BISS Ch Ally's Full August Moon, aka 'Zeke' at top speed
The Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio is generally a lively, happy dog breed with well above-average intelligence and few health problems. Here are some observations about living conditions with the average WPM.
CHILDREN: The Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio has proven to be very good with dog-friendly children. Many films have accurately featured the scruffy WPM as a child's companion. However, a secure leash is required when on walks. An adult would be a better leash holder.
TYPE OF HOME: The Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio has proven to be very good with responsible households in all housing situations (in the city, suburbs or country) as long as it gets regular exercise of both body and mind and the screen or storm doors are secure.
TYPE OF OWNER: A young or strong, active person is the best owner of the Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio in a household situation (ie. living with the family; not kept in a kennel).
TRAINING: The Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio appreciates an owner that will teach manners and tricks. It can be taught basic obedience but has proven to be not so likely to take home ribbons in agility or obedience (due to its independent nature in a free situation). It likes to retrieve in a household situation but it is unlikely to do so in a structured competitive event. It does, however, excel at lure coursing.
FENCING: The Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio's behavior is hard-wired for exploring and hunting small critters and so, it must have a securely fenced yard where it will not jump over or dig under the boundaries.
BARKING: The Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio can be a vocal dog (not out of boredom so much as a love of its own voice), so appropriate use of tools available may be a necessity (such as a bark collar, citronella collar, bark softening surgery or, in some cases, more constant presence of its owner).
DIGGING: The Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio can be a digger (again, not out of boredom so much as enjoyment of exploration or hiding of treats) so this must be tolerated with some degree of amusement, at least in its own yard.
OTHER DOGS: The unaltered Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio female has proven to be generally poor with smaller dogs and the unaltered Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio male has proven to be generally good with any female dogs and not with male dogs in a typical household situation. Altered Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio females have proven to be much better with other dogs, including small dogs (though it is better to avoid this situation). Altered Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio males have proven to be very good with all other altered dogs (and not with unaltered males). Good WPM dog relationships are a delight and often involve games of high-speed chase with the WPM in front. Though there have been exceptions, the WPM is not typically a good breed to introduce to a dog park situation where unfamiliar dogs could incite challenges the WPM's owner is not prepared to deal with. Good judgment and clear observation is in order.
EXERCISE: The Wirehaired Portuguese Podengo Medio appreciates any walkies it gets and is a great companion for jogging. It may not necessarily be a safe breed for bike attachments. It enjoys a romp in the park, splashing at the lake (it does not typically swim if it doesn't have to) and just getting tuckered out. The WPM is a much easier dog to live with when it gets regular exercise.
ZEKE