Portuguese Podengo vs Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison

The 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 Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange is one of three Grand Anglo-Français breeds. The dogs comes from crossing French scenting hounds with English Foxhounds way back in the 19th century.

The sporting dog is rare, believing to be be pretty much confined to their country of origin – France. It is recognized in France by the French Kennel Club and also internationally by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. Since 2006, they have been recognized by the UKC and are thought to be kept essentially as a working dog as opposed to being kept as a companion dog.

The 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 lean, muscular Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange is a large, powerful dog standing at 60 – 70cm at the withers and weighing 30 to 36 kg.

He has a short, broad head with a broad, flat skull. He has long legs, a long tail and long, floppy ears. His coat is white with orange markings. These dogs are instinctive hunters with a superb sense of smell and the ability to track their prey for miles.

Temperament:

Sociable, independent, loving and loyal, the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange can become attached to his owner. He doesn't want to be left alone for long periods of time, becoming bored and destructive.

Training and socialization is excellent for your dog, making him obedient and also more relaxed when you're not there.While he is patient and good with children, if you're looking for a playful pet, this dog wouldn't come as recommended for children, as his heart longs to just be outside on the hunt.

The 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 Grand Anglo – Francais et Orange has always been a pack dog and used to being social. He will get on well with his entire human family as well as with any other pets in the home.

The Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange is a loyal dog, and when trained he becomes an excellent companion. He is patient with children, but doesn't make a particularly great playmate as he has a more serious personality.

The Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange is a dog that has been specifically developed to hunt, so ensure that he gets a good amount of exercise. While he is essentially a dog that loves working in a pack, he can still make his human family a loving and devoted pet.

The 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.

Capable of reaching 10 to 12 years in age, you won't really find any particular health issues with this dog. He is a fairly healthy dog and will be able to reach a good age with good nutrition, exercise, love and care.

Because of the long, floppy ears, you want to be checking inside the ears. As a hunting scentdog, he will chase his prey through water if needs be, and damp ears can encourage bacteria.

Ear infections are common in most dogs, and you'll notice your pet scratching and rubbing at his ear and even shaking his head. You may also notice swelling or redness. Veterinary intervention will be necessary.

If your dog's ear infection has cleared up, you can maintain the health of the ear by cleaning them with a gentle cleanser and cotton wool. There is always caution when cleaning a dog’s ear, and rupturing the ear drum is one. Be careful, and if you're not sure, rather make an appointment with your vet to have his ears cleaned.

Exercise:

The 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:

As a scenthound, your Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange loves being outdoors and following a scent trail. These dogs therefore are better suited to life in the countryside as opposed to life in the city. Make sure you provide him with plenty of exercise – walks, swimming and running with you when you go cycling or jogging. Include ball- and rope games too.

Grooming:

Your orange and white scent dog will thrive on you taking time out for him to brush his short coat twice a week and to also check for fleas and ticks at the same time.

Diet:

Looking forward to his food, your energetic Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange will require a high quality commercially manufactured food. Make sure that you buy the best brands to ensure your pet gets his vitamins and minerals in instead of just a lot of fillers, colorants and preservatives.

Many dog owners prefer giving their dogs several smaller meals throughout the day as opposed to one or two large meals. With his dry kibble you can add in some raw meat from time to time as well as cooked brown rice, cooked chicken and vegetables. See that he has access to a constant supply of fresh, cool water.