Portuguese Podengo
葡萄牙波登哥犬
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The Portuguese Podengo is a rugged coursing hound of the Iberian peninsula that its enthusiasts call primitive — a rustic, no-frills hound largely untouched by fashion. The AKC recognises two sizes, medium (41–56 cm) and large (56–71 cm), each in a smooth or a wirehaired coat, weighing roughly 16–30 kg; the larger size hunts deer and boar and the medium hunts rabbit. Distinctive features are large erect triangular ears, a pyramid-shaped head tapering to the nose and almond eyes. The breed is described as lively, agile, playful, alert and highly intelligent but not always easy to train — independent, loving with its family and sometimes suspicious of strangers.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 40.6–71.1cm |
| Weight | 15.9–29.9kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–15years |
| Breed group | AKC: miscellaneous |
| Role | Hound |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Screening the parent club recommends
The AKC breed page says responsible breeders screen their stock for food and contact allergies, hypothyroidism and deafness, and notes that because no health screening is done in the country of origin any testing should be treated as a baseline for gathering information — the US parent club describes its position as testing for illumination rather than elimination. Ask your vet or breeder about these tests.
Behaviour
Independent, intelligent, not always easy to train
The AKC breed page describes Portuguese Podengos as lively, agile, playful, alert and highly intelligent but not always easy to train — independent yet loving with the family and sometimes suspicious of strangers. It notes the two sizes have different jobs, the larger hunting deer and boar and the medium hunting rabbit, and that in the United States the breed does well in coursing, agility, nose work, barn hunt, rally and conformation.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Portuguese Podengo (Miscellaneous Class)
AKC breed page: the medium (16–22 in) and large (22–28 in) sizes, weight 35–44 lb / 44–66 lb, life expectancy 10–15 years, temperament and the parent club health position.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Portuguese Podengo — breed page — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.