account how active the dog is and that it will need to go out every day. They are very patient dogs with children, who will take care of them and treat them with all the affection in the world. In addition, it is a very happy dog that will always be willing to improve our day, so it is undoubtedly a great success to be a companion dog.
Caring for the Portuguese Podenco
One of the main taking care of this dog consists of taking it for a walk. We must be careful that it does not escape if we take it out to the field, since it has a tendency to follow trails like a hunting dog. Beyond this, we will have to give it some behavioral guidelines and orders, but it is an obedient and attentive dog that learns quickly.
If we have a dog with a short coat it will be easier to maintain, since it only requires brushing a few times a week. If the coat is long, you have to be more careful because it can get tangled and stain more, which will make us have to cut it at a dog groomer.
Otherwise it is about a dog that hardly needs care. Their diet must be of quality and they can eat a lot for how thin they are. As they spend so much energy, it is always better to divide the intakes, so that they have a constant contribution and do not have the temptation to overeat.
Portuguese Podenco Health
This breed is very healthy and strong, something that happens due to the amount of mixes that have occurred in the hound, choosing only the strongest. Currently the dog can have a life expectancy up to 14 years. It does not usually have health problems nor are there pathologies that are usually associated with this breed. Obviously, when the dog gets older we will have to be more careful, such as giving it an adequate diet to keep it in perfect shape.
Why have a dog of this breed
The hound can offer us great things. It is a dog that really does not require too much care beyond enjoy long walks with him. He is affectionate and faithful to his entire family, as well as lively and cheerful. We think it is a great dog for anyone who wants to have an easy-going animal. Do you like the breed of the Portuguese Podenco?