Is this breed part of your dog’s ancestry?
Basepaws analyzes this breed as part of a group of other breeds.
Dog breed library
Characteristics, History, and Health
Portuguese Podengo (Large, Medium and Small)
What is a merged breed?
Basepaws analyzes this breed as part of a group that also includes Portuguese Podengo (Large, Medium and Small).
Despite being distinct in characteristics and origin, some pairs or groups of breeds lack the number of genetic differences required to distinguish these populations from one another, particularly when only a subset of these differences are inherited by a mixed breed dog. As we continue to expand our breed database, we aim to increase the resolution of our ancestry algorithm such that differentiating between increasingly specific ancestral sources becomes possible.
The Portuguese Podengo is one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back thousands of years. It is believed to have descended from the ancient hounds brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Phoenicians and Romans in 600 B.C. These hounds then intermingled with local dogs to produce the ancestors of the Podengo. In Portugal, the Podengo was bred in three sizes: Pequeno (small), Medio (medium), and Grande (large), and each size was used for a specific type of game hunting. The Pequeno was used for rabbit hunting, the Medio for larger games like wild boar, and the Grande for deer and wild boar. All sizes are also excellent watch dogs and will alert their owners to the presence of intruders.
Main Info
- Origin
- Portugal
- Lineage
- Terrier Lineage
- Alternate Names
- Podengo
- Life Expectancy
- 10-15 years
- Average Male Height
- 22-28 inches (large), 16-22 inches (medium)
- Average Female Height
- 22-28 inches (large), 16-22 inches (medium)
- Average Male Weight
- 44-66 (large), 35-44 pounds (medium)
- Average Female Weight
- 44-66 (large), 35-44 pounds (medium)
- Coat Length
- Medium
- Coat Type
- Smooth, Wiry
- Coat Colors
- Chestnut, Fawn, Gold, Gray, Orange, Red, White & Black, White & Fawn, White & Gold, White & Gray, White & Orange, White & Red, Yellow, White & Chestnut, White & Yellow
- Coat Pattern
- White Markings
Genetic Predispositions and Health
The Portuguese Podengo is generally a healthy breed with few inherited diseases. Some health issues that may affect the breed, albeit rarely, include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy. They may also be susceptible to food and contact allergies, hypothyroidism, and deafness.
Personality and Behavior
Portuguese Podengos are intelligent, energetic, and affectionate dogs. They are friendly with their families but can be reserved with strangers. They are excellent hunters and will need a good deal of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They also have a strong prey drive, so they need to be kept in secure areas or on a leash when outside. Podengos are quick learners and responsive to training, although they can be independent at times.
Terrier Lineage
A canine genetic lineage is a group of individuals or entire breeds that descended from common ancestors predating modern breed formation. Often these lineages are associated with a ‘type’ of dog with a unique historical working role and associated behaviors (e.g., herding, scent hunting, etc.).
Terriers were bred to hunt pests like rats, foxes, and badgers. Terriers are tenacious and fearless with high energy levels, strong prey drive, and feisty temperaments which all help in their hunting abilities. Terriers were used as mighty hunters in both urban and rural settings. Terriers have natural hunting instincts and protective tendencies.
Example breeds with ancestry from this lineage include Jack Russell Terrier, Scottish Terrier, and Yorkshire Terrier.
Fun Facts
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is the smallest of the three sizes and the most common one found outside of Portugal.
Despite their small size, Podengo Pequenos have a surprisingly loud bark.
The Portuguese Podengo has excellent hearing, one of the best among dog breeds. This made them particularly useful for hunting.
References
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/portuguese-podengo/
https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/PORTUGUESE-WARREN-HOUND-PORTUGUESE-PODENGO-94.html
https://www.ukcdogs.com/portuguese-podengo
Screen for health risks and diseases Learn More
Recommended by top vets with decades of experience
21 breeds
64 genetic health markers
50 genetic trait markers
