A FEW WORDS ABOUT PODENGO

The Small Portuguese Podengo breed, although recognized by the FCI more then 35 years ago, is not well known outside Portugal and only quite recently started to obtain the followers. Not everyone is attracted to their exterier but everybody is charmed with their temperament. Before my trip to Finland (from where I imported my first two podengos) I thought I was unlikely to ever have a dog of a small breed. In fact I prefer large breeds with athletic figure (like sight hounds). However, just a few days after my arrival to Parisade Kennel and observation of the clever, joyful and smart podengos, I decided to bring a puppy to Poland. Shortly - I realized this is "a large dog in the small package" and their small size is compensated by temperament and behavior.

In Portugal- the origin country- small podengos are used for hunting rabbits and their main job is to score away the game from the burrows and display it to the other dogs. This kind of activity could fulfill the dogs which are agile, fast and tough. Nowadays they are hold as companion dogs, and in Portugal they were appreciated as pets for over 200 years ago, although they still have in their nature very strong "hunting dogs" features. They always are ready to play, with pleasure chase after a stick, cone or toy. They are incredibly nimble and elastic, love to push through narrow passages. They pay a lot of attention to the owners, with pleasure accomplish owner's instructions, are incessantly concerned about surroundings and always alert (even in their sleep).

That breed is perfect to live in flats, because they are clean and great watchdogs, also. Small Podengos are straightful and easy to teach as I can with pleasure observe on my own dogs. Definitely, they need a lot of owner's attention, because they love to be in the center of attention. Due to their activity, everyday walks and play are needed, they are incredibly vigorous and are great companions for walkers, joggers and riders. While walking with my dogs, I am convinced a lot of times that these small dogs are as fast and fit as larger breeds (like my sight hounds) and even horses.