Large Long- and wire-haired Portuguese Hound

The Portuguese Podengo is happy, cheerful, and good-natured. They are loyal and extremely devoted. This breed is good with older considerate children and friendly toward strangers. Portuguese Podengo's generally get along well with other dogs. Although congenial, they make an excellent watchdog and will alert their family by barking. Due to their primitive nature, this breed is not recommended for first time dog owners.

Primitive type dog, it probably originates from the ancient dogs brought by the Phoenicians and Romans to the Iberian Peninsula in the Classic Antiquity. It was subsequently influenced by the introduction of dogs accompanying the Moors in their invasions in the 8th century. It adapted to the Portuguese terrain and climate, to become what is nowadays known as the Portuguese Warren Hound. It evolved morphologically throughout the centuries due to its functionality, with the small variety being selected, from the 15th century on, as a ratter on the Caravels of the Portuguese navigators.

The Portuguese Podengo is not recommended for apartment living. They require a securely fenced yard for a lot of daily exercise. Fencing should be a minimum of 6 feet in height, and also buried into the ground. It is never a good idea to play tug-of-war with this breed. The Portuguese Podengo benefits from the companionship of daily walks. They excel in agility, fly-ball, hunting, and tracking.

Training, socialization, and a fenced yard. This breed likes to dig and can also jump rather high.

Portuguese Podengo's require occasional combing or brushing to remove loose and dead hair. Dry shampooing will suffice. Dental hygiene is extremely important. The Portuguese Podengo is quite healthy due to limited human intervention.

The Pequeno is a very hardy, healthy breed with few health issues. Legg Calves Perth, a degenerative condition of the hip joint, and luxating patella, a looseness in the stifle joint (knee), have occasionally been reported in the breed. Life expectancy is