Portuguese Podengo (Medium)

Size
Small (under 11kg)
Exercise
20 min/day
Training
No training
Size of home
Some outdoor space
Time at home
Alone with support
Grooming
Low maintenance
Barking preference
Low
Personality
Independent + affectionate

History

The Portuguese Podengo is an ancient multi-sensory hound (sight and scent) breed of dog from Portugal. As a breed, the Podengo is divided into three size categories that are not interbred: small (Pequeno), medium (Médio) and large (Grande). Their coats are either short and 'smooth', or longer and 'wired'. The smooth coated variety is traditional, dating back to the 5th century, whereas the wire coated variety is an outcome of the assimilation of various other breeds during the 20th century. (1)

The Portuguese Podengo was developed with six varieties (consisting of two coat types, short and smooth or long and wire, and each with three sizes small, medium and large), each suited to different climates, terrain, type of prey and hunting style. Each is a very versatile hunter and companion that use all of its senses combined with agility, speed and endurance, running singly or in packs. The wire coat variety is better suited for hotter climates with its more open coat texture which provides better cooling and the smooth variety is better suited for cooler climates with its tighter, denser coat which provides better insulation. (2)

Keen hunting dogs, the Podengo has an affinity for game regardless of size. Each size category traditionally hunts game appropriate to their size and temperament. (1)

Appearance

Temperament

This breed is a primitive hunting dog, with the large Podengo being used for hunting big game, Medium (also known as the Warren Hound) having a natural aptitude as a rabbit hunter and either hunting in a pack or alone; with the Small Podengo being used for searching rabbits in holes and rocks. All varieties of this breed are also used as watchdogs and as companion dogs.

Portuguese Podengo (Medium Smooth Haired and Wire Haired)

Both kinds of Podengo Medio are friendly, hardy and intelligent companions. They are very active and usually good with children and other animals, including livestock, especially when socialised from an early age. When trained, they can have good recall when not on leash. While hiking with them, they generally stay in visual distance and "check" on their owners frequently, always being aware of their position (although that can mean a few acres away). Of course, they must be trained with a reliable recall first. They are enthusiastic, trainable dogs. (1)

They are watchful and observant and will bark when something gets their attention. Most enjoy digging and need a secure fence, optimally enclosing their own yard. As they are very agile, regular fencing might not be enough, as they are excellent jumpers and climbers. The best way to address this is with a high enough fence to prevent jumping. (1)

Suitability

All Podengo types are hardy, intelligent and lively dogs, excelling at agility and making fine companions. Loyal and fearless, Podengos are also good house guards and are amenable to training by dog experienced people and those that enjoy primitive (unrefined, "less domesticated") dog behaviour. (1)

The Podengo is friendly with children and other dogs. It requires daily exercise and attention and likes to play, so it does best in houses with large gardens where they can frolic at will. It is a very fast learner.

Sizes

Height:
Medium 40-54 cm (16-21 ins)

Weight:
Medium 16-20 kg (35-44 lbs) (2)

Health

The Podengo breed is extensively free of any genetic defects. (2)

References

wikipedia.org
& 3. DOGSAUSTRALIA.org.au

Image: portuguesepodengomedio

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Portuguese Podengo (Medium) and have decided this is the dog for you, or you would like more information, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Portuguese Podengo (Medium) and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 11 Feb 2011)

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Breed Standard - Portuguese Podengo (Medium)

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Quadrangular pyramid head, with erect ears, sickle shaped tail, well proportioned, with sound construction and well muscled; very lively and intelligent; sober and rustic. It exists in three sizes, with two varieties of coat: smooth and wire.Important proportions:Large and Medium sized Podengo: Almost square (sub-mediolinear) of large or medium substance respectively. Ratio of length of body to height at the withers; 11/10 and depth of chest to height at withers:1/2.Small Podengo: Body slightly longer than high (sub-longilinear), of small stature. The length of the body is slightly more than the height at withers with a ratio , length of body/ height at withers; 6/5 and depth of chest/height at withers 1/2. In all varieties, the muzzle is less than the skull length.

