Are you thinking of adding a Portuguese Podengo to your family?
Welcome to our complete guide to the Portuguese Podengo dog breed!
The Portuguese Podengo dog breed is not yet a household name like the Labrador Retriever or the Yorkshire Terrier, but it is arguably more ancient and every bit as popular!
What is the history of the Podengo dog breed? Is the Portuguese Podengo small or large in size?
Would the Podengo dog make a good family pet?
Does the Portuguese Podengo have any significant health issues that you should be aware of?
Let’s dive in and find out!
What is a Portuguese Podengo?
The Portuguese Podengo hails from far south of the border in the country of Portugal.
In fact, in Portugal, this isn’t just one dog breed, but three, divided by size into Grande (large), Medio (medium), and Pequeno (small).
The American Kennel Club (AKC) classed the Grande and Medio Podengo dogs together when recognizing the Portuguese Podengo dog for registry in the United States in 2004.
However, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is still considered its own separate breed.
Traditionally, the Grande Podengo dogs were bred to hunt wild boar and deer.
The Podengo Medio and Pequeno were bred to hunt rabbits.
This is an important distinction, since, unlike many other breeds, the Portuguese Podengo has always been bred in three different sizes to do three distinct types of jobs.
In other words, the Medio and Pequeno are not the result of selectively breeding down the Grande simply to get smaller sized “pocket pet” dogs.
History of the Portuguese Podengo Breed
Did you know that the Portuguese Podengo can trace its lineage all the way back to the ancient Romans and Phoenicians? This puts the origin of this breed back as far as 600 B.C.!
In the early days, the Grande breed was considered a “boar hunter for nobility,” and the Medio and Pequeno were called “rabbit hunters for the people.”
As such, the Grande typically hunted in packs to bring down wild boar.
The Medio and Pequeno Podengo dogs, in contrast, typically hunted solo with a human counterpart to bring down rabbits.
Here, the dogs’ responsibilities included flushing the rabbits, capturing them, killing them, and retrieving them (one assumes the peasant was then at least tasked with carrying the quarry home).
In Portugal today, the Podengo dog breed is one of the 10 National Dogs and is the breed used on the Portuguese Kennel Club logo.
The Podengo was first introduced in the United States during the 1990s and has since made its way to 45 other countries as well.
Portuguese Podengo Size
In its native Portugal, the Portuguese Podengo dog breed differs in appearance based on its size (Grande, Medio, Pequeno).
Here is a brief overview of the differences between each breed.
Portuguese Podengo Grande
The largest of the three breeds, the Grande dog can weigh anywhere from 44 to 66 pounds. Typical height (paw pad to shoulder) is 22 to 28 inches.
There is currently some overlap between the Grande and Medio sizes as breeders work to breed out certain flaws caused when the Spanish hunting dog,Podenco Andaluz, interbred with the Podengo.
These flaws include a narrower head and corkscrew tail.
The primary method is to interbreed Grande and large Medio dogs to return to the breed purity.
Portuguese Podengo Medio
The middleweight in the Portuguese Podengo dog breed, the Medio typically weighs between 35 and 44 pounds and stands anywhere from 16 to 22 inches tall (paw pads to shoulder).
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
The pint-sized Podengo Pequeno weighs in at 9 to 13 pounds and stands just 8 to 12 inches tall (paw pads to shoulder).
Portuguese Podengo Coat
There are two coat types that are recognized in the Portuguese Podengo dog breed (all three sizes).
One is a smooth coat and the other is a wirehaired Portuguese Podengo.
The most popular coat colors for either coat type are yellow or fawn on a spectrum from light to dark shades.
Some Podengo dogs also have white markings.
Black, brown, or white coats are less common but do occur.
The smooth coat became so popular for a time that the Portuguese Podengo wirehaired breed line nearly vanished.
But then breeders decided to bring it back, and today both coat types are shown and well established towards the future.
Smooth Portuguese Podengo coat
The smooth Podengo coat is very dense and thick but is single layer (no undercoat).
The coat on the smooth-hair breed is still coarse.
The smooth coat breed is the oldest of all the Portuguese Podengo dogs.
A true smooth coat Podengo dog will come from two smooth coat parents and an unbroken lineage of smooth-coated dogs.
Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo coat
The Portuguese Podengo wirehaired breed has a rough, harsh single layer coat with a texture that is medium length and not quite so dense as with the smooth hair breed.
This dog has a bit of a beard around the muzzle and beneath the chin.
The wirehaired Podengo is a slightly newer variant of the original smooth coat Podengo dog breed.
Wirehaired Podengo dogs can be born from smooth or wirehaired parent dogs.
