ABOUT PODENCOS
Is a Podenco Right for You?
It is believed that the podenco is a primitive sighthound. Podencos are one of the oldest and most used hunting dogs in Spain. They are also the most abused. There are three major types of podencos: Podenco Anduluz, Podenco Canarios, & Podenco Ibienco.
The Podenco Anduluz is believed to have resulted from the Phoenicians combining Pharaoh Hounds from Egypt and Basenjis from Central Africa. This resulted in a tough, hardy, athletic dog capable of handling the different terrains of Spain. Podenco Canarios are thought to have been introduced to the Canary Islands by the Berbers. Podenco Ibiencos originated from the island of Ibiza and are the origination of Ibizan Hounds found in the United States.
Podencos have three different types of coats; wire haired (rough), long-haired, and short-haired (smooth). The coloring is usually chestnut (red) and white with amber/golden eyes. Size of podencos can generally range from 18-56 inches. These dogs are bred for purpose and not breed standard; therefore many variations exist.
Podencos are working dogs; extremely active with a high prey drive; they will chase anything and you have to be careful with cats and small animals. No toy is safe around them; I have yet to find an indestructible one. They are extremely athletic and can climb and jump fences in a blink of an eye, therefore counter surfing is an Olympic event. I believe the expression “bouncing off the walls” came from a podenco owner. They love to dig; my two will dig up moles in the yard and bring them to me. They are Houdinis; they can open baby gates, dog crates, and doors. Roman, my podenco, can turn my oven on with his nose. They are very vocal and will bark when anyone approaches or walks by your home. They are independent and have a stubborn streak. With all of these attributes it is very important to exercise and stimulate your dog or they will be destructive, just ask my couch. Positive reinforcement training (they are extremely food motivated), especially to recall, is a must. Just like other sighthounds, never let them off lead in an unfenced area.
One might ask is it worth it? If you are willing to put the work in, the answer is definitely yes. Podencos are intelligent, loyal, social, affectionate, & loving. They are great with children and other dogs. Their clownish antics will make you smile on your worst day. They truly live life to the fullest and it is an amazing gift to be a part of it. They really do want to please you and are quite proud of themselves when they do. Roman is my doggy soulmate, we are totally in sync. The bond we have is unbreakable. We run 5ks, swim, lure course, and compete in agility. We recently rescued another podenco and the two together is double the fun… and work!
- Terrianne Basch
The Podenco Anduluz is believed to have resulted from the Phoenicians combining Pharaoh Hounds from Egypt and Basenjis from Central Africa. This resulted in a tough, hardy, athletic dog capable of handling the different terrains of Spain. Podenco Canarios are thought to have been introduced to the Canary Islands by the Berbers. Podenco Ibiencos originated from the island of Ibiza and are the origination of Ibizan Hounds found in the United States.
Podencos have three different types of coats; wire haired (rough), long-haired, and short-haired (smooth). The coloring is usually chestnut (red) and white with amber/golden eyes. Size of podencos can generally range from 18-56 inches. These dogs are bred for purpose and not breed standard; therefore many variations exist.
Podencos are working dogs; extremely active with a high prey drive; they will chase anything and you have to be careful with cats and small animals. No toy is safe around them; I have yet to find an indestructible one. They are extremely athletic and can climb and jump fences in a blink of an eye, therefore counter surfing is an Olympic event. I believe the expression “bouncing off the walls” came from a podenco owner. They love to dig; my two will dig up moles in the yard and bring them to me. They are Houdinis; they can open baby gates, dog crates, and doors. Roman, my podenco, can turn my oven on with his nose. They are very vocal and will bark when anyone approaches or walks by your home. They are independent and have a stubborn streak. With all of these attributes it is very important to exercise and stimulate your dog or they will be destructive, just ask my couch. Positive reinforcement training (they are extremely food motivated), especially to recall, is a must. Just like other sighthounds, never let them off lead in an unfenced area.
One might ask is it worth it? If you are willing to put the work in, the answer is definitely yes. Podencos are intelligent, loyal, social, affectionate, & loving. They are great with children and other dogs. Their clownish antics will make you smile on your worst day. They truly live life to the fullest and it is an amazing gift to be a part of it. They really do want to please you and are quite proud of themselves when they do. Roman is my doggy soulmate, we are totally in sync. The bond we have is unbreakable. We run 5ks, swim, lure course, and compete in agility. We recently rescued another podenco and the two together is double the fun… and work!
- Terrianne Basch
