Portuguese Podengo (smooth-haired medium)
General Information - Portuguese Podengo (smooth-haired medium)
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Group:
Hound
Size:
Medium
Lifespan:
Exercise:
Grooming:
Trainability:
Watchdog Ability:
All varieties are also used as watchdogs and as companion dogs
Protection Ability:
Area of Origin:
Portugal
Date of Origin:
Other Names:
Also known as Warren Hound
Original Function:
Its natural aptitude as a rabbit hunter is well used, hunting either in a pack or alone.
History
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.