Portuguese Podengo Grooming and Shedding
The Portuguese Podengo dog does not shed that much and requires no formal grooming.
Even inside the show ring, the breed standard specifies that this breed should be clipped only.
The coat should be displayed as naturally as possible, which makes the Podengo dog about as close to a “wash and go” dog as you can get!
Portuguese Podengo Temperament
The Podengo breed is considered to be a primitive dog breed.
Very few such breeds have traveled forward with people all the way to today!
The characteristic temperament of primitive dog breeds includes a natural wariness, which can make them reserved with strangers, both people and pets.
They also tend towards barking or howling, desirable traits in hunting and working dogs that have been bred into the Podengo line.
They are considered a type of hound dog, but the Portuguese language does not have any word that translates to mean “hound.” Podengo is the closest similar term.
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Also, these dogs are considered multi-sensory, which means they hunt with a combination of extremely acute sight and exquisitely keen scent.
This makes them uniquely excellent hunters, as you can likely imagine!
Overall, these are fun and active dogs – they come from a long line of working dogs, so they also make amazing rally, agility, and sports dogs and can also be enthusiastic partners in the show ring.
The Portuguese Podengo dog is very intelligent.
They won’t do well as lap pets – they need stimulation and new challenges to thrive.
This dog has a very strong drive to please you – they take quickly to training and love to learn new skills.
For this reason, they make excellent therapy and service dogs.
The Podengo dog breed can make a very good family pet for an active, outdoorsy family.
Because of their strong prey drive, this dog may not be the best fit for families with babies or very young children or other family pets.
However, if you are willing to take the time for slow introductions and plenty of training, the Podengo can generally integrate successfully.
Portuguese Podengo Lifespan
The Portuguese Podengo can live up to 18 years or older, although the breed average is from 10 to 14 years.
As with any dog breed, your Podengo’s diet, activity level, enrichment opportunities, lifestyle, and access to preventative veterinary care can all influence how long your dog will be with you.
Portuguese Podengo Health
All dog breeds have some known health conditions, and the Portuguese Podengo is no exception.
Some health issues are common to most breeds, while others are specific to the breed.
Potentially heritable Portuguese Podengo health problems can include the following:
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when there is a genetic mutation that causes the hip joint to form improperly.
When this occurs, your dog’s hip socket won’t fit and it will cause pain and lameness.
Surgery is typically the only option to correct hip dysplasia, which can occur in one or both hips.
There is an X-ray test that can be done through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) on parent dogs or puppies to detect the condition.
Any reputable Portuguese Podengo breeders should be able to verify that their breeding parent dogs are free from a health history of hip dysplasia.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LPC)
While this heritable condition is not listed in the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) breed database, Portuguese Podengo breeders state that it can rarely present in Podengo dogs.
This is a bone disease that directly impacts the femur in the thigh and hip joint.
The bone’s blood supply is impacted and the bone itself disintegrates and eventually dies.
The disease can impact one rear hip or both hips, although single-hip issues are more common.
There is no test to detect whether a puppy may have inherited the condition.
Also, the following three heritable health conditions are cited in the CHIC breed database as relevant to Portuguese Podengo health.
Patellar luxation
When the kneecap pops out of place, this is called “luxating.”
In Podengo dogs, this can happen in just one knee or even in all four knees. One of the most common warning signs in puppies is when they seem to be knock-kneed as they stand.
There are two kinds: medial luxation (“trick knee”) or lateral luxation.
The former is more common in Pequeno dogs and the latter more common in larger breeds like Medio and Grande Podengos.
Typically this issue will show up in the first six months.
There is a test that should be done on all parent dogs before they are bred. If you are interested in Portuguese Podengo rescue dogs, you can have the test done through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
As the Podengo is a multi-sensory sight/scent hound, vision problems can significantly impact this dog’s quality of life and ability to participate in favorite activities.
While not common, PRA can occur in Podengos of all sizes.
There is a test that can be done through the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) that is valid for 12 months from the test date.
Portuguese Podengo Breeders
Because the Podengo dog breed is well established and popular, Portuguese Podengo breeders are not difficult to locate.
Any reputable breeder should be able to show that parent dogs are clear of all known heritable health concerns for which testing exists.
Your breeder should also give you an initial guarantee of puppy health (typically six to 12 months).
Price-wise, you can expect to pay anywhere from $750 to $1,000 and up for your puppy.
Portuguese Podengo puppy price can depend on gender, birth order, size, lineage, and markings, among other considerations.
An alternative is Podengo rescue.