Temperament

Large Podengo: used for hunting big game.Medium Podengo: also known as Warren Hound, its natural aptitude as a rabbit hunter is well used, hunting either in a pack or alone.Small Podengo: used for searching rabbits in holes and rocks.All varieties are also used as watchdogs and as companion dogs.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Lean and of a quadrangular pyramid shape, with large base and definite pointed muzzle. The longitudinal superior cranium-facial axes are divergent.Skull: Flat, almost straight in profile, prominent superciliary arches and scarcely perceptible frontal furrow. The area between the ears is horizontal with prominent occipital protuberance.Stop: Barely defined.Nose: Tapered and obliquely truncated, prominent at the tip. Of darker colour than the coat.Muzzle: Pointed, curved seen from the front, with a straight profile. Shorter than the skull and broader at the base than at the tip.Lips: Close fitting, thin, firm, horizontally cut and well pigmented.Cheeks: Lean and obliquely set seen from the front.
Eyes	Very lively expression, not prominent. They are small and slanted with the colouring ranging from honey to brown, in accordance with the coat. Lids darker than the coat colour.
Ears	Set on obliquely at the level of the eyes, straight, erect with high mobility. Vertical or tilting slightly forward, when attentive. Pointed, wider at the base, triangular, thin, of considerable length, more than the width at the base.
Mouth	Normal with scissors bite, with solid, white teeth. Normal occlusion (relation of teeth) of both jaws. Full dentition in the large variety.
Neck	In a harmonious transition from head to body; straight, long, well proportioned, strong and well muscled, without dewlap.
Forequarters	Upright when seen from front and sides; well muscled and lean.Shoulder: Long, inclined, strong and well muscled, scapula-humerus angle approximately 110 degrees.Elbow: Parallel to the main line of the body.Forearm: Vertical, long and well muscled.Carpus (Pastern joint): Lean and not prominent.Metacarpus (Pastern): Short, strong and slightly inclined.
Body	Topline: Straight and level.Withers: Only slightly visible in relation to the neck and back.Back: Straight and long.Loin: Straight, broad and well muscled.Croup: Straight or slightly sloping, medium sized, broad and well muscled.Chest: Down to the elbows, of moderate width, long, with the sternum rising back and up, ribs slightly sprung and inclined. Forechest neither too apparent nor too muscled and of moderate width.Underline and belly: Slightly tucked up, lean belly and flanks.Skin: Thin and tight. Mucous membranes preferably dark pigmented or always darker than the coat.
Hindquarters	Upright when seen from back and sides; well muscled and lean, parallel to the main body.Thigh: Long, of medium width, well muscled.Stifle joint: Femur-tibia angle approximately 135 degreesSecond thigh: Inclined, long, lean, strong and well muscled.Hock: Of medium height, lean, strong. Open hock angle approximately 135 degrees.Metatarsus (Rear Pastern): Strong, short, inclined and without dewclaws.
Feet	Forefeet: Rounded, long toes, strong, tight and arched with strong and preferably dark nails, tough and firm pads.Hindfeet: Rounded, long toes, strong, tight and arched, short and strong nails, preferably dark, tough and firm pads.
Tail	Natural, set on rather higher than low; strong, thick and thinning to tip, of medium length. At rest falls slightly curved between the buttocks down to the hocks. In action it rises horizontally either slightly curved or vertically in sickle shape, but never curled. Fringed on the under side.
Gait/Movement	Light trot. Easy and agile movement.
Coat	Two varieties. Either short and smooth or long and wire, both of medium thickness, without undercoat. The short coat is more dense than the wire coat. In the wire variety the hair on the muzzle is longer (bearded).
Colour	Yellow and fawn in all shades from light to dark, with or without white markings, or white with patches of these colours. In the small Podengo, the following colours are accepted but not preferred: black, brown, with or without white markings or white with patches of these colours.
Size	Height:Small 20-30 cm (8-12 ins)Medium 40-54 cm (16-21 ins)Large 55-70 cm (22-28 ins)Weight:Small 4-6 kg (9-13 lbs)Medium 16-20 kg (35-44 lbs)Large 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs)

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect on the health and welfare of the dog.• Behaviour: Signs of shyness• Cranium/Muzzle: Parallel longitudinal superior cranium (skull) to facial (muzzle) axes.• Jaws: Incorrect occlusion or badly implanted teeth. Pincer bite. Incomplete dentition in the large variety.• Nose: Partial lack of pigmentation.• Neck: Arched.• Body: Arched topline.• Croup: Too sloping.• Dewclaws: Their existence is not appreciated.• Coat: Silky and/or with undercoat.Severe Faults:• Cranium/Muzzle: Convergent superior cranium (skull) to facial (muzzle) axes.• Nose: Total lack of pigmentation.• Ears: Rounded.• Belly: Too tucked up• Tail: Curled.Disqualifying Faults:• Behaviour: Aggressive or overly shy.• General Appearance: Signs of cross breeding to sight hounds, pointing breeds or any other cross breeding.• Jaws: Undershot or overshot.• Eyes: Of different colours.• Ears: Folded or hanging.• Colour: Brindle, black and tan, tricolour and totally white.Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.

N.B. Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

History

Primitive type dog, it probably originates from the ancient dogs brought by the Phoenicians and Romans to the Iberian Peninsula in the Classic Antiquity. It was subsequently influenced by the introduction of dogs accompanying the Moors in their invasions in the 8th century. It adapted to the Portuguese terrain and climate, to become what is nowadays known as the Portuguese Warren Hound. It evolved morphologically throughout the centuries due to its functionality, with the small variety being selected, from the 15th century on, as a ratter on the Caravels of the Portuguese navigators.