Portuguese Podengo

The Portuguese Podengo is a lively, smart coursing hound. They come in three sizes: small, medium, and large, and can have two types of hair – smooth or wiry. The three sizes were developed in Portugal to serve different functions. These dogs have distinct pyramid-shaped heads and express, almond-shaped eyes. They adore playtime as much as they do exercising.

Portuguese Podengo Breed Overview

Independent, yet quick to learn, the Portuguese Podengo dog has a lot of energy. They can be aloof with strangers, but are fiercely loyal and loving towards their owners. They are considered one of the world’s oldest dog breeds, with original bloodlines dating back to ancient Egypt. They were only introduced into the United States in the 1990s and remain a relatively rare dog.  

Portuguese Podengo Facts

• Perhaps as old as ancient Egypt
• They were refined in Portugal
• Come in three sizes – small, medium, and large
• Have two coat types – smooth and wiry
• They have a distinct pyramid-shaped head
• Playful and outgoing with those they know and more reserved with those they don’t know

How to Care for Your Portuguese Podengo

Here’s what you need to know about caring for your Portuguese Podengo, including nutrition & feeding, health & wellness, and grooming & hygiene information, as well as living with the breed.

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Portuguese Podengo

The size of a Portuguese Podengo varies, from 9 to 66 pounds. Their food will vary based on weight, activity level, and stage of life. Look for food that matches their size and stage of life, such as Purina Pro Plan Small Breed food or puppy food. The ingredients should have high-quality components, like protein, moderate carbohydrates, and good, healthy fats. By following these guidelines, you can make sure that their calorie needs are met and they get the right size kibble.

How Much to Feed a Portuguese Podengo

Because the size of these dogs varies so much, you should rely on advice from your vet or a guide like the Purina Feeding Calculator. You can enter their weight, stage of life, activity level, and even specific food formula into the calculator to get a very accurate amount to feed.

Treats & Supplements

Treat advice will depend on your dog’s size and total calorie intake, but low-calorie, high-quality, protein-first treats should be used sparingly and in conjunction with positive reinforcement training or as a reward during enrichment activities. Treats should not account for more than 10% of your dog’s overall daily calories. Your vet may or may not recommend supplements for your Portuguese Podengo, such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine for joint health, or probiotics. You can discuss your dog’s medical history in depth with them.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

Establish a good vet for your dog and be sure to get them regular checkups, where you can discuss preventive things like vaccines and parasite prevention. They can also advise you on dental care, an essential piece of a dog’s longevity, and spaying or neutering your dog. The Portuguese Podengo dog may or may not have health issues. Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye disorders, and allergies can be discussed with your vet.

Portuguese Podengo Enrichment & Exercise Needs

No matter what size your Portuguese Podengo dog is, they will need a lot of exercise and mental enrichment. They were bred to run and chase, and prefer free running in a fenced-in area, hiking, scent tracking games, and similar activities. Switch it up to keep things fresh. Exercise their brains via games like hide-and-seek, jumping games, or chasing games. Without proper stimulation, they can become bored and destructive. That could lead your dog to become excessively vocal, start digging, or chewing.

Understanding Your Portuguese Podengo’s Behavior

The Portuguese Podengo has a strong prey drive, which means it has an instinct to chase small animals. Socialization will be important to counteract this behavior, as well as giving them dedicated outlets to satisfy the behavior. They can be independent thinkers, which might mean they are stubborn when it comes to training; you’ll need to be consistent and gentle in your methods to get the desired results. When bored, these dogs can become very vocal, so provide lots of stimulation. A fenced-in yard is paramount, regardless of size – these dogs can dig and jump high.

What to Expect as Your Portuguese Podengo Ages

These dogs can live anywhere from 10 to 15 years if well-cared-for. Make sure you are getting them regularly seen by a vet to help with aging factors such as joint issues and obesity. You can switch them to a senior dog food when your vet recommends it to help with mental sharpness and other declining issues.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

Portuguese Podengos can have two types of coats – smooth or wiry. The smooth-coated kind can get regular brushing to remove dead hairs and redistribute skin oils, and should only be bathed when dirty. The wire-coated type might need more grooming to prevent matting and more frequent baths. They’ll also need their beards trimmed regularly, and they take longer to dry than the smooth-coated kind. Sometimes this dog breed has allergies; you can discuss it with your vet and check for infections regularly.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

Highly active dogs should be regularly checked for scrapes, cuts, and signs of infection. You can look at their paw pads and in their ears to see if anything has happened while out and about; clean their ears with vet-approved care tips. An important part of caring for your Portuguese Podengo is dental care, as tooth decay can shorten your dog’s life. Brush their teeth regularly and/or use dental chews. Some of these dogs might be able to wear their nails down naturally from running outside; if not, trim their nails regularly to prevent painful splitting and cracking.

Anal Gland Care

Depending on the size of your Portuguese Podengo, they may or may not be able to express their anal glands naturally. If not, an abscess can occur, which will need professional help from a vet. You’ll know it’s time to call someone if your dog is scooting, excessively licking, straining to go to the bathroom, or emitting a foul-smelling odor.

Living With a Portuguese Podengo

Living Space

A yard is beneficial to the Portuguese Podengo, regardless of size. They do best in suburban or rural areas with a fenced-in area. They can dig or jump, so it should be very well secured. They are family dogs, so they will want to have space inside, as well. If not stimulated enough, they can become excessively vocal – something to consider if you live in a higher-density area.

Socialization

Dogs with high prey drives and chasing instincts, like the Portuguese Podengo, will need early and frequent socialization. Introducing them to unfamiliar places and people will help build their confidence. They can do well with other dogs if introduced properly, but might have a hard time with smaller animals like cats, small dogs, rabbits, and hamsters due to their prey instincts. They love family life and are best suited for families with no children or older children who can be incorporated into their exercise and mental stimulation routines. Small children who respect the dog’s boundaries might also be appropriate.

Climate Considerations

The Portuguese Podengo dog was bred in Portugal, which has a varied terrain and a moderate to warm climate. The smooth-coat kind has a short and dense coat with less insulation. They prefer warmer climates, but can get by in colder ones with jackets and limited exposure. The wire-coated kind has a little more protection, but still should not be left alone in harsh conditions of either kind. If you live in a warmer climate, be sure to exercise them in the coolest parts of the day and offer plenty of shade and water.

Potential Challenges

The Portuguese Podengo breed is a high-energy breed that needs lots of exercise and mental enrichment to be happy. They do best with families who are active and can include the dog in any outdoor activities. It’s very important to have a high, secure fence as this breed can jump and likes to dig. They have a strong prey drive that will need to be counteracted with outlets like scentwork or digging games or consistent training. Families with small animals might not be the best fit. Keep in mind they can be stubborn, so you’ll need to keep working with them and socializing them to get a well-mannered dog.

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