The Portuguese Podengo Breed Standard was first approved and published
in January 2006 and last updated in January 2009.
General Appearance
Small,sturdy,
slightly longer than high
Characteristics
A primitve dog used primarily for hunting rabbits. Akeen alert and agile dog who hunts by scent sight and
hearing.
Temperament
Sociable,
intelligent and lively.
Head and Skull
Lean, fine, seen as a broad based wedge when viewed
from above and in profile. Flat or slightly arched skull. Occipital bone slightly prominent. Stop moderately defined. Muzzle
shorter than the skull, appears as a blunt wedge when in profile, with a slightly protruding nose. Lips thin, black and tight
fitting.
Eyes
Expressive, moderate in size, not prominent, set obliquely, colour varies according
to coat colour, from light to dark brown.
Ears
Triangular, large and thin. Broad at the base
tapering to a fine point. Set on medium high and obliquely. Very mobile, carried erect and forward when alert. Length of ear
greater than width at base.
Mouth
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor
bite, i.e upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth, set square to the jaw.
Neck
Straight of medium length. Strong and well-muscled, free from throatiness.
Forequarters
Forelegs straight and parallel. Well laid muscular shoulders. Pasterns short, strong and slightly slanting.
Body
Length of body from point of shoulder to point of buttock greater than height to withers. Topline level, slight rise
over loin. Moderate forechest. Chest fairly deep, not too wide. Ribs moderately well sprung and carried well back. Underline
slightly rising.
Hindquarters
Strong and muscular, moderately angulated with firm hocks and
moderate length of rear pasterns. Legs parallel when viewed from behind.
Feet
Strong and round, toes tight and well arched. Nails strong, short and preferably dark.
Firm pads.
Tail
Medium
length, high set. Thick at the base tapering to a fine point. Curved over the back when moving. Never curled.
Gait/Movement
Swift and light-footed. Sound.
Coat
Smooth or Wire Coated. NEVER TRIMMED. Skin thin and close fitting. Smooth coated: short and dense.
Wire
coated:Rough and harsh, but not as dense as the smooth and without undercoat. Distinct beard.
Colour
Yellow, fawn (in all shades from light
to dark),black(diluted or faded) with or without white markings. White only if accompanied by markings of one of listed colours.
Size
20-30 cms.
or 8 to 12 Inches.
Weight
4 to 5 kgs or 9 to 11 lbs.
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness
with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare
of the dog.
Note
Male
animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
