The Portuguese Podengo is an ancient sight hound and scent hound breed of dog from Portugal. The Podengo comes in three sizes - small (Pequeno), medium (Medio) and large (Grande), each with two hair coats (smooth and wirehaired).
The rarest of all, the Grande, was most likely developed from larger Medios and the Pequeno was most likely developed also from the Medio. Of the three, the Pequeno displays more color variety because of possible outcrossing centuries ago with other breeds, possibly terriers or other ancestors of the chihuahua. This is evident in the variety of head shape, body type and coloration in the Pequeno.
Temperament
Each has a different temperament but all three love to hunt, as is their heritage and tradition in their native country. Typically, the dogs hunt in a pack with their human companion following them on large tracts of land with lots of game. Their hunting style is of an independent nature, with the dog(s) forging ahead with the hunter within their site range (which can be many acres). When game is found, they will kill it and bring it back to the hunter or wait for the hunter to catch up and shoot it. Each is capable of hunting game that is appropriate to their size. (Pequeno-rabbits, Medio-rabbits, Grande-deer and wild boar).
Both kinds of Podengo Medio are friendly, hardy and intelligent companions. They are very active and usually good with children and other animals, including livestock, especially when socialized from an early age.
They are watchful and observant and will bark when something gets their attention. They enjoy digging and need a secure fence, optimally enclosing their own yard. As they are very agile, regular fencing might not be enough, as they are excellent jumpers and climbers. The best way to address this is with a high enough fence to prevent jumping and a "fence" below the ground, preferably of hardware cloth.
When trained, Podengo Medios can have good recall when not on leash. While hiking with them, they generally stay in visual distance and "check" on their owners frequently, always being aware of their position (although that can mean a few acres away). Of course, they must be trained with a reliable recall first.
They are an enthusiastic, trainable dog. This trainability led them to star in a number of movies in the 1990's, including Three Wishes, Zeus and Roxanne and Soccer Dog.