The podenco is getting more and more famous in 2017. Most podencos living in the Netherlands have been adopted by an organization dedicated to foreign dogs. It’s good that these dogs get a chance too, but just like any other dog you take, you need to know what you’re getting into. A podenco is also often referred to as a ‘breed apart’.
A foreign dog?
A podenco is often brought from abroad. Foreign dogs have often lived in different circumstances than we are used to in the Netherlands. In countries where these dogs come from, animals are treated differently. Dogs are often not a house dog, but are on a chain or in a yard. Podencos are often used for hunting. Then there is also a large group of these dogs that have a wandering existence. In these countries they often have no respect for dogs, which is why dogs are often dumped and abused.
What is the podenco for dog?
The podenco is a semi-greyhound. It is a dog that can reach a good speed. It is also a hunting dog. The podenco hunts differently from the normal greyhounds. The normal greyhound only starts to hunt when it sees game, the podenco looks for it. The podenco will also retrieve the prey, which the normal greyhound will not. A podenco mainly hunts rabbits.
The podenco is a very active and intelligent dog. It is also a dog that wants to know everything and is very alert. It is an independent dog that is also a bit stubborn. It is a dog that gets along well with children, as long as children treat it calmly. Some podencos can live well with cats, but not every podenco can do this. A cat can flee, activating the podenco’s hunting instinct. The podenco is a social dog towards all people.
In the house, the podenco is a quiet dog, if it gets enough attention and exercise. A podenco will find the best place to lie down. This is often the sofa or bed. Podencos don’t like to lie on the floor. This often hurts their muscles and joints. This dog also likes to sit as close as possible to its owner and other family members.
Not every podenco is the same
The podenco is not one type of dog, but there are several types of podenco. These dogs can be found in Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands. There are varieties that only reach a height of 20 cm at the withers. But there are also varieties that reach a height of 70 cm. The coat can also be different. In addition, many types of podencos are often unconsciously crossed with each other. Although the character is largely the same, not every dog can run free and not every dog is quiet in the house. Some of these dogs also need a garden in which to enjoy themselves. A flat is not enough for these dogs.
A foreign dog in Dutch life
A foreign dog will always have to get used to Dutch life and this is not just about the temperature. In the Netherlands we have much more crowds and traffic. It is therefore not wise to let these dogs loose next to a busy road. The dogs can get stressed, but also see another animal on the other side of the road. Running loose can be a thing anyway, not every podenco can run loose.
The way we treat dogs is also completely different for them. In the Netherlands they get a warm basket or a bed. They no longer have to look for their food, but get a good bowl of food. Some dogs therefore look for a bit more challenge when eating. You can solve this simply by hiding the food. This way this dog can still work for his food.
Other podencos cannot process the food properly in the beginning, because their stomachs and intestines are not yet used to it. You can then replace part of the food with leftover dinner. Especially dogs that have roamed have stomachs that are used to all kinds of leftovers.
A podenco is an active and smart dog that needs a lot of challenge. When you teach to leave him alone, he can often do that too. Still, it remains a dog that cannot stay home alone all day every day. He needs challenge. He also needs more than just a short walk. Is he bored? Then he will look for challenges himself. This can lead to undesirable behavior.
