Large Portuguese Podengo

The Portuguese Podengo is a breed of dog from Portugal, which can vary in size from small, medium and large, can have all the hair smooth, silky. The small and medium varieties are quite common in Portugal, being used in packs for hunting, particularly the rabbit. The Large Portuguese Podengo is quite rare, in danger of extinction, especially the smooth-haired variety. They are used in packs of hunting, including hunting wild boar, and even the only Portuguese breed used for this purpose. Dogs are a lively character, cheerful, intelligent and very sociable with other dogs. They are extremely affectionate with their owners, careful with the children and clean. Reckless hunting, are very unfriendly to strangers, which, combined with ongoing surveillance of their territory makes them aware of guard dogs, yet lacking the aggressiveness of other watchdogs and defense.

History
The Portuguese Podengo is classified as a breed of primitive type and is thus considered one of the oldest known breeds of dogs. Among their most likely ancestors is the Pharaoh Hound, the dog of the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.

It is thought that the Portuguese Podengo was introduced in our country around 700 BC by Phoenician merchants who at the time assured the trade throughout the Mediterranean. During the Arab invasions between the eighth and twelfth centuries, the Podengos were crossed with other breeds of dogs probably with the same primitive origins of the hound, but both developed differently.

The first written reference to dogs hunting rabbits is made in 1199 in the reign of King Sancho. From this date, there are several records for hunting dogs, used even in a royal hunting with these characteristics. However, the Podengo Portuguese owes its popularity to the most humble people that adopted as a hunting dog.

There are six varieties of spaniel, two coat varieties - smooth and setose - and three variety of sizes - small, medium and large - that are combined.

The varieties of hair appeared to adapt to climate: a smooth-haired variety is more common in northern Portugal, as the smooth hair dry more easily after the wet, because of the frequent rains that occur above the Douro. The variety of bristly hair is found in the plains of Alentejo, where the hair protects the skin from sun rays and cold in winter.

The three varieties in terms of size fit easily to different terrains and prey. The Big Portuguese Podengo hunting larger prey on flat land, with deer and wild boar tusks more common. Due to the decrease of these species and the implementation of restrictions on hunting, the Big Podengo Portuguese came to have less "use" and therefore less adept. It is the rarest variety and number of copies has dropped from 70's to the point of initial records of this variety (IR) to be open to copies in Portugal.

The Medium Podengo specializes in more difficult terrain. He is adept at chasing rabbits kill their prey and return it to the hunter. Already the lowest height of the Small Podengo allows you to enter the burrows to flush rabbits. The three varieties work in packs and often together, helping in the hunt the rabbit, for example.

The most popular varieties are the small and medium due to the large number of supporters of hunting rabbits and also because the size of the animals makes them good companion dogs.

The smaller varieties have also been used as hunters of mice. This work was especially useful on boats and is thought to have been taken on the sailing ships and other vessels at the time of the Discoveries. The Portuguese Podengo spread well all over the world and is believed to be the base of several other breeds of dogs.

The theory most widely accepted until recently was that the smaller varieties arose from the miniaturization of the wider variety. However, there are other chains that claim that the various varieties have different origins. An alternative source would be descended from small Iberian wolves.

The Portuguese Podengo debuted in canine gigs in 1902, although the scale that dThe Breed was only published in 1955. It was only after this date as the Podengo several varieties have been established, with the exception of the Small Podengo wirehair only scale that was included in 1978.

In the last decade Podengo Portuguese has grown in popularity in our country and is currently among the 10 most popular breeds according to data from the Portuguese Kennel Club.

Temperament
The Portuguese Podengo is a dog living spirit and good mood. He is courageous and intelligent, and all varieties are good choices for a companion dog. With the owners is affectionate and is reliable with older children who know how to respect the personal space of the dog.

Rustic, active and a bit noisy is always ready to play. The Portuguese Podengo suffers greatly from loneliness and likes to be included in all family activities. It's a friendly dog that welcomes the stranger, but observant and alert, it still barking on notice.

