

Food based training, positive reinforcement and affection go a long way to help train them. They are clever but can be sensitive to harsh commands.

The Podengo needs a kind, consistent hand and will respond well to training. Getting them to meet as many new people as possible when they are young will prevent them being too shy. They are affectionate towards their family and like somewhere warm and cosy to sleep. Generally shy with strangers at first, until they get to know them.

They are used a watch dogs in Portugal and will bark when someone approaches the door. They are sweet natured dogs who will happily play with children and tend not to be too rough, although play sessions should always be supervised. They are wonderful with children, other pets and dogs as long as they are socialised from a young age and attend puppy classes to learn manners. Behaviourīrave, attentive and loving best describes the Podengo. They are nicked named the Portuguese Rabbit Dog. They also make good ratters and were kept on Portuguese ships for this purpose. They would work in packs or alone, track and bring down the prey or flush it out for the hunter to shoot. Podengos were used to hunt game the smaller to seek out rabbits and the medium/large for deer and wild boar. The smooth coated variety dates back to the 5th century, with the wire haired a 20th century addition as a result of cross breeding. The Portuguese Podengo comes in 3 sizes, small, medium and large, with two coat types smooth and wire haired.