These dogs are so active and high energy that they don’t always suit every family. By rescuing a Podengo, you give a relinquished dog a new start in life.
Portuguese Podengo Puppies
You now know that Podengo puppies can come in three sizes (Grande, Medio, Pequeno) and two coat types (smooth, wirehaired).
What does this mean? Well, when you start looking for Portuguese Podengo puppies, you will have a lot of options to decide on!
Do you want a larger Podengo dog with a smooth coat?
A Pequeno Podengo with a wirehaired coat?
What size dog fits your family and lifestyle most closely?
If you come from a hunting background, perhaps your chosen game will influence the size of the dog you choose.
Is a Portuguese Podengo a good pet?
The Portuguese Podengo can make an excellent pet for the right family!
The most important consideration is whether you have the time and interest to give this intelligent, high-energy working dog breed ample options to exercise both body and mind.
Do you have a Podengo dog now? Please drop us a comment – we would love to hear your story of life with your Podengo!
References and Further Reading
- Bergstrom, K., “History of the Portuguese Podengo,” Portuguese Podengo Club of America, 2018.
- Gibeault, S., MSc, CPDT, “The History of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno,” American Kennel Club, 2017.
- Martiskainen, J., et al, “The summary of the health inquiry of portuguese podengos in Finland 2007,” The Portuguese Podengo Society of Finland, 2007.
- Nunamaker, D.M., “Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease,” Penn Veterinary Medicine, 2018.
- UKC, “Breed Standards: Portuguese Podengo,” United Kennel Club, 2018.
Lori Dupree says
When I saw the picture of my “ “terrier mix” on the shelter website i knew I had to have this dog. I got up
early, drove 3 hrs, and was first in line when the shelter opened. The first night home, my wife and I watched this dog leap from standing, straight up, 3-4 ft, and land gracefully on the couch. We looked at each other stunned. Knew right then he was more special than I had imagined. The dog is just fantastic. High energy, a powerful chewer for sure. But I was so in love, so totally up for the challenge. A friend was curious and researched those ears and quickly found the breed. No doubt we’ve got a Pondengo Medio. We are now at 2 1/2 weeks and the training is going great. He’s our pandemic dog, I am home all day with him and the training really has been quick. He wants to please and easily finds his place in the pack. You can’t know till you have one, am I right guys? We are just thrilled to have him.
B. Swan says
My family has been looking to adopt a podengo pequeno. The breed really appeals to us. It is incredibly hard to find them in California, especially if you are not looking for credentials. Any suggestions out there? I have yet to see any in a shelter, and breeders are too expensive if you aren’t looking to show or breed. Thanks for the article, it’s very informative.
Rod says
Archie is our 3.5 year old wire haired pequeno, we rescued three years ago from a kill shelter in Romania. I hadn’t heard of Podengo Pequenos before adopting him. Now we would not have any other kind of dog. He is lively, cuddly, funny, cute and endearing at all times and loves everyone except the cat, but she can hold her own. He has always been perfectly house trained and well behaved apart from every day when I get home he squeals and spins round in circles, letting a little bit of wee out each time. Luckily we have a wooden floor in the hall. He is the perfect pet! Every home should have one. We would have a little pal to go with him but there aren’t many others out there and won’t buy from breeders.
Jack says
Became a Podengo Poppa by accident many years ago. I had signed in at a local animal shelter as looking for a small dog like a Jack Russell, but after months I had forgotten. Then out of the blue I received a call with a cryptic message “We have your dog.” Thank goodness I didnt assume they had me confused with someone else and went to see the “Jack Russell”.
Right away I could see she definitely not, but a beauty nevertheless if a bit reserved. A requirement of the shelter was a one week acquaintance period before taking the lady home. That was fine, but I also took the time to walk the other cages and offer a little affection to each of the other homeless, since they are usually bored and lonely. At the end of this I headed for the exit but heard a complaint from somewhere. She had not made a sound before now, but was trying to peer around the corner and see me before I left. All agreed that she was for me and I was back next day, and the next, until the waiting period was over. Due to her strong resemblance to a fox, we named her “Foxie” Deep dive research did not reveal her lineage. Dachshund, Corgi, Basenji, were all considered but nothing really fit.
She joined our other pets; a Siamese and a pink cockatoo with minor adjustment. Our only disagreement was over bath time, when she actually snapped at me the first time. Other than that we were best friends; I was the only one allowed lap privileges. My significant partner at the time was a very contentious one, but little Foxie leaped to my defense at every turn.
