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> Podengos > Meet the BreedMeet the Breed
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The Portuguese Podengo - A National Dog of Portugal
Classification: The Portuguese Podengo is classified by the Federation Cynologique Internacionale (FCI) as Group 5: Spitz and primitive type, Section 7: Primitive type hunting dogs. The FCI breed standard governs all types and varieties of the Portuguese Podengo.
Sizes and Varieties: In Europe, there are three types (sizes) of Podengos: Grande, Medio and Pequeno. Each size comes in two varieties: smooth coat and wire coat.
Physical Characteristics: The Podengo is known for its erect ears, pyramidal head, elegant lines of body and agile movement.
History: An ancient hunting breed, the origins of the Podengo trace back thousands of years. Coming to the Iberian Peninsula with the Phoenicians from the area of Asia Minor in over 2,000 years ago, it is first seen in on mosaics and medallions found in the Roman ruins in Conimbriga, Portugal. Its history, through the centuries, is deeply interwoven with the history of the country and its people.
Global Impact: The small Podengo traveled aboard the ships of the Portuguese explorers, Columbus, Magellan and others, and served to protect the ship and its contents from mice and vermin. Many prick-eared dogs throughout the globe can trace their heritage to these traveling Podengos.
Temperament: The Podengo is a hardy, intelligent and lively breed, making fine companions. Loyal and fearless, the Podengo is also a good watchdog.
Health: The Podengo is healthy and hardy and lives into its late teens.
Trainability: The Podengo is easy to train and excels at agility and other sports.
U.S. Presence: The first purebred Portuguese Podengos came to the United States in the 1990's. The first Podengo to be recorded at AKC-FSS was a small wire coat who arrived in the US in 2001. Pequenos now reside in more than forty states, are recorded in AKC's Foundation Stock Service, and are recognized by all major canine organizations, including the American Rare Breed Association, the United Kennel Club, and Rarities/NAKC. The Podengo is accepted for participation in events sponsored by the American Sighthound Field Association, the United States Dog Agility Association and other canine organizations.
Parent Club: The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Club of America (PPCA) formerly represented all types and varieties within the breed and now represents the Podengo Pequeno in America. PPPCA's sister club, the Podengo Club of the USA, represents the Medios and is at www.podengosusa.com
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