Portuguese podenco

Overall description of the breed

The Portuguese Podenco, also known as the Portuguese Warren Hound, derives its origins from Portugal, as its name indicates. This breed is extremely ancient and widespread throughout the territory. Its ancestors belong to the large family of Greyhounds. Some specialists assert that this breed might have emerged thousands of years ago, even present during the time of the pharaohs.

The exact origins of the Portuguese Podenco have never been definitively clarified. It likely was imported from North Africa via Phoenician cargo ships between the 8th and 10th centuries BCE. Despite harsh living conditions, a scarce food supply, and a particularly hot climate, the Portuguese Podenco managed to adapt. It developed hunting skills, particularly in tracking rabbits, a specialty it honed.

Less prevalent outside its native country, its popularity remains confidential and regrettably diminishes each year. However, most major worldwide canine organizations (SCC, AKC, UKC, KC, or CKC) recognize it as a distinct breed. The FCI definitively registered it on November 18, 1954.

The Portuguese Podenco is divided into three size varieties: small, medium, and large. All three varieties can have either a smooth or a wire coat. Its slender morphology closely resembles that of a Greyhound: tall on its legs, delicate and fine-boned, a deep yet narrow chest, and a tucked-up abdomen. Its withers height is slightly less than its total length, resulting in a rectangular silhouette. Despite possessing a sturdy build, it maintains a certain delicateness and impressive flexibility of movement.

Its topline is firm, straight at the withers, and discreetly rounded at the loin. Its musculature is dry and remarkably developed. Its head is proportionally smaller than its body, deep and elegant. Its skull is flat, with no pronounced stop, and its long muzzle tapers to a point. All of this is supported by a moderately arched, solidly built neck of average length. Its tail is thin, reaching to the hock. At rest, it hangs down; when alert, it forms a sickle shape.

Three coat types are distinguishable in the Portuguese Podenco: smooth (lying flat, soft, and silky), wire (rough texture, coarse to the touch), and long (abundant, thick, and soft to the touch). The colors accepted by the breed standard are yellow, fawn, and black.

The temperament of the Podenco is reserved, gentle, and warm towards its owners. It tends to be closer to a specific person. Rather discreet, it is wary of strangers and often assumes an observer's role. As a guardian, it isn't effective; its natural suspicion leads it to avoid unfamiliar situations. Calm and independent, it is peaceful indoors. However, it exhibits energy outdoors and enjoys play activities, tracking, and searches.

Its predatory instinct is remarkably pronounced. It primarily hunts in packs and is impressively efficient at tracking rabbits, certain birds, and even larger game. Training this breed can be challenging for a novice owner. While it obeys, it will never submit blindly to commands. Possessing significant work intelligence, it is an exceptional partner. However, family life with young children may not suit it well, as it prefers independence and tranquility.

As an adult, the Portuguese Podenco will weigh between 16 and 20 kg (35 to 44 lb), and its withers height will range between 22 and 70 cm (8.5" - 27.5").