Uncommon Dog Breeds: Medium Portuguese Hound

A native of Portugal, the Medium Portuguese Hound is a descendant of small Iberian wolves. This sight hound has been around since antiquity, and has experienced little change over the years. Breeders choose working ability over physical appearance, and have been reluctant to 'refine' the hound by introducing other dog breeds to foundation stock. Used for rabbit and hare hunting, the hound displays a reliable work ethic, and once out in the field, takes to its job with an obsessive enthusiasm. Although popular in Portugal, the hound is relatively unknown elsewhere.

The Portuguese Hound has a moderately broad skull, with an elongated muzzle which comes to a gradual stop. The neck is of medium length, and lean. Large almond shaped eyes are usually a dark brown in color. Large, bat like ears are wide set, and stand erect. The body is rather long, and somewhat rangy. The legs are average in length, and well boned. Its tail is set low, but carried upright when the dog's stands alert. There are two coat varieties-the smooth and the wirehaired. The smooth coated has longer fur around the neck, throat, and tail. The wire haired variety is bushy, and terrier like in appearance. These dogs are usually yellow, tan or black, with white markings.

Lively, cheerful, and devoted, the Portuguese Hound is both a solid hunter, and enjoyable companion animal. It adapts readily to new situations, and thrives in active households. They are playful, yet hard-working. The Hound has an easy going personality, and stable temperament.

Also refereed to as Podengo Portugueso Medio, this breed does well children it is raised with, however it has little tolerance towards teasing and rough handling. The hound needs to be socialized at a young age, otherwise it will become dog aggressive once it reaches adulthood. Due to a strong hunting instinct, the hound should not be trusted with non-canine pets.