After some years we relocated to Mexico. Foxie became “Zorrita” which is Mexican slang for feisty little vixen. She had been ailing and losing weight, cause unknown, but the very thorough Mexican vet diagnosed and treated her for a rare parasite. She immediately bounced back and enjoyed a new addition to her diet; fresh fish. She made friends at the fish market who insisted on giving me the fish innards to take home for her.
Then one day I noticed a poor little Jack Russell that was emaciated and bedraggled. Now the Mexican people love their dogs but they believe that dogs should be free to roam the neighborhood and learn to dodge cars. Sad to say, others neglect any sort of care even for a cute little fellow. I only had to look into his eyes to hear “Please Daddy, take me home with you.” So I located the “owner” who told me he had been given to her children, whose only “play” was to chase him out with sticks when he made a mess. She passed on a bag of dog food, unopened, which had been given to her by a nice gringo lady, which she had not given the puppy because he would make more of a mess. She was only too happy to get rid of the little tyke. After a nice bath and de-flea and de-tick, he got his first raw fish dinner and introduction to Zorrita. She was keenly interested, walking around and around his box where he was quickly drifting off to sleep. Next morning he was awake early, watching me over the side of his bed box. So I picked him up and sat him outside the box, where he continued his watch over me going back to bed. Zorrita came in to inspect him but he didnt move. Then when I got up to dress, I laid my socks beside me on the bed. Quick as a flash he darted over, snatched a sock (barely reaching it), and danced merrily away followed by Zorrita, who wanted in on the game. Always the charmer and action leader, he found a loyal sidekick in Zorrita and took the name “Moxie”. I had heard that Jack Russells were hyper, but instead found him always affectionate and ready to cuddle. It seems he was more the original Parsons Russell body type and demeanor, demonstrating his agility by walking around the rim of large flower pots like a cat and leaping straight up to my arms from the ground. Zorrita would have none of this, keeping a watchful eye from ground level.
One day on the street I met a nice Mexican fellow who asked me if I was interested in breeding Moxie. Being in full agreement, when her time came, I was treated to a most beautiful thing. Moxie courted her in a most gentleman manner, considering neither was experienced, and Zorrita was not the least jealous, playing the role of auntie. I do regret not having the opportunity to breed her. Only recently did I determine she was a Podengo. When we adopted her, spaying was required. From the many requests for each of them, I have no doubt they would enrich many people’s lives.
Carol says
I posted a video of Maggie and someone commented saying she looked like a wire haired Portuguese Podengo. So I researched and have finally found out what breed she is! We found her on the streets skinny hurt and pitiful. She has integrated into our family with a cat very well. She is very affectionate and follows me everywhere, I talk to her all day and she absolutely loves her toys and loves to share them.she and Mittens are best friends, they watch out for each other. I have had to work hard to train her it’s like she can’t help but to bark even when she knows she is going to get in trouble for it. Quite a personality! I’d love to post that 16 second video of her, may I?
Margaret Boisture says
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a lively little hound. They are not couch potatoes but do make excellent family pets.
Gie says
Hi, I just got a mixed breed chow chow and podengo puppy. He is 1 & 1/2 monts old right now. I’ve been searching on how to take care of such a mix but can’t find one. I was hoping you can tell me the proper way of taking care of this cute pup.
Adriana says
I have an arubian cunucu and she is very smart and quite a handful. She is a podenco definitely.
Leah says
We rescued our Podengo, not knowing it’s breed like most of you, about 2.5 months ago. His name is BeBe and he has come so far! He wouldn’t come near for the first week, lots of chicken finally changed his mind! He now lets me bathe him, hold him(sometimes), dress him up for cold weather, and will ride well in the car! It took constant attention and love but he is an amazing, independent, funny dog! They love to play independently with their toys, which is different than most of my other dogs. He is super shy with strangers and even people he sees regularly. He has stopped being so scared of other dogs at the dog park now too. He’s so lovely to look at and people always stop to admire and ask about him! As long as you have the time to invest in a rescue podengo I would highly recommend the breed!
Faramarz Philipp says
Haha we just found 2 of them! So awesome!🇵🇹🐶💞
B Walker says
I’m looking for another Podengo. My present one was from a rescue shelter. And would like to find another one from fescue
Ron Jones says
We got our Podengo, Rosie, as a rescue puppy through PetSmart. They told us she was some type of Aussie mix. We learned that she and her siblings came from an Indian reservation in New Mexico where many puppies were killed due to over population. We had no idea of her breed until I recently discovered a picture on the internet of a Podengo that could be Rosie’s identical twin.
Rosie is very sweet but, at the same time, rather independent. She is extremely alert and smart. She learns quickly. She love to chase rabbits and she hates squirrels. She loves to run and play, she loves kids, but she is not a “cuddly” dog. She likes her “space”.
