Portuguese Podengo vs Lancashire Heeler
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Portuguese Podengo
Miscellaneous Class
Lancashire Heeler
Miscellaneous Class
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Portuguese Podengo Overview
Portuguese Podengos are elegant sighthounds characterized by their wedge-shaped heads, erect triangular ears, and lean, muscular builds. Available in three sizes, they showcase either smooth or wire coats in various shades. Their alert expression and graceful movement reflect their heritage as skilled hunters, while their intelligent eyes convey their sharp, observant nature.
Lancashire Heeler Overview
Lancashire Heelers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive black and tan coloring. Their alert expression and sturdy build reflect their heritage as skilled herding dogs. Standing 10-12 inches at the shoulder with a weather-resistant double coat, these dogs possess powerful shoulders and strong hindquarters that enable remarkable agility and quick movements.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Portuguese Podengos are less energetic than Lancashire Heelers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Portuguese Podengos require more grooming attention compared to Lancashire Heelers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Portuguese Podengos tend to be more reserved with strangers than Lancashire Heelers.
- Trainability: Portuguese Podengos may be slightly easier to train due to their Portuguese Podengo's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lancashire Heelers adapt better to apartment living, while Portuguese Podengos typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Portuguese Podengo and Lancashire Heeler, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Portuguese Podengo | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Miscellaneous Class | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Portuguese Podengo | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-28 inches 41-71 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 35-66 lbs 16-30 kg | 9-17 lbs 4-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Portuguese Podengo | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Independent, Alert, Intelligent | Affectionate, Versatile, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Portuguese Podengo | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Portuguese Podengo Temperament
The Portuguese Podengo is known for being independent, alert, intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Lancashire Heeler Temperament
The Lancashire Heeler is characterized by being affectionate, versatile, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Portuguese Podengo and Lancashire Heeler, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Portuguese Podengo
Rating: 5/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Portuguese Podengo
Rating: 5/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Portuguese Podengo
Rating: 4/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Portuguese Podengo
Rating: 2/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Portuguese Podengo
Rating: 3/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Portuguese Podengo Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Podengos require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Portuguese Podengos require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Lancashire Heeler Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lancashire Heelers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Lancashire Heelers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Portuguese Podengo Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Allergies
Lancashire Heeler Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patella Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Portuguese Podengo
Pros
- Highly adaptable
- Low grooming needs
- Athletic and agile
- Good watchdog
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Can be stubborn
- Needs secure fencing
Lancashire Heeler
Pros
- Intelligent
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High exercise needs
- May chase small animals
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Portuguese Podengo and Lancashire Heeler, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.