The Podencos, a working breed of medium-sized dogs originating from Spain, have been selectively bred for their exceptional hunting capabilities. Often deployed in hare and rabbit hunting, these dogs also display proficiency in hunting wild boars and foxes. Using their highly developed auditory senses, they locate their targets, pounce on them from an elevated position and aim for the throat to capture them.
The Podenco is an agile hunter with excellent jumping abilities, enabling them to jump more than 3 feet high (1 meter) into the air! They were originally bred as hunting dogs; however, nowadays, many people keep them as companion animals due to their intelligence, loyalty and playfulness. A handful of Podenco puppies are bred every year, mainly in Spain. They tend to be more expensive than other dog breeds.
Here are some fun facts about this breed you may want to check out!
- The Podenco is a descendant of the Canis Segusius, common in the Iberian Peninsula around 100-60 BC and used to hunt and kill large prey such as deer.
- The Podenco has an excellent sense of hearing that allows it to find prey even if hidden underground or high up in trees. It has a deafening bark which it uses to communicate.
- The Podenco is a non-domesticated dog and works best in pairs, staying close to each other while hunting.
- If you own a Podenco, you should be careful not to let it go around wild rabbits or hares as this breed goes into blood-lust and will kill and not stop until their prey is dead.
- The Podenco has a very high prey instinct and should only be calmer around smaller animals such as chickens, cats etc.
- The Podenco dog was specifically bred for agility and speed with its slender, muscular body.
- This breed sheds a lot during spring and therefore needs constant grooming.
- The Podenco is a brilliant breed with a generally good disposition.
- Many hunters still use this dog as a hunting dog in Spain due to its high agility and keen sense of hearing, which allows it to quickly find prey. It can often hunt without any commands from its master.
- The Podenco Club of America was formed in the 70s, and since then, it has been a popular breed in the US. These medium-sized hunting dogs are also known as Perro de Presa Mallorquin.
Other Information About the Podenco Dog
Podencos have an average lifespan of 11 to 14 years. Initially bred as hunting dogs, they can grow up to 21 inches (53 cm) tall and 30 pounds (14 kg). Podencos are very agile and can quickly follow a rabbit into its burrow. They typically hunt in packs and communicate with one another through whistles and yodels.
The Podenco is an athletic dog that loves to run, jump and play. They are sure-footed climbers that can even climb trees if they want to!
Podencos show affection in their own way. When the Podenco is with its family, it adores playing games like “fetch” or being given belly rubs. Podencos are not the breeds that seek out affection, but they will accept it when given.
Podencos are typically very suspicious of strangers and can be wary around children they are unfamiliar with. This makes them excellent guard dogs. The breed is known for being highly territorial, so introducing a new pet into your home could be problematic for the Podenco.
Podencos typically stay lean and slender their whole lives, with little to no weight gain or loss. A dog food bowl filled with kibble might not be necessary since they will probably only eat when hungry and stop when full.
The Podenco’s ears can be floppy, semi-erect or erect, and they can be any colour. This breed has a short coat that needs minimal grooming, although the Podenco will shed (a lot). The Podenco’s double coat is tough to slide your hand through; this is because their coats are designed to protect them from burrs and thorns as they run through thick vegetation in the Spanish countryside.
The Podenco is most active when outdoors and can go for long walks, runs and outdoor games. They thrive best with space to run around and an owner willing to give them a lot of exercise. If you want a dog with couch potato tendencies, this breed might not be for you!
Podencos are considered one of the world’s rarest dog breeds. According to official estimates, there are less than 1,000 adult Podencos in the United States and only a few thousand worldwide. Despite this, they are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The Podenco is typically easy to potty train and housebreak. Their pack instincts with their human family may lead them to wake you at night wanting to go outside, so expect some midnight potty breaks and early morning bathroom runs!
The Podenco is a quick learner with a strong memory and can be trained quickly if it sees an advantage. Since this breed thrives on its owner’s approval and attention, they need to constantly be challenged and taught new things.
Conclusion
The Podenco is a medium-sized hunting dog that originated in Spain. It has an average lifespan of 11 to 14 years and thrives best with space to run around. The breed can be very affectionate when they want to, but also wary of strangers or children it doesn’t know well. If you’re considering adding this rare breed to your family, ensure you have the time for their constant exercise needs!
