Breed facts
| FCI group | Group 5: Spitz and primitive types |
| Origin | Portugal |
| Weight | 4–30 kg · Varies with size |
| Height | 20–70 cm |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years |
Temperament
Active, smart and a keen hunter, agile and independent. It needs exercise and space.
History
An old Portuguese hunting breed, with three sizes (small, medium and large) and two coat types.
Fun facts
It is said to descend from dogs brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Phoenicians.
The Portuguese Podengo coat
A short, close coat that is simple to maintain but sheds throughout the year.
There are three sizes (small, medium and large) and two textures (smooth and wire-haired); the wire-haired type benefits from hand stripping.
What we do in the salon
A full bath with dead-hair removal, nail trimming, ear cleaning and conditioning.
Recommended services
- Bathabout 1 h
How often?
| Bath | every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Cut / upkeep | Usually no cut needed. |
Special attention
This breed comes in several sizes or varieties: when booking, tell us your dog’s size and coat type.
Care at home between visits
- Brush once a week with a rubber glove or soft-bristle brush.
- Dry the skin and folds well after a bath or rain.
- Check the skin: a short coat shows any irritation early.
- Look after the nails and ears.
Frequently asked questions about the Portuguese Podengo
Does the Portuguese Podengo shed a lot?
It sheds moderately. Brushing once or twice a week and a bath with dead-hair removal keeps the home and the coat tidy.
How often should I bring my Portuguese Podengo to the salon?
In general, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks. Usually no cut needed. It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.
How long do a bath and a clip take?
When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.
Does it need clipping?
Usually not: a regular bath with dead-hair removal and weekly brushing is enough.
Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.