The Medio/Grande Podengo is a smart and active dog. In their native Portugal they are used to hunt and run down game. Rabbits, Stag and Boar.
In many of the Native kennels they typically NOT raised in the home like we do in the US but in outbuildings with human contact limited to basic care and the hunt.
We in the United States are still learning about the breed ourselves. We closely evaluate the puppies throughout their development to adults to see what kinds of home situations work the best.
The hunt drive is strong so we do NOT recommend that you get a Medio/Grande if you already have a small breed dog or indoor cats.
Each animal and situation however needs to be evaluated on it's own merits. When getting a Podengo, you are also joining a group dedicated to the continued introduction in America and AKC events and to it's preservation.
To learn more from breeders or contacts involved in the breed, please click on the links below and be sure to check our puppy and available dogs page. * in front of Kennel Name indicates 2010 litter planned.
FAQ: common questions you may have.
- Are the breeders on this page screened in anyway?
While recent board action requires all adults and puppies on the site to have a clear registration status. Individual breeders have their own process and timeline and it is up to you to do your homework to make sure that your questions are answered and that you are comfortable having an ongoing relationship with the breeder you select. We provide these links as a service and neither approve, recommend or discourage you from contacting the breeder of your choice
- How can I find a MedioGrande breeder near me? Unless you live in Arizona or Minnesota North Dakota or Michigan, you will not find a breeder near you. This is a rare breed in the US and most of us are working on a breed recovery project. While we welcome new people who are willing to participate at this time - there are no other breeders.
- Are the puppies registered anywhere?
Puppies should be 'recorded' with AKC Foundation Stock Services - which is the part of AKC registration that is available to us. They may be individually registered, or just registered as a litter but they are not eligible to participate in activities without an AKC number. Puppies may also be registered with UKC. It is your job to discuss with the breeder you have selected what the status is. Since the future of the breed depends on AKC recording - we support the registration of all puppies as soon as possible.
- How many puppies do I have to pick from? Litter size varies from just a few puppies to 11. There have been only a few litters born in the US so until there is a larger gene pool, first consideration for placement is for those animals needed for the recovery project and for show exhibitors. There may be only 1 or 2 that will be placed in companion situations where they would be neutered.
- Can I get a female? Since we are in a recovery process - females are typically placed only with experienced breeders who are willing to participate in the project. Not many females are available for spayed companions at this time. When there are sufficient numbers in the United States that may change.
- How often are puppies born? Litters are carefully planned and the number of litters is many times based on the availability of suitable homes - if you are interested in this breed it would be helpful to get on a breeders waiting list. Or look at puppies currently on the ground and available young adults.
- Can I get one from Portugal myself? We would be happy to provide some contact information however it is a complex process and may take a while. The easiest way is to fly over and bring your puppy back - that way you can get your puppy at 8-10 weeks so you will still be able to socialize it. Anything older (unless from a particular breeder) will have lived in a kennel building with little human contact. Shipping will be based on the size/weight of the dog and can vary from 1200 - 2600 Euros and of course varies with the exchange rate. Purchase price is typically around 500-700 Euros.
- I think I have a Podengo - can I register it? There are so few REGISTERED Podengos in the US and we do know where almost all of them are. Many years ago Portuguese hunters imported some dogs for hunting and have likely had litters over the years. We would be happy to look at pictures of your dog - but as the Podengo is a primitive breed - most mixed breeds - when mixed together enough also look like primitive breeds. If you have what you think is a Podengo and would like it certified for and ILP number with AKC. Please contact us for the process.
