In their home country (above), the Podengo Medio is typically utilized for rabbit hunting. That's it.
They are not pets, they are not appreciated as anything beyond that.
The puppies are raised outside; they are not examined with well-thought-out behavior tests or trained with clicker training, as they are basically not raised (or expected to be) to be family members.
They are never kept in homes- they are primarily kept in kennels their entire lives.
They are hunting tools, not 'family members,' as we think of dogs here in America (the US and Canada).
And that, dear blog readers, is just fine...
In Portugal.
Like countless dog breeds that have crossed the pond and been introduced to the American dog fancier community, the PM is now in the gradual process of having to switch gears from their regularly scheduled instincts to survive as an American-owned dog breed.
In America, we find ways to channel the energies of dogs like this to satisfy their basic instincts. This may be lure coursing, tracking, running, hiking, a huge dog yard where they can dig and bark (like they enjoy doing), earthdog (for terrier types), agility, etc. You get the idea.
In America, we do not keep dogs just in kennels- they are our family members, our pets. We 'love' them. And by 'love' I mean, cherish. Like they were our kids.
We know what our dogs are doing at pretty much all times. We do not allow them to run away during a hunt and just toss our hands up and go 'oh, well, it was just a dog.'
We don't allow them to run roughshod over us. Period.
We train them and expect them to be 'team players' in the family.
Countless (some difficult, instinct-driven and challenging!) breeds have come to America and accomplished this.
The PM is no different.
It just takes time and understanding that hunting is not just the only activity in which they can excel. Also, they do not have to hunt to be happy.
With knowledge, time, patience and a creative outlet for that energy and instinct (and a consistent, strong, intelligent owner) they can be honorable family members, too.
