Portuguese Podengo

The Portuguese Podengo is an ancient multi-sensory hound (sight and scent) breed of dog from Portugal. As a breed, the Podengo is divided into three size categories that are not interbred - small (Pequeno), medium (Médio) and large (Grande). Their coats are either short and 'smooth' or longer and 'wired'. The smooth coated variety is traditional, dating back to the 5th century, whereas the wire coated variety is an outcome of the assimilation of various other breeds during the 20th century. In general, the breed is healthy; the Pequeno (small) variety has an average lifespan of approximately 15–17 years. Keen hunting dogs, the Podengo has an affinity for game regardless of size. Typically, the dogs hunt in a pack (canine) with their handler following. When game is found, they kill and retrieve it or flush it towards the hunter to be shot. Each size category traditionally hunts game appropriate to their size and temperament. (Pequeno: rabbits; Médio: rabbits and wild boar; Grande: deer and wild boar).* The Portuguese Podengo in the UK is represented by, and the Podengo Pequeno was recognized by the Kennel Club in 2003. The Breed Standard was approved on January 1, 2006. The Podengo Pequeno was transferred from the Import Register into the Breed Register on January 1, 2008 at the Kennel Club. The Podengo Pequeno now has its own breed classes at Championship Shows and Open Shows (the other sizes are in the process of being included). The Podengo Pequeno was shown at Crufts for the first time in 2009. There are approximately 500 Podengos (primarily Pequeno) now resident in the UK.* All three sizes and varieties of the Portuguese Podengo have been registered at the United Kennel Club since 2004 and are in the Sighthound and Pariah Group. The Podengo Pequeno became AKC recognized in January 2013 and is now registered there. Incorporated in 2009, . is the AKC club for the breed in the US and is mostly in a few western states and the midwest. The [#cite_note-2 [2]] is the first and largest club of Podengo Pequeno owners in the USA and is in 40 states. They are the only club dedicated to BOTH the wire coat and the smooth coat varieties of the breed.The PPPCA was incorporated in January, 2003 in Newport, Rhode Island and 85% of its members own Portuguese Podengo Pequenos. Other organizations that recognize the Podengo (all sizes) in the US are the and . It is also recognized by . The Portuguese Podengo Médio and Grande are represented in the United States by .* In Europe, the Podengo is classified by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) as Group 5: Spitz and primitive type, Section 7: Primitive type hunting dogs. The FCI breed standard, which originates in Portugal, governs all types and varieties of the Portuguese Podengo.* The United Kingdom registers the most Podengos, followed by Finland, the United States, and Portugal.* In both the United States and the UK the Portuguese Podengo is classified in the Hound Group.* All Podengo types are hardy, intelligent and lively dogs, excelling at agility and making fine companions. Loyal and fearless, Podengos are also good house guards and are amenable to training by dog experienced people and those that enjoy primitive (unrefined, "less domesticated") dog behavior.