Dog Breeds: P
The Pachón Navarro is a pointer-type dog from the Navarre region in Spain. They are famous for having a double nose, and are gifted trackers. Most popular in the 18th & 19th centuries, the breed nearly became extinct but numbers are slowly recovering. A delightful hunting dog with a friendly nature, he deserves to be around for a long time yet.
The Papastzu is a hybrid dog, which is the result of breeding a Papillon with a Shih Tzu. A small dog with a loving temperament, they require a moderate amount of exercise. Their long soft coat needs regular brushing and daily tooth brushing is advised. Health problems linked with the Papastzu include patellar luxation and breathing difficulties due to a fore-shortened face.
A sweet natured and lively little chap, the Paperanian seems to have inherited the best traits from each of its parents. Eager to make friends with just about everyone it meets, this breed is sociable and kind-hearted, making a great playmate for children. Obedient and undeniably quick to learn, this dog lends itself to training at a high level.
The Papichon is a hybrid dog, which is a cross between the Papillon and Bichon Frise. They fluffy, small sized dogs are cheery characters who make good family dogs. Unfortunately, they can crave human company too much, which makes them anxious when left alone, with barking being their number one bad habit. Additionally, their coat needs moderate care, including regular parlour trips.
The Papillon is a very clever, confident, and energetic member of the Toy group of dogs. Coming from an aristocratic background, the breed can be aloof with strangers, but is affectionate and responsive to its family. Papillons are relatively easy to train, require surprisingly little grooming, and have moderate exercise requirements, making them ideal indoor companions.
A colourful little character, the Papitese is a mix of the Maltese’s bravado and the Papillon’s placid and loving nature. Great with children and other animals, this breed makes a good addition to a home that already has other pets in it. The long fur of the Papitese does require some dedicated grooming time and will shed in small amounts.
The Papshund is a hybrid dog that results from breeding a Papillon with a Dachshund. They make good companion dogs that require a moderate amount of exercise. But their small size belies a strong personality so be prepared to put time and effort into obedience training or the Papshund may just take charge of the household!
The Parson Russell Terrier is a small hunting dog whose tenacious character and high energy levels made them suitable for keeping up with horses and hounds on a foxhunt. Playful and independent, a Parson Russell Terrier is a great companion for those with an active lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for outdoor exercise.
A rambunctious and loving little terrier, the Patterdale Terrier is becoming more and more popular, winning admirers worldwide with their sweet nature and zest for life. Still a working dog by nature, they love to be given a task to complete, and are happiest when out and about and on the move. With brains to spare, they thrive when problem solving and learning new tricks.
One of the oldest of today’s hybrids, the Peekapoo is the offspring of Poodle and Pekingese parents. Like many hybrids, it has a low-shedding coat, and is a devoted companion dog. However, it is also fiercely protective, and makes an excellent watchdog, though it can be excessively vocal in this role. It is good with small pets and older children, but needs gentle handling.
The small Pekalier does not require a great deal of exercise and can live happily in a small home or apartment that does not have a back garden. Though affectionate with their family members, they should not be trusted with young children and can be grumpy at times. Their long fur and pendulous ears mean that they benefit from regular grooming.
The Peke-a-Pap is a loving and gentle dog that bonds closely with its family and will show them a great deal of devotion. They aren’t generally trusting of other people but can be taught to tolerate them. Moderately energetic, they can get on well in smaller homes and do not need a great deal of exercise.
Don’t let the Pekingese’s small stature fool you; this royal dog of ancient China has a big heart and a personality to match. Brave, bold, intelligent and stubborn, the breed has much to recommend it. However, it has intensive grooming requirements, can be difficult to train, does not enjoy the company of boisterous children, and may bark too much for some owners’ liking.
Known the world over for their potential ability to cause fatal injuries to humans, the Perro de Presa Canario, or Presa Canario for short, is a dog with a bad reputation. Originally used on the Canary Islands to protect and drive livestock, they were later commonly forced to fight other dogs as a form of ‘entertainment’. Naturally wary of people and incredibly powerful and confident, the Perro de Presa Canario requires an experienced handler.
A rustic-looking, athletic and strong breed, the Perro Majorero has traditionally worked on the island of Fuerteventura as a herding dog and a guard dog. Known for their fiercely territorial nature, this breed will happily patrol their land, acting as a deterrent to any potential intruders. It is not advised that this rural dog be kept in a small, family home.
A hairless dog of varying sizes, the Peruvian Hairless Dog has existed for many hundreds of years, dating back to before the time of the Incas. While their skin requires some extra attention, they are generally a low maintenance breed that enjoy relaxing with their family and learning new tricks. They make a great choice of pet for any dog lover who is allergic to canine dander.
A good-natured and confident scenting hound, the Petit Bleu de Gascogne was bred from the Bleu de Gascogne in order to produce a breed more suited to hunting small game, such as hare. As they require experience to train, love to be outside and have relatively high exercise demands, they are not the right breed of dog for every household.
