Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years, the Portuguese Podengo is one of the dogs that can accompany their family for a long time when its diet, weight and level of exercise remain well balanced. Its longevity depends greatly on the quality of the breeding, joint prevention and the maintenance of good physical condition throughout its life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
This breed is reputed to be sturdy, frugal and hardy. It copes well with an active life and often retains good tone if it is neither overfed nor insufficiently exercised. Its natural robustness does not, however, dispense with serious screening of bloodlines and particular attention to the musculoskeletal system.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
The main point of vigilance concerns the joint disorders reported in the breed, in particular in the hips and knees. Well-managed growth, a stable weight and gradual exercise are useful to limit excessive strain, especially in young or very athletic dogs.
Hip dysplasia: A developmental abnormality of the hip joint that can lead to locomotor impairment, pain, and long-term osteoarthritis.
Patellar luxation: A displacement of the kneecap that can cause intermittent lameness, discomfort, and joint wear depending on severity.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Portuguese Podengo tolerates fairly well both heat and moderate cold, provided it has shelter and a lifestyle suited to its coat variety. In very hot weather, intense outings should be shifted and access to water must remain constant. In winter, short-haired individuals may require more protection during cold and damp periods.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The breed is not particularly known for a strong tendency to become overweight, but its body balance must remain lean and athletic. Portions adapted to its actual activity, a visual check of its silhouette and regular outings help preserve its joints and mobility.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Check hips and knees in dogs intended for breeding or sport.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the joints.
- Inspect ears, paw pads and claws after outings.
- Schedule at least an annual veterinary check-up.
Vaccination
Portuguese Podengo vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Portuguese Podengo need? Like all dogs, Portuguese Podengos should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Portuguese Podengo vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Portuguese Podengo booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Portuguese Podengo need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Portuguese Podengo
A careful orthopedic examination and screening of the hips and knees are relevant, particularly in breeding dogs or dogs intended for sustained activity. Routine veterinary follow-up must also include dental checks, the condition of the nails, paw pads and ears after outings.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