We are very happy with Rosie and she has adapted well to our family. She is a very sweet girl.
Cheryl Dixey says
Hi We rescued a Podengo pup at a animal rescue 17 years ago she was this little peanut with the pink nose I had no idea what I was in for very active very rambunctious she used to be able to jump 10 feet in the air we had to put up gates in our huge backyard she loved to run she became my best friend she was great around my second son when he was born she protected him to no end she hated my ex-husband she had a very good instincts she was a woman of course she is now 17 years old and she’s still my best friend I didn’t think she would make it to this age she has a few ailments but nothing to hold her down but when I take her out in the backyard she loves to run and she gets that second wind I am hoping we can make it to the 18th birthday I dread the day I have to let her go to the pet rainbow in the sky it will break my heart she has been my best friend my family my Missy the first time I laid eyes on her at 5 weeks was the start of love and unconditional love she has been with me every step of the way she has been my protector my daughter and my best friend once she is gone I will be sad however I have had the best dog in the world I can say that there will be no other dog like her I would love to post a picture of her she is the sweetest thing in the world and everybody that sees her thinks she’s about 10 years old everyone falls in love with her as I fell in love with her all demented ice laid eyes on her she is other than my children this dog has brought nothing but joy to my life yes we had some ups and downs when she decided to take SEC and my youngest son was screaming with colic and Missy was sick and I had the dog and my son both screaming and sick and I just went back and forth between the two of them and held it under control we got through it and we made it cuz we were rough family I love my dog to death she has been nothing but a blessing to me she was put on this Earth to be my angel and I thank God for this Angel he had sent me thank you for letting me write my story and God bless everyone
Cheryl Dixey says
Just updating here it is April 2019 and she is still going strong we are having a few ailments with her arthritis and her joints I’ve been keeping her on joint pills snacks she doesn’t take the pills so well since she can smell them she is a hunting dog of course so I have to rely on the treats it is serving its purpose she is still walking she still gets up onto the loveseat where she sleeps I’m hoping we make it to her birthday on August 3rd she is nothing but a blessing
Anne Collinsaaa says
What a lovely story about your little dog, cherish each day you have with her.I lost my beautiful girl a month ago now, it is so hard but it was her time. She was so sick and umable to have any quality of life..Take care with your little one.
Janice Parkes says
We rescued our podengo unaware of her breed thinking she was a cross corgi and Jack Russell ,thanks to Lady Jane Grey and her ancestral home which we visited at the weekend and had a chance meeting with you guessed it an owner with a portugese podengo.We are delighted with our bundle of joy as she has settled into our home after a rocky start having been returned to the rescue centre twice,however she chose me and what an honour that was she is the most adorable affectionate little girl.
Jana says
We rescued our Podengo a little over a year ago, she had been a habitual runner, and the owners stopped picking her up. When we chose her, she had already been adopted and returned once for barking and biting. She was a tough case! Barked instantly at the smallest noise, wanted nothing to do with us for 2 days, then one evening she snuck into my room and jumped up on the bed. It has been about a year now, and she has come along way! Don’t give up on them! She is the dearest little girl now. But I really wondered what I had gotten myself into in the beginning. It did really help to find out more about the breed. They didn’t know what she was, thought she was a terrier mix, but I was watching the Westminster dog show and Boom, there was this little dog in the hound class that looked exactly like her! Such a personality!
Mary says
We adopted a one and a half year-old podengo pequino in late December 2017. We are experienced dog owners but the fact that this little dog had never lived in a house presented its challenges (plus other challenges). But take heart: a lot of gentle patience and seven months later we have the most beautiful little dog. Her true personality has emerged, she has learned to trust us, and we are now 110% delighted that we got her.
Robin says
We adopted a shelter podengo last week. I’m feeling quite discouraged. He is 4 with zero previous training. He’s sweet but a hand full. Name an issue, he presents ithowever not biting
Kevin P Melillo says
We rescued ours about a year ago. She was estimated 1 and a half when we picked her up. She was a real challenge, to the point I seriously considered bringing her back… if it wasn’t for the fact that it would probably cause her more confusion and mistrust… The first 3 weeks were terrible. Then we brought in a trainer for 1 day. He showed us the ropes, and in 15 minutes, she was listening to him, and obeying. We realized our pendengo needed a firm hand to help her figure out where everyone fit in her new life.
Keep at it, as it IS worth it. Even though you may not see it right now.
Carol says
Yes calm assertive and very consistent and Maggie does very well now, it just took a while just like kids😊