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Podengo Portugueso Medio

Podengo Portugueso Medio
History:

Country/Date of Origin: Portugal/1800s

There are three native sight hounds in Portugal, all closely related. Podengo (meaning running hound) are divided by size. The largest, about 25 inches at the shoulder, is used mostly for coursing hares. The middle size Podengo, or Medio, is about 18 inches tall and is used to chase, catch, kill and retrieve rabbits. The smallest size called the Pequeno is a warren dog that is often used in concert with the Medio. It is sent down the rabbit hole to flush the quarry to the waiting coursers. The two larger size Podengos are hunted singly or in pairs in the manner of Greyhounds. The Pequeno is traditionally hunted in packs like a Beagle. The Pequeno is a true miniature sighthound. The largest size is believed to be the original form and it is thought that the other two sizes were bred down from it. The Pequeno most likely has some terrier blood mixed in.

FCI Group: 5 (Hound)

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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Miniature Portuguese Rabbit Hound, Small Portuguese Warren Hound

AKC Group: Miscellaneous

Breed Club:

Rescue Club:

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Body Type:

  • Resembles an oversized and rather sturdy Chihuahua. Rather long in back
  • Height: 8-11 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 11-13 pounds
  • Medium length tail is held low when dog is at rest and high, in a sickle shape, when it is alert. It is not altered
  • Ears are large, wideset and especially mobile. They are not altered

Personality:

  • Lively and alert
  • Good with children
  • Friendly
  • Gets along well with other dogs. A pack hunter
  • Tends to roam

Coat:

  • There are two coat varieties. Both lack an undercoat
  • The rough coat is wiry, harsh and of a medium length. There is distinct feathering on the muzzle and longer hair over the back of the neck
  • The shorthaired Podengo's coat is fine and glossy
  • Colors are solid red, fawn, or yellow red with or without white markings or black shadings. Fawn and white or yellow and black are the most common.
  • Moderate grooming

Health Concerns:

  • None that are known
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • The Pequeno is a very popular house pet in Portugal. It adapts well to apartment life
  • The Podengo will be difficult to find in the U.S.
  • Unusual for a hound, the Pequeno is a talented ratter