Portuguese Podengo vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Podengo is originated from Portugal but Cypro Kukur is originated from India. Portuguese Podengo may grow 60 cm / 23 inches shorter than Cypro Kukur. Portuguese Podengo may weigh 84 kg / 185 pounds lesser than Cypro Kukur. Both Portuguese Podengo and Cypro Kukur has almost same life span. Portuguese Podengo may have more litter size than Cypro Kukur. Both Portuguese Podengo and Cypro Kukur requires Low maintenance.

History

portuguese podengo - historyThe Portuguese Podengo is an ancient hound dog from Portugal. It is available as a small dog, medium and large dog.

The coats can be short and smooth or longer and wiry. They were imported into the United States in the 1990's and they are also recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in Europe. They are also recognized by the United Kennel Club. In America they are part of the Rare Breed Association.

The Cypro Kukur is an ancient dog breed which originated in the Kumaon area of India. It is interesting to note that the name Cypro Kukur translates to Cyprus Dog, but the dog doesn’t appear to have originated in Cyprus.

The dog was used to guard livestock. It has a history that goes right back to about 300 years BC. The true history of this dog is shrouded in mystery and there are researchers who believe that foreign explorers to the Cyprus region imported these Kumaon watchdogs. There are those who believe the dog descended from the Molosser dog breeds.

The dog is also known as the Indian Mastiff or Kumaon Mastiff, but it is facing extinction with just a small number of pure Cypro Kukur remaining in the area. Today, however, there appears to be quite a large number of the dogs in Europe.

Description

portuguese podengo puppy - descriptionThe Portuguese Podengo is available in three sizes. He stands roughly at between 20 to 30 cm and weighs between 4.1 to 5.9 kg. The dog is similar in looks to other hunting dogs native to the Mediterranean, such as the Pharoah Hound.

They are small to medium sized dogs. The eyes are brown, the ears are erect and the tail long and thick, held low and with a bit of a curve when at rest.

The body of the dog is lean and well muscled and the head wedge shaped. The coat is essentially short and smooth though you also get the longer, wiry coat. The coat is found in shades of fawn or yellow and with some white markings.

Temperament:

This Portuguese sighthound is energetic, comical sometimes, sweet and loving. Being alert, he also makes a good watchdog.

He is intelligent, he is easily trained and socialized and gets on well with children in the house if they have been disciplined to respect and be kind to animals.

He is somewhat aloof around strangers and this is actually what makes him a good watchdog.

It is said that the Portuguese Podengo isn't bred to be a companion dog, being bred exclusively as a working hunting dog. This explains why it doesn’t have such a ‘companionable’ temperament as some other dog breeds.

The Cypro kukur is a large dog standing at anything from 70 – 90 cm and also weighing in the region of 70 – 90kg. He has an attractively lean, muscled body. He has a large head with a strong neck and floppy ears. The tail is long. The short, thick coat is a light fawn color with brindle markings or he can be white with black marking.

Temperament:

The Cypro Kukur is an aggressive dog breed and that is why he was used to guard livestock to ward off wild animals. He makes an excellent guard dog. However with training and socialization he makes an excellent family pet, becoming friendly and obedient around other pets and people.

Characteristics

portuguese podengo dog - characteristicsThe Portuguese Podengo loves pleasing his human owners – loving to be in the company of his human family.

He is an independent dog who will benefit from training and socialization. He is wary around strangers, but this makes him a good watchdog.

He loves lots of exercise and will want mental and physical stimulation to be happy and content and as bright as he is.

Provide him with good care and he promises to make you a wonderful pet and companion.

The large Cypro Kukur is a fairly aggressive dog who makes for an excellent guard- or watch dog. It is important to have this dog trained and socialized as he can be aggressive.

He may be large and intimidating to look at with some aggressive tendencies, but with training they can become domesticated and then he has the capability of becoming quiet, well behaved and obedient.

If you’re looking for a large, loyal friend, then choose the Cypro Kukur, as with socialization he can make a good and loyal family pet.

Health Problems

portuguese podengo puppies - health problemsThe Portuguese Podengo is a robust, healthy dog that can get to 14 years of age if he is looked after well and exercised.

The dog doesn’t battle with genetic disorders. It is thought that the most common problems with this dog are the injuries he gets from being such an outdoor, hunting dog. He could well rip his nail or have porcupine quills in his muzzle.

Some common dog diseases to be aware of are cancer, bloat,skin diseases and eye problems.

The Cypro Kukur can live to be 10 – 12, but he is a large dog and there will be some health concerns that your dog may never develop but are worth knowing about. These are Hip Dysplasia and Gastric Torsion.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip dysplasia is one of the most commonly occurring conditions that dogs have to contend with so it is worth knowing about.

