Portuguese Podengo

 

Summary:

• The Portuguese Podengo small smooth-haired is a lively, moody and easily learned breed, while also loving and loyal.
• The breed comes in three sizes and two coat varieties, and is originally a hunting dog.
• It is important to have a good summoning, as the podengo has a strong hunting instinct.
• The breed club provides breeding recommendations in addition to the NKK’s ethical guidelines for breeding and husbandry.

Characteristics and mentality:

The Portuguese Podengo small smooth-haired is a happy and sociable family dog that loves its loved ones. It is kind and friendly, but can test limits due to its independence. The breed learns relatively quickly, and has a high level of activity and speed in its legs. It thrives best with an active family that can satisfy its energy level. Portuguese Podengo are also suitable for dog sports and have become popular in agility due to their speed. The breed is known for being big in a small body and requires consistent owners.

Size and appearance:

The Portuguese Podengo small smooth hair comes in three different sizes: small, medium and large, and is found in two coat varieties: smooth hair and streaked hair. The head is pyramidal with erect ears and a sickle-shaped tail. The coat is medium thick without undercoat. The color varies from yellow and yellow-red in various shades, with or without markings, to white with markings in the same colours.

Health:

The Portuguese Podengo small smooth-haired is a relatively healthy breed, and there are no requirements for health examinations for breeding. Patella luxation and eye lightening are still recommended for dogs used in breeding.

Fur care:

The Portuguese Podengo small smooth hair requires minimal grooming.

History:

The breed has a history that goes back over 5,000 years and is one of the oldest original breeds today that has not changed. The Podengo portugues small smooth-haired is Portugal’s national breed and originates from ancient Egypt. It is believed to have arrived in southern Portugal with North African Arabs.

Want to learn more?

If you wish to learn more about the breed, it is recommended to contact the Podengo Portuguese Small Smooth Breed Club. You can also read more about the breed and its health in the RAS document, which provides an introduction to the breed’s status today and the club’s focus on breeding in the future.Good luck!