Portuguese Podengo vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Podengo vs Chow Chow - Breed ComparisonChow Chow is originated from China but Portuguese Podengo is originated from Portugal. Chow Chow may grow 21 cm / 9 inches higher than Portuguese Podengo. Chow Chow may weigh 26 kg / 58 pounds more than Portuguese Podengo. Both Chow Chow and Portuguese Podengo has almost same life span. Both Chow Chow and Portuguese Podengo has same litter size. Chow Chow requires High Maintenance. But Portuguese Podengo requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Non sporting dog
Hound dog
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China
Portugal
Height Male:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
41 - 60 cm
16 - 24 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
2 - 8
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
chowhound, chow, chowdren
Portuguese Rabbit Hound
Colors Available:
cream and blue, Red (light gold to deep red-brown) • Cinnamon (light tan to brown) • Black
Fawn or yellow - some white markings
Coat:
double thick and coarse
Short and smooth or medium length and wiry
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

chow chowNorthern China is the original home of the Chow Chow. In that region of China, the breed was known as the Songshi Quan – “the puffy-lion” dog. They have also been known in China as the “Dog of the Tang Empire” or the Tang Quan. The Chow is believed to be an ancient breed that the Foo Dog, or stone dog guardians of Buddhist palaces and temples, is modeled after. It is one of the most ancient of dog breeds that are still around today.

It is believed that they have existed for around 2000 years or perhaps even as far back as 3000 years, starting out in Mongolia and migrating to China. The ancientness of the Chow Chow has been validated through DNA testing. In China all those centuries ago, the Chow Chow was born to be a working dog. They hunted, herded, guarded and pulled carts. They went on quests with the Mongolian armies when China was invaded, as well as when the Mongolians invaded the Middle East and Europe later on.

Today’s Canadian Kennel Club has about 350 Chows registered while the AKC gets 10,000 new registrations every year.

portuguese podengoThe 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

chow chow puppy - descriptionThe Chow really does look like a small lion with a black tongue. The dog is sturdy and square with erect, small ears on a broad skull. They have a very dense double coat. Their eyes are deep set and look like almonds, while they all have that very distinctive purple or black tongue. Their lips are also distinctive with their blue color. The nose is black, but some Chows might have a blue nose. The tail is curly.

These are medium size dogs when it comes to height and weight, but they are powerfully built for their size. Their power is in their compact body holding the energy and strength of a much larger dog. Its hind legs are almost entirely straight, unusual for any dog. They get their lion appearance from the huge ruff that stands behind their heads. Their chest is broad and deep.

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

chow chow dog - characteristicsLoyal and true to their family and those they know; the Chow Chow is a little standoffish with strangers. They are very protective and usually attach themselves to one or two people. They are intelligent but stubborn, which can affect your training with them. They need to respect their people and Chows respect hose who take care of them. They can be aggressive toward dogs of their same sex especially if those dogs are the same breed as well.

They are known to be very clean and many have compared them to cats in that regard. They appear to be dignified and refined. They are usually very quiet but very adaptable dogs.

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

chow chow puppies - health problemsAlthough an ancient breed that obviously has survived many centuries of trials, the Cho Chow of today is prone to several different health conditions. These include:

Eyelid Entropion

This condition can require surgery to keep the turning eyelid from injuring the eye ball.

Hip Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia

This can cause lameness and arthritis.

Stomach Cancer

Ear Infections

Make sure you keep the ears clean and keep an eye on them.

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

chow chow dogs - caringDon’t overfeed a Chow Chow as they are hard workers and big eaters. Feed them at least twice a day.

Health issues

Additional health issues include:

Glaucoma

This eye disease can lead to blindness if not checked and treated.

Juvenile Cataracts

These can be removed from an adolescent puppy.

Lymphoma

Again, the Chow is susceptible to cancer.

Diabetes

Can lead to heart or kidney problems if left untreated.

Hot Spots/Allergies/Melanoma

Keep a close eye on your Chow Chow skin.

Exercise and games

The Chow Chow was developed as working dog, but today’s version is more laid back and doesn’t need excessive exercise. Daily walks will suffice. They live very happily in the city if walked regularly. They are not really a competitive breed outside of obedience and confirmation. They are seldom seen in sports like agility or frisbee.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  9. Chow Chow vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Chow Chow vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Chow Chow vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  26. Portuguese Podengo vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Podengo vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Portuguese Podengo vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Portuguese Podengo vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Portuguese Podengo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Portuguese Podengo vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Portuguese Podengo vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Portuguese Podengo vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Portuguese Podengo vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Portuguese Podengo vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Portuguese Podengo vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Portuguese Podengo vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Portuguese Podengo vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Portuguese Podengo vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Portuguese Podengo vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Portuguese Podengo vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Portuguese Podengo vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Portuguese Podengo vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Portuguese Podengo vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Portuguese Podengo vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Portuguese Podengo vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Portuguese Podengo vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Portuguese Podengo vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Portuguese Podengo vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Portuguese Podengo vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison