We may see dogs as incredible workers, mainly because of their several excellent qualities. Some of them excel in certain types of canine tasks, such as hunting, herding, guarding, and so on. Interestingly, there are dogs known to be incredibly useful for diverse kinds of jobs. These versatile breeds are equipped with great traits that are sure to capture the hearts of dog lovers.
An example of a versatile breed is the Portuguese Podengo, which is known for its energetic and agile characteristics. This dog also possesses superior intelligence, making it a true working dog. The Podengo is a great family pet; you can quickly tell that this dog has a soft side towards its family. Affectionate and loyal are apparent in the breed’s nature, especially when it comes to being with a family member. Along with its sweet nature is its playfulness, making it great with kids.
Moreover, the breed’s substantial body allows it to excel in various types of canine tasks. But the Podengo built a solid reputation in the hunting field, making it known as an exceptional hunter. In this article, we are going to look into the great qualities and origins of the versatile hunter: the Portuguese Podengo.
Origins of the Portuguese Podengo
We can trace back the origins of the Podengo to more than a thousand years ago. It is believed that the Podengo had existed as far back as 600BC, wherein the Phoenician traders used them as hunting dogs. The Phoenicians then brought the Podengo to Portugal in 700BC.
There are no precise details about the Podengo’s origins, but some artifacts are found under the Lisbon Cathedral. These artifacts found under the cathedral were used as evidence of the breed’s existence more than hundreds of years ago.
Interestingly, the Podengo is known to have size variations, including the Podengo Grande and Podengo Medio. This diverse size allows the breed to work on specific tasks: Grandes specializes in hunting deers and wild boars, wherein it will track and exhaust the target until the hunter finishes the job with its gun. The Medio focused on hunting smaller targets, mainly rabbits. The relatively smaller size of the Medio allowed it to move quicker in the field, making it more efficient when it comes to hunting rabbits.
The Podengos continued to develop over the years with the help of breeders. Interestingly, the Podengo Medio was known to be a breed variation that resembles the modern Podengo. It is mainly because of the breed’s isolation inside Portugal, which resulted in a purer breed, showcasing a strong and stable characteristic.
The ten National Dogs of Portugal includes the Portuguese Podengo and played a significant role in the country’s kennel club, as it is shown in its symbol.
Characteristics of the Portuguese Podengo
Height: 16 – 28 inches
Weight: 35 – 66 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Hypoallergenic: No
Despite its playful personality, the Portuguese Podengo is a breed that possesses strong physical traits. It could be as small as sixteen inches tall, while others are known to stand up to twenty-eight inches in height. Apart from its size, Podengos are known to be equipped with several excellent traits, which makes it a substantial dog in the field.
The Portuguese Podengo also has variations in its appearance, mainly its coat: smooth and wirehaired. You can quickly identify a Podengo through its unique coat, giving it an elegant look. Triangular ears add up to the breed’s powerful appearance, while its almond-shaped eyes express a sweet nature.
As mentioned earlier, the Podengo is a robust breed that is known for its versatility. It is capable of working in various types of canine tasks, but it is best known for its keen hunting abilities. Superior intelligence is also another factor why the Podengo is able to dominate the hunting field. It could adapt to different types of work, thanks to its brilliance and athletic body.
Another attractive trait of the Podengo is its loyalty. Many dog owners admire the Podengo because of its deep devotion to its loved ones. It is eager to please its master and would make sure to get the job done. With this said, we can say that the Podengo is truly a one-of-a-kind and lovable breed that works best as an ideal family companion.