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Interim

General Appearance
Small, sturdy, slightly longer than high.

Characteristics
A primitive dog used primarily for hunting rabbits. A keen, alert and agile dog who hunts by scent, sight and hearing.

Temperament
Sociable, intelligent and lively.

Head and Skull
Lean, fine, seen as a broad based wedge when viewed from above and in profile. Flat or slightly arched skull. Occipital bone slightly prominent. Stop moderately defined. Muzzle shorter than the skull, appears as a blunt wedge when in profile, with a slightly protruding nose. Lips thin, black and tight fitting.

Eyes
Expressive, moderate in size, not prominent, set obliquely. Colour varies according to coat colour, from light to dark brown.

Ears
Triangular, large and thin. Broad at the base tapering to a fine point. Set on medium high and obliquely. Very mobile, carried erect and forward when alert. Length of ear greater than width at base.

Mouth
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaw. 

Neck
Straight and of medium length. Strong, well muscled. Free from throatiness.

Forequarters
Forelegs straight and parallel. Well laid muscular shoulders. Pasterns short, strong and slightly sloping.

Body
Length of body from point of shoulder to point of buttock greater than height at withers. Topline level, slight rise over loin. Moderate forechest. Chest fairly deep, not too wide. Ribs moderately well sprung and carried well back. Underline rising slightly.

Hindquarters
Strong and muscular. Moderately angulated with firm hocks and moderate length of rear pasterns. Legs parallel when viewed from behind. Free from dewclaws.

Feet
Strong and round, toes tight and well arched. Nails strong, short and preferably dark. Firm pads.

Tail
Medium length, high set. Thick at the base tapering to a fine point. Curved over the back when moving. Never curled.

Gait/Movement
Swift and light footed. Sound.

Coat

Smooth or wire coated. Never trimmed. Skin thin and close fitting.

Smooth coated: Short and very dense.
Wire coated: Rough and harsh, but not as dense as the smooth coat and without undercoat. Distinct beard.

Colour
Yellow, fawn (in all shades from light to dark), black (diluted or faded), with or without white markings. White only if accompanied by markings of one of the listed colours.

Size
Height 20-30 cms (8-12 ins). Weight 4-5 kilos (9-11 lbs).

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - January 2006

Glossary of Canine Terms

Health Information

The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations.  Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.

The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.

Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available.  Individual summaries are only available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available to order from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

• PORTUGUESE PODENGO CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN (provisional). Sec: Mrs B Judge. Tel No: 01793 783297

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