Portuguese Podengo
Complete Breed Guide

Overview

Temperament and Behavior

Portuguese Podengos love their families but are more wary of strangers. They make good watchdogs because they will bark at people they don’t know until you’ve made it clear everything’s alright. They were bred to hunt rabbits, and they’ve never lost their hunting drive. A Portuguese Podengo will take off at the first sight of a squirrel or bunny, making it very important to keep them on a leash or in a safe, enclosed area.

Coat & Grooming

Some Portuguese Podengos have a shorter, smoother coat, while others have a longer, more wiry coat. Both only require weekly brushings, and neither sheds much at all

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

Portuguese Podengos can fit into all types of living situations, provided they get their exercise and are allowed to live indoors. They are very loving and protective of children if they are raised around them, but they are more uncertain of children if they’ve never encountered them before. As for cats and other small pets, the Portuguese Podengo may always want to chase them and might not make the best roommate.

Exercise & Activity

The Portuguese Podengo needs about half an hour or more of exercise every day. Brisk walks or playtime in the backyard are a couple of easy ways to let them blow off some steam. They are also great competitors in doggie sports like agility or lure coursing, a sport where dogs chase a mechanical lure.