This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, February 2019 issue.
My husband and I were lucky enough to attend two great events in Portugal relating to the Podengo breed. The first was a hunting demonstration in Evora. The event invitation was as follows:
“Hunting Demonstration with Portuguese Podengo Packs!
Meeting with the Portuguese Breeders of the group Rota do Podengo Português on a real hunting field to observe the best Portuguese Podengo packs, from different sizes and varieties, hunting during the morning, followed by a traditional barbecue on the countryside.
After lunch, we will have discussions about the breed in several items and the possibility of interaction and exchange of experience with all the Portuguese breeders present. A great opportunity to learn more about the breed, to get to know many of the Portuguese Podengos in Portugal and the top hunting/breeders, and to spend a great day in a beautiful landscape, with great people, great food, and great wine!”
A quick blurb about the “Podengo”:
The Portuguese Podengo in Portugal is three sizes: the Pequeno (fully AKC recognized), the Medio, and the Grande. The Portuguese Podengo also comes in two coats, smooth and wire. In the FCI, the Portuguese Podengo is shown as six separate breeds.
Here in the States, have two breeds, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno and the Portuguese Podengo, currently in the AKC Miscellaneous group.
I was excited to attend but imagined just following hunters around with their Podengos, maybe with some discussion that would go over my head since I’m not a hunter. This was NOT the case! The members of Rota do Podengo Português organized an incredibly informative day. Podengo enthusiasts from eight countries attended.
After assembling the crowd, we had introductions and shared insights on why this event was important. We gathered around large tables for breakfast in their rustic hunting lodge, where we instantly felt at home. Despite language barriers, we all shared one thing in common—the love for our dogs and, more specifically, our passion for the Podengo Português. I knew then this day would be even more interesting and enjoyable than I had anticipated.
We then headed outside to talk more about what was expected from the dogs and why. The dogs were gathered, and off we went. We broke into small groups and walked alongside the members of Rota do Podengo Português, observing them work with their dogs. It was great to ask questions and hear the participants’ perspectives.
Later, all the groups met for refreshments in the shade, enjoyed a Fado song under a cork tree, and exchanged more questions and answers. As a large group, we stopped at a pond for the dogs to drink and cool off before returning to the hunting lodge.
After a lively luncheon and a glass (or two!) of wine, we previewed a book of Podengo hunting photographs. This was followed by a long, engaging discussion of the Podengo Breed Standard led by Henrique Passadinhas, a respected hunter, breeder, and judge, led the discussion, covering tricky parts of the standard and turning it into an informative Podengo seminar.
The day was getting late. We had gathered at 7:30 am, and it was now after 5 pm. Before saying our goodbyes, we watched a demonstration of the newly approved Natural Skills Test. This pass-or-fail test evaluates five areas: sociability, search, scent ability, prey instinct, and balance. The test is reviewed by two judges, and one participant tested her dog, which did very well. It was an interesting end to a magnificent day.
The second event took place the very next day: the Monografica Podengo in Arruda dos Vinhos, comparable to a specialty show in the U.S. Just 20 minutes outside Lisbon, the venue was perfect for the event.
Anyone who knows me at a dog show knows I take the advice seriously: “early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable!” Despite an early start the day before and getting back late, I was eager to get to the Pavilion for the show. We arrived early and greeted participants as they arrived. Many of the new friends we had met the day before came, either to enter their dogs or as spectators like us.
Approximately 100 Podengos of all sizes and coats were represented. There were two rings set up, with two judges. Luís Gorjão-Henriques judged all the Medios and Grandes and Best in Show, while Fernando Madeira Rodrigues judged all the Pequenos, best brace, best breeder group, best veteran, best progeny, best baby, and best puppy. Although I was interested in all sizes, I found myself watching the Pequenos ringside. We sat for hours, watching as each group was judged. The final group for Best in Show had a Podengo from each size and coat represented, with a beautiful Medio as the winner.
Then came the lunch festivities. The Portuguese are wonderful hosts with a hospitable spirit. We enjoyed a delicious meal with Portuguese wine, followed by champagne, port, and a local liquor from Arruda dos Vinhos. The lunch reflected the friendly camaraderie of Portuguese dog shows. The competition is serious, but rivalries seem to be left at home. I found myself wishing we, as AKC participants, could learn from this example. Our dog clubs often feel divided with tension, and we don’t take enough time to enjoy the competition or fellow breed enthusiasts.
The Portuguese Podengo owners were welcoming hosts at both events, patient with our questions, and thoughtful in discussions of various breed issues. They made our visit a delightful and educational experience. It was great to learn about the Podengos in their homeland, “straight from the horse’s mouth.” Based on this experience, I highly recommend anyone interested in Podengos visit Portugal to meet the hunters and breeders, see what the Podengo is bred to do, and attend a show.
I’ve been to Portugal over ten times, driving across the beautiful countryside in search of Podengo education. I value learning from the source. Why does the standard say blacks aren’t preferred? Why should the Pequeno be between 8 and 12 inches tall, and why is 13 inches too much? How does the breed hunt? Why is it a hound and not a terrier?
If you need recommendations for traveling in Portugal, feel free to email me. I’d be happy to help. In April, there will be a two-day gathering of Portuguese Podengo breeders, show judges, and enthusiasts from all over the world to learn, discuss, and share about the breed. Our goal is to make it the most educational and rewarding event about the Podengo ever, offering useful guidelines for breed improvement and breeding practices worldwide! The event will be held in the Alentejo region of Portugal, during springtime with marvelous landscapes, traditional Portuguese food, and opportunities to experience Portuguese culture. For more information, please contact podengoseminar@gmail.com.