As a hunting dog, used in packs, living with other dogs. Because of their strong hunting instinct, it takes some care with smaller animals.

The Portuguese Podengo has the senses of sight, smell and hearing very refined and tends to distract themselves with the smallest noise. Dogs are able to follow a lead to getting lost because they could not find the way home. For this reason, should never be loose in the street, except in places perfectly sealed.

Well adapted to life abroad, however Podengo need adequate shelter. Medium and Small varieties adapt well to small living spaces seamlessly into urban apartments. The Portuguese Podengo gives well in hot or humid climates.


Exercise and training
As a hunting dog, the Portuguese Podengo is prepared to stand whole days of exercise. The Podengo company does not need to be stimulated all day, since these dogs are active at home. However, essential are the daily walks and play sessions.

As this is an extremely intelligent dog, stimulate curiosity and exploring mind of the dog where it can alternate paths to the classic ride around the block.

The Portuguese Podengo is an bothe Breed for agility and other canine activities similar.

Training Podengo Portuguese learns quickly and retains the commands easily, but easily distracted with the sounds, smells and images around them.


General Appearance
There are six varieties of the Portuguese Podengo, combining the height of varieties with the varieties of hair:

Great with short hair;
Great with long hair (setose);
Medium with short hair;
Medium to long hair (setose);
Small with short hair;
Small with long hair (bristly).

Size and weight:

The smallest variety Podengo measures 20-30 inches and weighs 4-5 kg;
The Medium Podengo has between 40 and 55 cm and weighs between 16 and 20 kg;
The Big Portuguese Podengo ranges from 55 to 70 cm.

All varieties of Portuguese Podengo are well proportioned, with good bones and muscled. The head is dry and pyramid-shaped square, with broad base and very sharp extremity. The ears have ima obliquely and average with great mobility. They appear straight, vertical or tilted slightly forward when alert. Are pointed, broad at base, triangular, thin and taller than wide.

The eyes have a phrase to look very much alive and are slightly raised in the orbits. They may have different shades: from the color of honey to brown, depending on the coat. Format oblique and small, are covered by lids with darker than the coat color. The nose is thin and obliquely truncated and is prominent at the tip. It's also heavier color than the coat. The lips are touching, thin, strong and ripped it right. The jaws are normal with white teeth and solids. The neck has a harmonious connection with the head and the trunk. It is the right length, proportioned, strong and well muscled without tbreed of dewlap.

For the anterior and posterior limbs are upright front and side, well muscled and lean. The arms are long, sloping, strong and well muscled. The hands and feet with long toes are rounded, strong and united arched. The nails are short and strong, preferably dark. The palms have to be tough and hard. The thigh is long, muscular and of medium width. The leg is oblique, long, dry, strong and muscular. The tail has an insert more high than low. It's strong, thick and pointed, of medium length. At rest falls in between the buttocks and into action arises horizontally, slightly arched, or vertically, folded in sickle, but never curled.

The trunk line upper torso straight or slightly curved, because the bottom line is slightly uphill. The breastplate is slightly prominent and muscular, not too wide. The chest is lowered, the average width and length, with sloping back and sternum up. The ribs are slightly arched and sloping. The back is right or slightly layered and long. The loin is right or slightly arched, broad and muscular. The tempos are fast and agile.


Hair Type
There are two varieties of hair in the Portuguese Podengo. The short coat is smooth, soft and more dense than the long-haired variety. The coat is longer and longer bristly chin, forming a "beard".

The predominant colors are yellow and tawny in animals range from clear, common, and black or dark roasted red or badly faded. They can also be colored or spotted with white.


Health and Hygiene
The Portuguese Podengo is considered a very healthy dog.

Any of the varieties, short or long (setaceous), do not have the undercoat that dramatically decreases the amount of hair that dogs at certain times of the year, spread through the house. Easy to maintain, requires only weekly brushing.