The Portuguese Podengo

The UK Kennel Club describes the Portuguese Podengo as a keen, alert, and agile dog breed. They are a sociable, intelligent and lively breed. 

The Portuguese Podengo has common ancestry with the Pharoah hounds, which were brought into the Mediterranean by Phoenician sailors.

‘Podengo’ means ‘rabbit hunter’ and this hunting ability, along with the skill in controlling vermin, made them very popular in Portugal from the 16th century. 

Portuguese Podengo on left.

The breed has three sizes; small, medium, and large, only the smallest variety is generally seen in the UK. They also have two types of coats; the smooth-haired kind was developed in the wetter climate of northern Portugal, and the wire-coated in drier areas where the wire coat could often protect against the sun. 

Nowadays, this breed retains that same popularity but mostly as a family companion where their friendly temperament, character and intelligence make them a great personality.