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Podengo Portugueso Medio Breed Description

Breed Organization

American Portuguese Podengo Medio/Grande Club

Native Country
Portugal

Other Names
Portuguese Hound, Podengo Portugueso Grande, Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, Large Portuguese Hound, Medium Portuguese Hound, Small Portuguese Hound, Podengo Portugueso Pequeno

Life Expectancy
Approximately 12+ Years Depending On Type

Litter Size
Average 4-6 Puppies Depending On Type

Breed Group
AKC Miscellaneous (Breed Appearance Below)

General Description

In the United States, the United Kennel Club (UKC) represents the breed as shown in Portugal and all FCI countries - the three sizes, all with two coat varieties - as one breed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has divided the breed into the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno and the Portuguese Podengo (includes the medio and grande size). This breed Portuguese Podengo is represented by the American Portuguese Podengo MedioGrande Club. The Pequeno entered the AKC Misc class in January 2011 and entered the Hound Class in January 2013. The Portuguese Podengo (which includes the Medio and Grande), has entered AKC Miscellaneous Class on January 1, 2014.

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is characterized by a wedge shaped head, with erect ears and a curved tail. The AKC breed standards include the following points:
Height (8 to 12 inches), Weight (9 to 13 pounds), Color (Yellow or Fawn), and Coat (Wire or Smooth).

Wire Coat:
The WPP is a small-sized type with a rough coat. The single coat (without undercoat) does shed but not very much.

Smooth Coat:
The SPP is a small-sized type with a dense smooth coat with undercoat that is low maintenance. It naturally sheds dust and dirt and dries very quickly. The height for the Portuguese Podengo Peqeuno is 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) and weight is 4-6 kg (9-13 lbs). Dogs should not exceed the maximum height.

Breed Standard

Head: Shape of the head is like that of a four-sided pyramid, with a broad base and pointed tip. Flat skull. Stop not pronounced. Straight nose bridge. Thin nose. Tight, fine lips.
Ears: Broad at the base, triangular, thin leather. Held perfectly erect or tilting slightly forward.
Eyes: Small, set obliquely in the skull. Honey or chestnut color.
Body: Long. Strong, long neck without dewlap. Narrow forechest. Chest is well let down. Ribs are rather flat. Broad, muscular loin. Long, straight back. Broad, muscular, very slightly sloped croup.
Tail: Strong, thick, pointed. Moderate length. Carried horizontal and slightly arched when in action.
Hair: Two varieties: short, smooth, and dense; or long and hard. Moderately coarse. The Small Portuguese Hound has the shortest coat.
Coat: Predominant colors: yellow and fawn with lighter and darker shades and a black tint. Solid color or pied.
Size: Large Hound: 55 to 70 cm (21.7-27.6 in).- Medium Hound: 40 to 55 cm (15.7-21.7 in).- Small Hound: 20 to 30 cm (8-11 in).
Weight: Large Hound: 20 to 30 kg (44-66 lb).Medium Hound: 15 to 20 kg 33-44 lb).Small Hound: 4 to 5 kg8.8-11 lb).

History

The Portuguese Hound, descended from large-eared hounds, is very common in northern Portugal where it is used as a hunter and pet.

There are three varieties:
- The Portuguese Hound (Podengo grande), a very rare breed used for hunting large game.
- The Medium Portuguese Hound (Podengo medio), which hunts rabbit in packs or alone and looks very much like the Ibizan Hound
- The Small Portuguese Hound (Podengo pequeno), which hunts rabbit underground and looks much like the Chihuahua.

Behavior

This rustic, extremely lively dog is used for hunting, but also makes an excellent pet and loyal guard dog. Firm training is required.

The Portuguese Hound requires a lot of exercise and room to run. Daily brushing is required.

Function

Hunting Dog, Guard Dog, Pet.

Health

A very healthy breed. Because this breed has had relatively limited intervention by humans, it has a low incidence of known inherited defects or diseases. There is very little data available currently.

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