The Portuguese Hound is a breed of dog from Portugal. The breed is also known as the Portuguese Podengo. It is seen quite often in the Unites States and it is recognized by the majority of the canine organizations.
The Portuguese Hound is actually divided into 3 types of cute dogs with a foxy appearance. The breed comes in three sizes and all of them have similar characteristics and aspect. There are: Grande (large), Medio (medium) and Pequeno (small). Also, they can have wiry or smooth coats.
The large one is 22 to 28 inches (56 to 71 cm) tall and weighs 44 to 66 pounds (20 to 30 kg), the medium one is 16 to 22 inches (40 to 56 cm) tall and weighs 35 to 44 pounds (16 to 20 kg) and the small one is 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) tall and weighs 9 to 13 pounds (4 to 6 kg).
All the three types of dogs have rounded skull, prominent eyebrows, almond shaped eyes and a generous brown nose. The ears are long, but erect, and the muzzle is moderately long. When it comes to their bodies, things change. The large one has an amazing, athletic body with well defined muscles, but fine lines. It is truly an elegant appearance. The medium one has slender body as well, but it is more compact than the former?s. Finally, the little one is longer than taller, with delicate lines.
The color of the coat is generally reddish-orange with white markings on the muzzle, neck and legs. The ones with smooth hair have short coats whereas the ones with wiry hair have longer coats.
These Podengos are efficient as hunters, they can track and chase all kinds of game. They are fearless and intelligent and can become very close to its master. You will need to develop some good pack leader skills to show them you are a reliable master. Once you gain their respect, you will be obeyed and followed everywhere. They can also hunt in small packs of various sizes.
They are good natured companions that can tolerate other pets, especially if they grew up with them. They are perfect for older children, because, let?s not forget, they are hunters. Even if they are patient and calculated, their drives are unpredictable. They are excellent watchdogs and can live almost everywhere as long as you exercise them well. However, the large one needs rigorous exercises and a large space so it can run freely. They can adapt to an apartment life, but you might need to stay outside all day long so as to exercise them.
Grooming is pretty easy, they all need daily brushing, especially the ones with wiry coat. Frequent washing is not required. They can live up to 12 years.
The Portuguese Hound is a breed that needs active owners and devoted families that will offer it love and attention.
The Portuguese Pointer ? A Hardy Hunter ?at Work? and an Adorable Leech at Home
The Portuguese Pointer, also known as the Perdigueiro Portugueso is a breed of dog from Portugal. Its original name, the one in Portuguese, came from the fact that this hunter has chased for centuries a native bird, Perdiz. Although it is quite rare even in its native country, it is common among hunters.
Serious-looking, but jolly in spirit, the Portuguese Pointer is like an innocent child that does its best to please its master? and itself. Hunting and running are important activities for it and cannot be replaced by anything or anyone. Even as pups they have the gestures and drives of an adult hunter. The pups can retrieve and point without even being trained.
This is a medium sized dog with athletic body and adorable face. The skull is beautifully rounded, with a deep, but curvy stop. The muzzle is somewhat turned up and the eyes are big and almond shaped. The color of the eyes is usually light brown. The ears are fairly large and floppy. They are also close to the head. The neck is strong and thick and the chest is high, but deep. The body is curvy with elegant lines and a majestic posture. It stands straight and alert when tracking the prey ? a real delight for the master. It is slightly longer than taller.
The pointer is 20 to 22 inches (50 to 56 cm) tall and weighs 44 to 59 pounds (20 to 27 kg). Its coat is short and smooth. The color of the coat ranges from yellow to brown. Some of them can have white markings on the muzzle, neck and legs.
Because it is very intelligent, the dog can be trained easily. The training should start in puppyhood so as to accustom it with orders and commands. It becomes very obedient and close to its master. During the dog?s life, they will form a special bond that cannot be undone by anything.
Its affection and capacity to love and respect its master will erase all the bad things that happen in your life. However, you must keep in mind that dog hunters have some innate instincts that must be controlled. That is why you need to develop some pack leader skills and deal with your dog. You must be firm and consistent. Outdoors or indoors, this dog needs to be around humans and long for constant human companionship. It is quite friendly, even to strangers (unfortunately), but it can make a good watchdog, because it is territorial.
You may want to keep in mind that this breed needs rigorous exercises and a lot of space. It is not suitable for an apartment life, but it does great in a house with large yard. The perfect owner should be a hunter or simply a man or a family that love to spend time outdoors.
Grooming is minimal, they need to be brushed from time to time. The ears must be inspected regularly. The dogs can live up to 12 years.
The Portuguese Pointer is an action dog that needs a similar human friend.
The Portuguese Water Dog ? A Real Scuba Diver without the Gear
When it comes to swimming, not even a mermaid can compete with a Portuguese Water Dog. Its love for water and ability to swim has developed through centuries, so this dog is quite an expert.
As the name tells us, the water dog comes from Portugal and it was used by the fishermen to retrieve fish, herd them into nets, send messages between fishing boats and even rescue fishermen from drowning. Back then, this breed was indispensable to the fishermen. Nowadays, you will find them only in people?s hearts and houses. Because of the advanced technology, people replaced them with all sorts of devices. Today, the Portuguese Water Dog swims for pleasure and not for necessity.
This is a medium to large dog that resembles a Poodle, because of their curly coat and, sometimes, haircut. It has an athletic body and elegant, curvy lines that can be seen only when the dog is trimmed closer to the body. Usually, the dogs look larger than they really are because of the coat. The coat can be wavy and flat or it can be curly and thick. The coat is also waterproof and hypoallergenic. The color of the coat can be white, black or brown. When they are black or brown they can have some white markings on the face and body.
Their feet are webbed and this is the reason why they are such good swimmers. The legs are not elongated and the body is quite longer than taller. There are differences between the genders, males are more robust and large than females. Males are 20 to 22 inches (51 to 56 cm) tall whereas females are 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) tall. They all weigh between 35 to 55 pounds (16 to 25 kg).
This adorable dog has a great personality and a great desire to please its master. It loves to play, run and swim and it is happy to have its family around. It is pretty adaptable and it is not as energetic as the others, but it needs to swim and retrieve to stay fit. It can also live outdoors, but it prefers to stay close to its family. Although it is friendly, it can make a good watchdog, because it is a barker. It is smart and funny and it would be a great companion for your kids. Do not forget that it needs a proper training since puppyhood and you need to become a real leader. Be calm and patient and help your puppy grow in a warm and cozy environment. It will reward you with great love and affection.
Their coats require some time. They need to be brushed and combed regularly. It is up to you what haircut you want them to wear. Generally, the ones with wavy hair are clipped close around the nose and hind legs. They can live 14 years.
The Portuguese Water Dog is perfect for a dynamic family that loves to splash and swim from time to time.
