Dog Breeds Beginning with the Letter P

PODENGO PORTUGUÊS aka Portuguese Warren Hound

The Podengo Português is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Portugal. This breed was traditionally used for hunting and has a strong instinct for tracking and retrieving prey. In terms of temperament, Podengo Portuguêses are known for being active, intelligent, and independent. They are also affectionate and good with children, making them suitable for families. Standard coat colors for this breed include solid colors in all shades of yellow and fawn with or without white markings. The small Podengo can also be black or brown in color. The breed also comes in two different sizes, the small-sized Pequeno and the medium-sized Medio. Podengo Portuguêses are not considered to be a rare breed and can be found in many countries around the world. They are popular among hunters and also make good pets for families and individuals who enjoy an active lifestyle.

• female height | 15 to 27 inches
• male height | 15 to 27 inches
• female weight | 34.9 to 66.1 pounds
• male weight | 34.9 to 66.1 pounds
• life span | 12 to 14 years
• litter size | 4 to 6
• shedding | light
• origin | Portugal

POITEVIN

The Poitevin, is a medium to large sized dog breed originating from the Poitou region of France. The breed was originally used for hunting wild boar, as well as herding and guarding livestock. The Poitevin is known for its calm and gentle temperament, making it an excellent family pet. In terms of appearance, the breed typically has a thick coat that comes in a range of the standard tricolors of black, fawn, and brindle. They also may be bicolor orange and white and sometimes are wolf colored. The Poitevin is a rare breed, with limited numbers found outside of France.

• female height | 23.5 to 27.5 inches
• male height | 24.5 to 28 inches
• female weight | 65.9 to 70.1 pounds
• male weight | 65.9 to 76.1 pounds
• life span | 11 to 12 years
• litter size | 3 to 6
• shedding | light
• origin | France

POLISH GREYHOUND aka CHART POLSKI

Image Credit: Lilly M

The Polish Greyhound, also known as the Chart Polski, is a medium-sized dog breed originating from Poland. It was originally used for hunting small game such as hares, foxes, and squirrels. The breed is known for its lively and energetic temperament, making it a good choice for active families. The Chart Polski has a short, smooth coat that, according to FCI breed standard, can come in any color. Despite its popularity in its native country, the Polish Greyhound remains a relatively rare breed outside of Poland.

• female height | 26.5 to 29.5 inches
• male height | 27.5 to 31.5 inches
• female weight | 49.9 to 70.1 pounds
• male weight | 49.9 to 73.1 pounds
• life span | 12 to 15 years
• litter size | 3 to 4
• shedding | light
• origin | Poland

POLISH HOUND

The Polish Hound, also known as the Ogar Polski, is a medium-sized dog breed originating from Poland. It has a long history as a hunting dog, used for tracking and hunting game such as deer and boar. The breed is known for its energetic and fearless temperament, making it an excellent hunting companion. The Polish Hound has a short, dense coat that comes different shades of tan with a dark saddle. A small amount of white is permitted on the chest, head and nose. Despite its hunting heritage, the Polish Hound is also a good family pet due to its friendly and affectionate nature. However, the breed remains relatively rare and is not widely known outside of Poland.

• female height | 21.5 to 23.5 inches
• male height | 22 to 25.5 inches
• female weight | 43.9 to 57.1 pounds
• male weight | 54.9 to 70.1 pounds
• life span | 13 to 14 years
• litter size | 4 to 6
• shedding | light
• origin | Poland

POLISH HUNTING DOG

The Polish Hunting Dog, also known as the Gończy Polski, is a medium-sized hunting dog breed originating from Poland. It has a long history as a versatile hunting dog, used for tracking and hunting game such as hares, foxes, and wild boar. The breed is known for its intelligence, trainability, and courage, making it a highly valued hunting companion. The Polish Hunting Dog has a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of standard colors including black and tan, chocolate and tan and red which may have a slight black overly. Despite its popularity as a hunting breed in Poland, the Polish Hunting Dog remains relatively rare and is not widely known outside of Poland. However, those who are familiar with the breed appreciate it for its exceptional hunting abilities and friendly personality.

• female height |19 to 21 inches
• male height | 21 to 23 inches
• female weight | 43.9 to 57.1 pounds
• male weight | 55 to 70.1 pounds
• life span | 10 to 13 years
• litter size | 6 to 10
• shedding | light
• origin | Poland

POLISH LOWLAND SHEEPDOG

The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, also known as the Polski Owczarek Nizinny, is a medium-sized dog breed originating from Poland. It was originally used for herding and guarding sheep and cattle in the lowlands of Poland. The breed is known for its intelligence, trainability, and loyal nature, making it an excellent family pet. The Polish Lowland Sheepdog has a distinctive, shaggy coat that, according to FCI breed standard can come in all colors and patch colors. Despite its popularity in its native country, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog remains a relatively rare breed outside of Poland. However, it is gaining recognition as a versatile and affectionate companion, known for its lively personality and ability to form strong bonds with its human family.

