Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Portuguese Podengo - Breed ComparisonPortuguese Podengo is originated from Portugal but Schweizer Niederlaufhund is originated from Switzerland. Portuguese Podengo may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Portuguese Podengo may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Both Portuguese Podengo and Schweizer Niederlaufhund has almost same life span. Both Portuguese Podengo and Schweizer Niederlaufhund has almost same litter size. Both Portuguese Podengo and Schweizer Niederlaufhund requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
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Portugal
Switzerland
Height Male:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
6 - 18 kg
13 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
5 - 7
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Portuguese Rabbit Hound
Small Swiss Hound.
Colors Available:
Fawn or yellow - some white markings
mostly white with orange, tri color, mostly white with black, black with tan
Coat:
Short and smooth or medium length and wiry
smooth or coarse
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

schweizer niederlaufhundOriginating in Switzerland, the Schweizer Niederlaufhund was established around 1900, when hunting became restricted to districts. The Swiss hunter needed a slower dog for the limited territory they could hunt in. Crossing selected Schweizer Laufhunds with Basset Hounds and other selected smaller, short legged hounds developed the Schweizer Niederlaufhund. By 1905 there was already a Schweizer Niederlaufhund Club.

The Niederlaufhund became one of the best hunting dogs in the world, with its powerful body and ability to outhunt the Laufhund in tracking big game. Slower of course than the Laufhund it has a great sense of smell and an ability to easily find wounded animals. There are a few varieties, just like with the Swiss Hound again mostly because of their coloring. The Luzerner Niederlaufhund, the Jura Neiderlaufhund, and the Schwyzerlaufhund. They have musical voices that they use to communicate with the hunters and each other as well as that amazing sense of smell. They can hunt for hours without tiring and without much information from the hunter.

They are a cross breed not recognized by the larger kennel club such as the AKC and the UKC. They are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the American Canine Association Inc. (ACA) and most importantly by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). This last one is important because it could lead to recognition as a new breed by the UKC and the AKC.

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.

schweizer niederlaufhund puppy - descriptionThe Schweizer Niederlaufhund is a medium size, short dog. They look like their cousins, the Schweizer Laufhund but smaller. Their body is just slightly longer than it is tall, so you are left with the impression of a mostly square dog. The Niederlaufhund is well put together, with strong legs, a noble head, long droopy ears, broad chest, and a low held tail.

The Small Lucerne Hound has a white cote with smooth speckles of black or gray making them appear to be blue.

The Small Bernese Hound has a tricolor coat of white, tan and black. There are tan marks on the eyebrows. There is a wire haired Small Bernese as well. He has a short beard.

The Small Schwyz Hound is smooth coated in white with orange or yellow-red patches. The wired haired version is extinct.

The Small Jura Hound is a single coated dog with a black coat and tan marking above his eyes as eyebrows as well. He might have some white as well.

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.

schweizer niederlaufhund dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness – yes, they are but use caution around small children and small prey.

2. Special talents – the breed exhibits and amazing sense of smell.

3. Adaptability - needs room to run and explore – is very frustrated when confined.

4. Learning ability – highly intelligent and eager to learn.

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.

schweizer niederlaufhund puppies - health problemsThe Niederlaufhund Is prone to a very medical issues to keep an eye on. They include:

• Hip Dysplasia – This comes from hip joints that are not well formed and cause reduced mobility and pain. Parents can be tested before the dogs are bred to make sure their hips are good, and that dysplasia will not be passed to puppies. This dysplasia can cause arthritis and even lameness.

• Ear Infections – With long drooping ears it is easy for the dog to acquire ear infections. This is even more so for a hunting dog like the Niederlafhund. It is important to clean the dog’s ears on a regular basis.

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.

schweizer niederlaufhund dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - give 1 cup per day of high quality dog food divided into 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – give one and one half cups of high quality dog food divided into 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina

4. Games and Exercises – needs a lot of daily exercise and loves field trials, running and activities like barn hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Portuguese Podengo vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  30. Portuguese Podengo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  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