Portuguese Podengo

Portuguese Podengo
Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio
Other namesPodengo Português
Portuguese Warren Hound
Common nicknamesLisboa
Dores de Campos
Campinas
Recife
Porto
OriginPortugal
Brazil
Traits
Height Large 55–70 cm (22–28 in)
Medium 40–54 cm (16–21 in)
Small 20–30 cm (7.9–11.8 in)
Weight Large 20–30 kg (44–66 lb)
Medium 16–20 kg (35–44 lb)
Small 4–6 kg (8.8–13.2 lb)
Kennel club standards
Clube Português de Canicultura standard
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog (domestic dog)
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The Portuguese Podengo, also known as the Podengo Português or Portuguese Warren Hound, is a hound (sight and scent) breed from Portugal and Brazil. 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, whereas the wire coated variety is an outcome of the assimilation of various other breeds during the 20th century. In general, the breed is healthy; the Pequeno (small) variety has an average lifespan of approximately 15–17 years.

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 behavior.

Keen hunting dogs, the Podengo has an affinity for game regardless of size. Typically, the dogs hunt in a pack with their handler following. When game is found, they kill and retrieve it, or flush it towards the hunter to be shot. Each size category traditionally hunts game appropriate to their size and temperament. (Pequeno: rabbits; Medio: rabbits and wild boar; Grande: deer and wild boar).