• female height | 17 to 19 inches
• male height | 18 to 20 inches
• female weight | 30 to 50.1 pounds
• male weight | 30 to 50.1 pounds
• life span | 11 to 15 years
• litter size | 4 to 8
• shedding | moderate
• origin | Poland

POMERANIAN

Read our Pomeranian facts here.

The Pomeranian originated from the region of Pomerania, which spans across modern-day Germany and Poland. Descending from larger sled-pulling and herding dogs, Pomeranians were selectively bred to be smaller in size, eventually becoming a favorite companion of European royalty and aristocracy. Traditionally, Pomeranians were utilized as working dogs, performing tasks such as herding livestock and alerting their owners to potential dangers. Over time, their compact size and charming demeanor led to their popularity as companion animals. Despite their diminutive stature, Pomeranians possess a confident and lively temperament. They are known for their intelligence, curiosity, and affectionate nature. According to breed standard, all coat colors, variations and patterns are acceptable.

• Pomeranian: 1.8-2.5 kg -4-5.5 lb
• Life Expectancy – 12-16 years
• Working Obedience and Intelligence – I-Excellent
• Percentage of times they follow the first command given – FC-85%
• Learning a New Command Repetitions – Low End – 5 REPS
• Learning a New Command Repetitions – High End – 15 REPS
• Place of Origin – From Germany
• One Word Description – Alert, Loyal, Friendly
• Breed Standard Coat Colors (AKC) – All colors and patterns allowed

PONT-AUDEMER SPANIEL

The Pont-Audemer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog breed originating from the Pont-Audemer region of France. It was originally used for hunting waterfowl and small game such as rabbits and hares. The breed is known for its enthusiastic and energetic temperament, making it an excellent hunting companion. The Pont-Audemer Spaniel has a dense, curly coat that comes in standard coat colors of brown and brown/grey mottled. Despite its popularity as a hunting breed in France, the Pont-Audemer Spaniel remains a relatively rare breed outside of its native country. However, it is valued for its friendly and affectionate nature, making it a good choice for families who are active and enjoy outdoor activities.

• female height | 20.5 to 23 inches
• male height | 20.5 to 23 inches
• female weight | 43.9 to 60.1 pounds
• male weight | 43.9 to 60.1 pounds
• life span | 12 to 15 years
• litter size | 4 to 6
• shedding | moderate
• origin | France

POODLE

Read our Poodle facts here.

Poodles come in three distinct sizes that cater to different preferences and lifestyles. The Standard Poodle, the largest size, stands over 15 inches tall and typically weighs between 45 and 70 pounds. The Miniature Poodle, standing between 10 and 15 inches tall, weighs between 15 and 18 pounds, making them a versatile companion that combines intelligence and charm. They are well-suited for apartment living and are popular in various dog sports. Finally, the Toy Poodle, measuring under 10 inches tall, weighs around 6 to 9 pounds. They are delightful and compact companions that thrive in smaller living spaces. All three sizes share the breed’s trademark curly or corded coat, intelligence, and trainability, making them well-rounded and loyal companions for dog lovers.

• female height | 15 to 24.1 inches
• male height | 15 inches
• female weight | 44.9 to 60.1 pounds
• male weight | 44.9 to 70.2 pounds
• life span | 12 to 15 years
• litter size | 3 to 8
• shedding | light
• origin | Germany and France

PORCELAINE

The Porcelaine is a medium-sized dog breed originating from France. It was originally used for hunting small game such as hares and foxes, as well as for herding and guarding livestock. The breed is known for its energetic and intelligent temperament, making it an excellent hunting companion and family pet. The Porcelaine has a short, dense coat that comes in a standard color of white with orange spots and orange tickling on the ears. Despite its popularity as a hunting breed in France, the Porcelaine remains a relatively rare breed outside of its native country. However, it is valued for its affectionate nature and ability to form strong bonds with its human family, making it an excellent choice for those who are looking for a loyal and loving companion.

• female height | 21 to 22 inches
• male height | 22 to 23 inches
• female weight | 54.9 to 62.1 pounds
• male weight | 54.9 to 62.1 pounds
• life span | 12 to 13 years
• litter size | 3 to 6
• shedding | light
• origin | France

PORTUGUESE POINTING DOG

The Portuguese Pointing Dog, also known as the Perdigueiro Português, is a medium-sized dog breed originating from Portugal. It was originally used for hunting game such as partridge, quail, and rabbit. The breed is known for its excellent scenting ability and pointing instinct, making it an efficient and effective hunting companion. The Portuguese Pointing Dog has a short, dense coat that comes in standard colors of various shades of yellow that can be solid or have patches of white. Despite its popularity as a hunting breed in Portugal, the Portuguese Pointing Dog remains a relatively rare breed outside of its native country. However, it is valued for its friendly and affectionate nature, making it a good choice for families who are active and enjoy outdoor activities.

• female height | 19.9 to 22.1 inches
• male height | 19.9 to 22.1 inches
• female weight | 34.9 to 48.5 pounds
• male weight | 43.9 to 59.5 pounds
• life span | 12 to 14 years
• litter size | 6 – 8
• shedding | light to medium
• origin | Portugal