Scottish Deerhound vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison

Scottish Deerhound vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed ComparisonScottish Deerhound is originated from United Kingdom but Portuguese Podengo is originated from Portugal. Scottish Deerhound may grow 51 cm / 21 inches higher than Portuguese Podengo. Scottish Deerhound may weigh 44 kg / 98 pounds more than Portuguese Podengo. Scottish Deerhound may live 5 years less than Portuguese Podengo. Scottish Deerhound may have more litter size than Portuguese Podengo. Both Scottish Deerhound and Portuguese Podengo requires Low maintenance.

History

scottish deerhound - historyThe Scottish Deerhound is considered the Royal Dog of Scotland. It is a sighthound that is large and bred to hunt large Red Deer. They are similar in appearance to the Greyhound, but they are bigger and heavier. Closely related to the Irish Wolfhound, they were used in creating it. The Scottish Deerhound is an ancient breed that is now very rare. It can trace its lineage to the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Deerhound was a favorite of hunting nobility and could not be kept by any person or household that did not have at least the rank of earl. Despite this history the Scottish Deerhound was not considered separate from the Highland Greyhound and other staghounds until the 19th century. They were bred to stalk or “course” the red deer and were used extensively for this purpose until the beginning of the 20th century. At that time there was a need for smaller, slower deer tracking dogs.

At the start of the 20th century, the land for deer hunting had grown smaller and so had the deer. Also, the invention of the rifle made the fast Deerhounds who could cover large tracks of ground in minutes, no longer a necessity for successful hunting. As the clan systems fell and the nobility rose, the Deerhounds became the dog for nobility and landowners. There were a few non-nobilities who also kept them and hunted with them. As they were less needed for hunting a few households kept them as show dogs.

In the United States and Canada, both the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound were used for hunting wolves and deer. In Australia, the Kangaroo Dog – a deerhound crossbreed, and Deerhounds were used to hunt wild boar, emu and kangaroos. The Deerhound is one of the oldest of the breeds that are Greyhound-like. The Deerhound is not as fast as the Greyhound if they are running on a smooth surface. Get them on a rough surface and the will out that Greyhound. They appear to be larger and rougher than they really are. This gives them an advantage over the lighter, smaller Greyhound.

The Deerhound was a contributor to development of the Irish Wolfhound toward the end of the 19th century.

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.

Description

scottish deerhound puppy - descriptionThe Scottish Deerhound looks a lot like the Greyhound, except it is heavily boned and larger in size. The Deerhound is also different in several other ways. Instead of the Greyhound, the Scottish Deerhound is more closely related to the Irish Wolfhound than the Deerhound. The Deerhound is a large, rough coated breed. It is a very tall breed; in fact, it is the tallest of all sighthounds.

The Deerhound has a long head with a flat skull and a muzzle that tapers at the end. They have dark eyes and a scissor bite with a tail that can be either curved or straight. The hair on their tails almost touches the ground. The rest of its coat is wiry and harsh with a beard, mustache and mane. The ears are soft and can be either held semi erect or folded against their head. Their coat is gray or grey-blue today but in the past, it might have been brindle, red fawn or yellow.

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.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness – yes but watch out for little ones.

2.Special talents - speed and distance.

3.Adaptability - some but needs space to run.

scottish deerhound dog - characteristics4.Learning ability – intelligent but hunting and running instincts overcome all else.

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.

Health Problems

scottish deerhound puppies - health problemsThe Scottish Deerhound does face some serious challenges on the health front. These include:

  • Cardiomyopathy – heart disease.
  • Osteosarcoma – Bone cancer.

• Cystinuria – recessive disorder that causes an inability for cystine to be filtered from the urine.

• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus – otherwise known as bloat and it can be life threatening if not treated quickly.

  • Hypothyroidism – easily treated with medication.
  • Neck pain – if no serious condition – medication can be taken.
  • Factor VII deficiency.
  • Stress is not handled well in this breed.

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.

Caring The Pet

scottish deerhound dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Feed a high quality large or x large puppy dogfood at least 3-4 times a day. Do not overfeed.

2.Feeding the adult – Feed a high-quality adult large or x large dog food once or twice a day. Do not overfeed.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina and speed.

4. Games and Exercises – The Deerhound needs plenty of exercise in a safe place where they have plenty of room to run. A small yard or life on a leash are not enough for this energetic breed. Play fetch, course running, Like the Greyhound they will be couch potatoes if you let them but that will hurt their health. Lure Coursing or hare coursing are good. Coyote hunting. Find space where they can run for the joy of running. Never force them to run – like along a bicycle

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Portugal
Height Male:
76 - 81 cm
29 - 32 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
71 - 76 cm
27 - 30 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
39 - 50 kg
85 - 111 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
34 - 43 kg
74 - 95 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 9 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
14 - 15
2 - 8
Size:
Giant dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Deerhound
Portuguese Rabbit Hound
Colors Available:
gray, brindle, red, Blue, fawn, yellow
Fawn or yellow - some white markings
Coat:
wiry
Short and smooth or medium length and wiry
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Scottish Deerhound vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  2. Scottish Deerhound vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  3. Scottish Deerhound vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  4. Scottish Deerhound vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  5. Scottish Deerhound vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  6. Scottish Deerhound vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  7. Scottish Deerhound vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. Scottish Deerhound vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Scottish Deerhound vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  10. Scottish Deerhound vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Scottish Deerhound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  12. Scottish Deerhound vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  13. Scottish Deerhound vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  14. Scottish Deerhound vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  15. Scottish Deerhound vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  16. Scottish Deerhound vs Mountain Burmese - Breed Comparison
  17. Scottish Deerhound vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison
  18. Scottish Deerhound vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  19. Scottish Deerhound vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  20. Scottish Deerhound vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  21. Scottish Deerhound vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  22. Portuguese Podengo vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  23. Portuguese Podengo vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  24. Portuguese Podengo vs Miniature Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  25. Portuguese Podengo vs Beaglier - Breed Comparison
  26. Portuguese Podengo vs Bluetick Beagle - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Podengo vs Basset Artesien Normand - Breed Comparison
  28. Portuguese Podengo vs Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  29. Pug vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  30. Rat Terrier vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  31. Scottish Terrier vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  32. Russell Terrier vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  33. Schipperke vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison
  34. Portuguese Podengo vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  35. Portuguese Podengo vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  36. Portuguese Podengo vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Portuguese Podengo vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  38. Portuguese Podengo vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Portuguese Podengo vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  40. Portuguese Podengo vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Portuguese Podengo vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  42. Portuguese Podengo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Portuguese Podengo vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  44. Portuguese Podengo vs Corgi - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds