Description. The Podengo Portugueso comes in three sizes, known as Grande, Medio, and Pequeno (being large medium and small). The Grande is 22-27 inches in height weighing 44-66 pounds. The Medio is 15-22 inches high and 35-44 Pounds. Whilst the Pequeno is 8-12 inches high and 9-13 pounds.

So there should be no problem finding a dog to suit the space you have. They are of the sight hound group and the medio is the most popular, of the three sizes. Podengo Portuguesos’ have a well proportioned head which has a flat skull and obvious stop. Their ears are triangular in shape, large and very mobile; they move a lot to pick up any sounds around. Their muscular chest is quite pronounced. The prominent eyes are honey to brown in colour and oblique in shape. The cat like feet have hard pads and are well arched. Their coat can be either wirehaired or smooth. The wirehaired being long and shaggy, with the smooth haired being long and hard. The colours they come in are black fawn or yellow and can have white markings.

History. The Podengo Portugueso is believed to have come from the pharaoh hounds that were quite prolific from the Iberian Peninsula to northern Africa. Although others believe the origins of the dog were from Iberian wolves. The original dogs were the Grande but, due to popularity of the Medio, the Grande is now quite rare. To this day this breed are very popular in Portugal, more so in the rural towns to the north. They are still used for the hunting of small game, either as individual dogs or as a pack. They are very good rabbit hunting dogs, and are still used, in Portugal, to hunt rats and to guard property. They make an excellent companion dog and are alert and attentive.

Temperament. The more popular medio size is the fastest of the three sizes, of this dog. Podengo Portuguesos’ are affectionate and alert; also being courageous they make an ideal guard dog. They are good household pets as they are not vicious at all. They require a good standard of training and require knowing the rules of the house. They respond well to affection and this is what should be used to train them. They need to know you are in charge and their place in the family. Whilst being good with children this dog should not be left around smaller household pets. They are natural hunters and you pet rabbit will not like what could happen.

Health issues. There are no significant health issues with this breed. They have a life expectancy of 12- 14 years

Grooming. The Podengo Portugueso needs occasional brushing to remove shed hair. As an average shedder this is about all that is needed to keep the dogs coat from problems.

Living conditions. This is not a breed for an apartment. They come from a sunny climate and do best in similar conditions. They can live outdoors as long as adequate shelter is provided. They are active and require at least one long walk a day. If you have a large enough yard or garden The Podengo Portugueso will love to play chase and catch type games.