Portuguese Podengo

also known as Portuguese Rabbit Hound

Pros Summary


The Portuguese Podengo is a medium to large-sized breed of dog that is native to Portugal. The breed is known for its versatility, intelligence, and energetic personality, and it is well suited to a variety of roles, including hunting, herding, and guarding. Portuguese Podengos come in three size varieties: small, medium, and large. The breed has a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, and a lean, athletic build.

Portuguese Podengos are energetic, active dogs that require regular exercise and are well suited to life in a suburban or rural setting. They are also known for their strong bond with their owners and are generally good with children and other pets.

The Portuguese Podengo has a long history in Portugal, where it has been used for a variety of purposes, including hunting, herding, and guarding. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2013, and it is now recognized by a number of other kennel clubs and breed registries around the world.

Overall, the Portuguese Podengo is a versatile, intelligent, and energetic breed that is well suited to a variety of roles. It is a popular breed in its native Portugal and is gaining popularity in other countries.

Breed Information


Type

Is Portuguese Podengo a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Portuguese Podengos originally used for?

Sighthound

Lifespan

How Long Do Portuguese Podengos Live? What is average life expectancy for a Portuguese Podengo? How long can Portuguese Podengos live?

12-14 years

The average Portuguese Podengo lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Portuguese Podengo Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Portuguese Podengo?

What is the average height of a Portuguese Podengo? How big is a Purebred Portuguese Podengo height? Portuguese Podengo dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 16-28 inches (40.6 - 71.1 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm)
Female 16-28 inches (40.6 - 71.1 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm)
What is the average weight of a Portuguese Podengo? How much should Portuguese Podengos weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 35-66 pounds (16 - 30 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg) 50.5 pounds (23 kg)
Female 35-66 pounds (16 - 30 kg) 22.5 pounds (10 kg) 35.0 pounds (16 kg) 50.5 pounds (23 kg)
Hypoallergenic

Are Portuguese Podengos Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Portuguese Podengo is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Portuguese Podengo dog?

Portuguese Podengos are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Portuguese Podengo is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Portuguese Podengos come from?

Portugal

Ancestry

What are Portuguese Podengos descended from?

Hound

Date of Birth

When were Portuguese Podengos first bred? How old is the Portuguese Podengo breed?

Ancient

Portuguese Podengo Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Portuguese Podengo eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Portuguese Podengo nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Portuguese Podengo coat be naturally?

Black
Gray
Fawn

Coat Length

How long is a Portuguese Podengos coat?

The coat of a Portuguese Podengo falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Portuguese Podengo Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Portuguese Podengo?

Wiry

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Portuguese Podengo have in a litter? How many puppies can a Portuguese Podengo have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Portuguese Podengo can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Portuguese Podengo Health Issues


Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Portuguese Podengo?

Muscle Strains
Foot and Toenail Injuries

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Portuguese Podengos?

Eye Injuries

Occasional Diagnoses

None Known

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Portuguese Podengo breed?

Eye Examination
Yearly Physical Examination

Portuguese Podengo Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Portuguese Podengos have a lot of energy?

Portuguese Podengos are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Portuguese Podengos get?

The Portuguese Podengo dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Portuguese Podengos tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Past times

What do Portuguese Podengos enjoy doing? How do I keep my Portuguese Podengo busy?

Walking, Cuddling

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Portuguese Podengo? How much energy does a Portuguese Podengo have?

Medium

Portuguese Podengos are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Walks per Week

How far should a Portuguese Podengo walk each week? How many miles should a Portuguese Podengo walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Portuguese Podengo, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Portuguese Podengo should exercise a day? How much activity does a Portuguese Podengo need?

45 minutes

In general most Portuguese Podengos usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Portuguese Podengo?

The Portuguese Podengo is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Portuguese Podengo?

Weekly

Portuguese Podengo should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Portuguese Podengos?

Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Portuguese Podengo eat?

2.3 cups

For an average 35-66 pound (16 - 30 kg) Portuguese Podengo feed 2.3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Portuguese Podengo Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Portuguese Podengo is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Portuguese Podengo Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Portuguese Podengo is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Portuguese Podengo Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Portuguese Podengo?

The Portuguese Podengo breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Affection Dependance

Are Portuguese Podengo dogs affectionate?

Dog Friendly

Do Portuguese Podengo dogs get along with other dogs? Are Portuguese Podengos OK with other dogs?

Portuguese Podengos are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Playfulness

Do Portuguese Podengos like to play? Are Portuguese Podengos playful?

Portuguese Podengos have an average level of playfulness. The Portuguese Podengos, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Portuguese Podengo easily trained?

Portuguese Podengo dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.