THE BASICS
The Podengo is a Primitive hunting breed that is slightly longer in body than tall at the withers.
- The Medio is 16-22" at the shoulder.
- The Grande is 22-28" at the shoulder.
- Both are exhibited on the floor.
- Most specimens exist in hunting packs in Portugal.
- Their smaller version, the Pequeno (small) size, is 8-12". Follow the link at the left for information for their club.
The breed comes in 2 varieties: Smooth (with undercoat) and Wire or longhair (lacking undercoat).
You may get a Medio out of two Grandes' and a Grande out of two Medios.
Utilization: From the 15th century on, the Medio and Grande were used as hunters for rabbit and large game.
Definitions:
Pequeno - Small
Medio - Middle or Medium
Grande - Large
AKC FSS BREED
Can compete in: Tracking, Lure Coursing (Medio and Grande only), Obedience, Rally, Agility
(Parrigi’s Paulo Azul earned the First Podengo title -
a JC on January 13, 2008)
Podengos in general are very lively, active, funny dogs that love to play. They do however require firm training or they will find their own adventures.
They easily entertain themselves with toys, chase each other and stalk each other around the house and yard. They are highly intelligent and learn new things very fast.
They are easily motivated by food and fun. Since they are a watchful dog, they are not as easy going and playful with strangers.
They may view smaller animals (dogs, cats) as prey.
They may be quite reserved initially and prefer to greet strangers on their own terms. They are very tolerant and compliant, eager to please their family members and put up with most requests we make of them.
