Portuguese Podengo Medio
Medium Portuguese Hound, Medium Portuguese Warren Hound
The Portuguese Podengo Medio belongs to the family of primitive sighthounds found throughout the Mediterranean. This includes the Cirneco dell’Etna, Pharoah Hound, Ibizan Hound, and the Podenco Canario. They are also the one of three Portuguese Podengos, the other two being the Portuguese Podengo Grande and the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno. In most countries these types are seen as varieties rather than separate breeds. However, the American Kennel Club currently recognizes only the Pequeno. The Medio and Grande are lumped together as a single breed in their Foundation Stock Service.
The term ‘sighthound’ is a bit misleading as the Portuguese Podengo Medio uses sight, scent, and hearing while hunting. They are used primarily to hunt rabbits, but can tackle all small game either in a pack, singly, or in pairs. Traditionally they often work in tandem with the Pequeno, the smaller dog flushing out the prey for its larger ‘cousin’.
The term ‘sighthound’ is a bit misleading as the Portuguese Podengo Medio uses sight, scent, and hearing while hunting. They are used primarily to hunt rabbits, but can tackle all small game either in a pack, singly, or in pairs. Traditionally they often work in tandem with the Pequeno, the smaller dog flushing out the prey for its larger ‘cousin’.
Portuguese Podengo Medio Standards
- 15-22"
- 35-44 lbs
- medium-sized primitive sighthound
- ears are large and triangular, very mobile, erect
- tail is set high, medium-length
- two coat varieties: short and smooth or long and wired
- any shade of yellow or fawn with or without white markings
- white with any shade of yellow or fawn markings
History of the Portuguese Podengo Medio
The Portuguese Podengo Medio is a primitive dog that has existed in Portugal for centuries. They have been bred down in size from the larger Podengo variety, the Grande. It is believed their ancestors were first brought to the region by the Phoenicians. Some have speculated the Medio was created by breeding the native Portuguese Sheepdog with the Grande although others insist only small Grandes were used. While it is unknown when the Medio came into existence, it is believed to have been a distinct variety no later than the 15th century.
Related Breeds: