Portuguese Podengo vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Podengo vs Irish Mastiff Hound - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Podengo is originated from Portugal but Irish Mastiff Hound is originated from United States. Portuguese Podengo may grow 61 cm / 24 inches shorter than Irish Mastiff Hound. Portuguese Podengo may weigh 68 kg / 149 pounds lesser than Irish Mastiff Hound. Both Portuguese Podengo and Irish Mastiff Hound has almost same life span. Portuguese Podengo may have less litter size than Irish Mastiff Hound. Portuguese Podengo requires Low maintenance. But Irish Mastiff Hound requires Moderate 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.

irish mastiff hound - historyThe Irish Mastiff Hound is a huge dog – a mix of the English Mastiff and the Irish Wolfhound.

Both of these dogs have been around for a long time and actually have ancient histories. The Mastiff for instance has origins that date back to ancient times in China, while the Irish Wolfhound has origins that date far back to 391 AD.

Today this dog is regarded as an excellent companion for any home.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Companion dog
Origin:
Portugal
United States
Height Male:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
85 - 91 cm
33 - 36 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
85 - 91 cm
33 - 36 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
47 - 74 kg
103 - 164 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
47 - 74 kg
103 - 164 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
5 - 12
Size:
Small dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Portuguese Rabbit Hound
Irish Mastiff
Colors Available:
Fawn or yellow - some white markings
grey, Brown, tan or black, white
Coat:
Short and smooth or medium length and wiry
Short and smooth or long and wiry
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

irish mastiff hound puppy - descriptionThis is a large crossbreed which can stand at 85 to 91 cm in height and weigh in the region of 47kg to 74kg.

He essentially has the short, smooth coat of the Mastiff but other dogs may well inherit the longer, more wiry coat of the Wolfhound. Coloring of the coat can be quite varied and can be brown, grey, white, tan or black. Some dogs take more after the Mastiff while others have more Wolfhound characteristics. They have a large head, some have a somewhat wrinkly face because of the Mastiff side, the ears are fairly small and floppy and the tail is long.

Temperament:

Even though they're so huge, these are easy going dogs that are able to fit in well with most human families. Described as gentle giants, they are loving, loyal, easy-going, even-tempered and eager to please.

The Irish Mastiff does well in the city or in the country because he isn't particularly active and will be happy to have a comfortable spot to lie close to you, however with such a large dog, you will certainly need a garden.

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.

irish mastiff hound dog - characteristicsYour big Irish Mastiff Hound is cool, confident and calm. He isn't particularly energetic and as long as he gets a nice walk as well as some mental stimulation, he'll be happy, wanting to spend a good part of the day lying close to where you are.

Socialization and training will be good for him and he learns easily. He is just a big gentle giant who promises to make you a wonderful canine friend.

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.

irish mastiff hound puppies - health problemsMany people find giant dogs irresistible because they're usually gentle, patient and loving. However, it is their very size which makes them more prone to certain health concerns and gives them a shorter lifespan.

It is why it is so important to ensure you feed your pet a healthy diet to ward off illness. A large dog like the Irish Mastiff doesn't have a particularly long lifespan, and with good care he can get to 9, 10, 11, 12 years of age.

Hip Dysplasia:

This condition is more common in large dogs and it can lead to joint degeneration, arthritis and pain. Your pet may even be reluctant to get up and greet you when you come home which can be very sad. Vet intervention will certainly be required.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy:

This heart disease is commonly seen in large dog breeds where the heart becomes weak so that it can't pump blood throughout the body. Coughing, difficulty with breathing, weakness and lethargy are just some of the symptoms of this disease and will also require veterinary intervention.

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.

Grooming:

irish mastiff hound dogs - caringHe has a short coat, and grooming of this laid-back dog will include brushing him twice a week, trimming his nails and making sure that you check inside his ears for ear infection.

Diet:

Large dogs have special nutritional needs, particularly because they are more prone to illnesses such as hip dysplasia. You want to make sure that the foods he eats are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, amino acids and antioxidants because these will ensure proper joint health.

You've got to be careful what you feed a large breed dog because of the weight management issue too. Excess weight puts stress on the joints and promotes the development of osteoarthritis. Speak to your vet about portion control and meat protein for your pet and how to ensure excellent nutrition to avoid common dog illnesses.

Fresh, cool water needs to be available to your pet every minute of the night and day.

Comparison with other breeds

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

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds