Portuguese Warren Hound

The Portuguese Warren Hound is probably descended from dogs imported to the Iberian Peninsula by the Phoenicians and Romans. The breed evolved through the contribution of dogs that accompanied the Moors during the invasions of the 8th century. This dog adapted to Portuguese terrain and climate. The small variety was selected from the 15th century onwards to serve as a ratter on Portuguese caravels.

The Portuguese Warren Hound is of primitive type, well-proportioned, of solid and well-muscled construction, which exists in three sizes and two coat varieties. The head is pyramidal quadrangular in shape, with erect ears. The tail of medium length is sickle-shaped. The eyes of honey to brown color are small and disposed obliquely. The triangular ears are straight, erect and very mobile; they are carried vertically or slightly forward. The two varieties of coat, the short and smooth and the long and hard. In both cases, the hair is of medium thickness, without undercoat. In the hard coat variety, the hair on the muzzle forms a beard. Coat colors are yellow, fawn in all shades, with or without white markings. In the small size variety, the following colors are tolerated: black, brown, with or without white markings.