The Portuguese Podengo is bred in three size varieties, the Large, Medium and Small (in Portuguese the Grande, Medio and Pequeno). (Pequeno: rabbits Medio: rabbits and wild boar Grande: deer and wild boar). Each size category traditionally hunts game appropriate to their size and temperament. When game is found, they kill and retrieve it, or flush it towards the hunter to be shot.

Typically, the dogs hunt in a pack with their handler following. Keen hunting dogs, the Podengo has an affinity for game regardless of size. 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. In general, the breed is healthy the Pequeno (small) variety has an average lifespan of approximately 15–17 years.Īll Podengo types are hardy, intelligent and lively dogs, excelling at agility and making fine companions. The smooth coated variety is traditional, whereas the wire coated variety is an outcome of the assimilation of various other breeds during the 20th century.

Their coats are either short and 'smooth', or longer and 'wired'. As a breed, the Podengo is divided into three size categories that are not interbred: small (Pequeno), medium (Médio) and large (Grande). The Portuguese Podengo, also known as the Podengo Português or Portuguese Warren Hound, is a hound (sight and scent) breed from Portugal.

Portuguese podengo pequenos