It is an hereditary disease that progressively gets worse with age. Your dog can be uncomfortable and in pain. Canine hip dysplasia is when the head of the femur bone doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket. Veterinarians tell us that most dogs are actually born with normal hip joints, but that gradual subluxation brings about the development of abnormally shaped hip joints.

Gastric Torsion:

Gastric dilatation volvulus is another name for gastric torsion, a medical condition also referred to as a twisted stomach.

Excess gas causes what is known as bloat and its a life-threatening condition that will require immediate attention from your vet.

You’ll notice your pet’s stomach is swollen, your dog will have difficulty with breathing and he may be vomiting. It is a disease brought on by a number of factors.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

portuguese podengo dogs - caringThe Podengo is always game and ready for a good time and likes nothing more than a good walk as well as the chance to get off his leash and have a bit of free time. He also loves ball games, being pulled along while he holds tightly on to a piece of rope and he loves darting back and forwards with a frisbee.

Diet:

Many things can change a dog’s longevity, and diet is one. A good nutritious diet with vitamins and minerals will give your dog less of a chance to get sick. If you go for the best quality commercially manufactured dog foods, you’ll find they are both convenient and well balanced.

To provide your dog with just a bit of variety in his diet, some home-made food added into the dry kibble from time to time will delight your pet.

No need to make preparing the food a huge issue either. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up and as a treat, add smaller portions of it into the dry kibble. This is a real treat for your dog. You’ll see his thanks in his bright eyes and wagging tail.

Try to include a bit of raw meat occasionally and never let your dog be without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

General Care for your pet:

Make sure his puppy vaccines are up to date.

Have your dog spayed or neutered if you don’t want your dog being a parent.

Provide your dog with a warm, dry, comfy pace to sleep.

Trim his nails and check inside his ears for redness and infection.

Check for fleas and ticks when you brush him.

Get him to the vet when you can see he s sick.

Exercise:

This is a large dog and he will require an adequate amount of exercise. He is the kind of dog that isn’t recommended for couch potatoes. He will need to join you in your walks every day, or you can allow him to join you with your jogging or cycling.

Grooming:

The short coat of this large dog is easy to care for. He is a moderate shedder so a good brush twice a week will be all he needs to remove loose hairs and keep his coat healthy and shiny. Brushing him gives you the chance to check him for fleas and ticks too.

Other grooming for the Cypro Kukur should include trimming his nails and brushing his teeth twice a week with canine-approved toothbrush and toothpaste. Make a point of checking inside his ears as dogs with floppy ears are prone towards ear infections.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
Origin:
Portugal
India
Height Male:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
70 - 90 cm
27 - 36 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
70 - 90 cm
27 - 36 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
70 - 90 kg
154 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
70 - 90 kg
154 - 199 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
2 - 5
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Portuguese Rabbit Hound
Indian Mastiff, Kumaon Mastiff
Colors Available:
Fawn or yellow - some white markings
white with black markings , Light fawn color with brindle markings
Coat:
Short and smooth or medium length and wiry
Short and Dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Portuguese Podengo vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Podengo vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  3. Portuguese Podengo vs Miniature Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  4. Portuguese Podengo vs Beaglier - Breed Comparison
  5. Portuguese Podengo vs Bluetick Beagle - Breed Comparison
  6. Portuguese Podengo vs Basset Artesien Normand - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Podengo vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  8. Pug vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  9. Rat Terrier vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  10. Scottish Terrier vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  11. Russell Terrier vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  12. Schipperke vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  13. Portuguese Podengo vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  14. Portuguese Podengo vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  15. Portuguese Podengo vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Portuguese Podengo vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  17. Portuguese Podengo vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Portuguese Podengo vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  19. Portuguese Podengo vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Portuguese Podengo vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  21. Portuguese Podengo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Portuguese Podengo vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  23. Portuguese Podengo vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  24. Samoyed vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  25. Great Pyrenees vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  26. Presa Canario vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  27. Labrador Husky vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  28. Giant Schnauzer vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  29. Goldador vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  30. Dogo Cubano vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  31. Dogo Sardesco vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  32. Mackenzie River Husky vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  33. German Longhaired Pointer vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  34. Pyredoodle vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  35. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  36. Lurcher vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  37. Maremma Sheepdog vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  38. Sarplaninac vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  39. Himalayan Mastiff vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  40. Mountain View Cur vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  41. Native American Indian Dog vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  42. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  43. Greenland Dog vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  44. Komondor vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  45. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  46. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  47. Fila Brasileiro vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  48. Greek Sheepdog vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds