The Portuguese Podengo is an ancient hunting breed whose origins trace back more than 5,000 years to northern Africa. It is a sighthound classified by the Federation Cynologique International (FCI) in Group 5: Spitz and primitive type, Section 7: Primitive type hunting dogs.
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There are three types of Podengos: Podengo Grande, Podengo Medio and Podengo Pequeno. Within each type are two varieties: smooth-coated and wire-haired.

The Grande, or largest, is almost extinct and is used in wild boar hunting.


Photographer: Kent Standerford

The Podengo Pequeno, the smallest of the Podengos, was also in danger of becoming extinct. In the 1960’s, under the careful guidance and direction of Podengo Pequeno aficionados in Portugal, it began to experience a comeback.

Most likely introduced to Portugal by the Phoenicians, its first pictorial representations are found in the Roman ruins in Conimbriga (Portugal) on mosaics and medallions.

King D. Sancho I

 

It’s first written reference is in 1199 AD, during the reign of Portugal’s King D. Sancho I. To this day, the Podengo retains the characteristics of its early ancestors and has a low incidence of inherited diseases or disorders.


The Podengo is hardy, intelligent, lively and friendly. An adaptable, happy dog, the Podengo thrives indoors or out, in heat or in snow.


Photographer: Kent Standerford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Photographer: Kent Standerford

The Medio, or medium-sized, is a popular dog used for rabbit hunting and is the logo of the Clube Portugues de Canicultura (Portuguese Kennel Club).



Photographer: Kent Standerford

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