A gregarious and sweet little toy dog, the Phalène makes a fabulous companion animal, and warmed the laps of the Monarchy and Noblemen many moons ago. Remarkably clever, they delight in being taught different tricks and experiencing new activities in the outside world. Well-suited to living in small quarters, they make excellent apartments dogs, though do need to be exercised daily.
A truly royal breed, the Pharaoh Hound made its way out of Ancient Egypt around 300 years ago, and became a popular rabbit-hunting hound in Malta. Today, it is kept as a striking-looking, gentle companion that socialises well with other dogs and is great with children. It is sensitive, and will bark incessantly if left alone or locked out of the house.
A primitive breed native to Vietnam, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback is best known for its noble appearance, impressive sporting ability and the dedicated loyalty it shows towards its owner. While this breed has traditionally lived outside, they have been known to adapt well to indoor living and make calm and well-mannered housemates. Quick to learn and eager to please, they are easily trained.
Claimed by some to be one of the oldest of the European herding breeds, the Picardy Sheepdog, or Berger Picard, remains relatively unknown outside of France. A high-energy dog, it needs an active home and an experienced owner who can handle its dislike of strangers. The characteristic shaggy coat needs very little grooming and sheds only lightly.
Bred within France to hunt a variety of game over both land and water, the Picardy Spaniel is well-regarded for its versatility and endurance when working. While an energetic dog in the field, when inside the home, the Picardy Spaniel is perfectly calm and pleasant. A good friend to children, many households appreciate the gentle temperament of this fine-looking Spaniel.
A visually stunning dog who craves human companionship and never seems to run out of energy, the Pitsky can make a wonderful family pet in the right hands. They do require vast amounts of both exercise and mental stimulation and do not do well if left alone for prolonged amounts of time, often developing unwanted behaviours.
The Plott Hound was originally developed in the state of North Carolina for hunting large animals, such as wild boar. Their plucky nature and overall strength has meant that they have fearlessly hunted this prey for decades. Sensible when at home, as long as the Plott Hound is provided with plenty of activities and jobs, they make a gentle and well-mannered family pet.
A lively little chap, the Plummer Terrier can be used in a huge variety of disciplines, including ratting, flyball and obedience. Their confidence, quick wit and powerful bodies give them an advantage over many other breeds. A dog that loves to be in the company of people, this sporty little Terrier makes a great addition to an active family.
An elegant yet strong dog, the Podenco Canario is built for speed, as well as endurance. Within the Canary Islands, they have traditionally been used to hunt small, fast prey, such as rabbits and ferrets. Their sweet nature and the patience that they show towards children has meant that even ex-working dogs tend to make superb family pets.
The Poitevin dog is a French scent hound with a long, venerable history. The Poitevin prefers a pack of his own kind to humans, and given his high energy and tendency to bark, is poorly suited as a pet.
The handsome Polish Hound is a rare breed outside his native country. This medium to large dog is a paragon of virtue with a gentle disposition and he is active, but not excessively so, and rarely aggressive. He’s also a healthy chap with no recorded genetic predisposition to disease, although his one flaw is his love of barking, which, generally, he likes to do a lot.
The Polish Hunting Dog is a sensible fellow, with roots going back to the 13th century, but is little known outside his native Poland. With a low maintenance coat and sweet temper, he’d make a great pet, except for the large amounts of exercise he needs each day.
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a medium sized, energetic, bright and intelligent breed thatf was developed in Poland to herd and protect sheep from predators. It is extremely clever and quick to learn but needs to be kept busy with plenty of mental stimulation. It can be strong willed and is not a breed suited to inexperienced owners. The breed has a long coat, which requires brushing almost daily.
The Polish Tatra Sheepdog is a rare breed, adept at both herding sheep and guarding them. Considered a gentle giant who loves the outdoor life, this dog needs a lot of exercise and is a heavy shedder. However, his gentle temperament and reliable nature make him a pleasure to own for those able to meet his needs.
A spunky and determined little dog, the Pom-A-Pug is a pleasure to be around and will quickly make friends with any humans or animals they meet. Some are stubborn and all require constant training from a young age. Their coat is low maintenance but owners should be sure to brush their teeth frequently to prevent periodontal disease.
Pom-Shis are a delightful little Spitz hybrid that have vulpine features and a sweet-natured, jovial personality. As they can live in small homes and don’t have excessive exercise requirements they are sure to become a popular pet in urban areas. Their plush fur keeps them lovely and warm in the winter but can lead to over-heating in the warmer months.
Charismatic little dogs that have wonderful personalities, Pomapoos make great family pets and can cope well in small living quarters. Friendly and kind, this breed is well-regarded for their tolerance of children and are nearly always up for a game and a cuddle. Though their fur requires regular grooming, most are low maintenance and do not need a large amount of exercise.
The Pomapoochi is composed of three breeds and will be bred from a Chihuahua and a Pomapoo. They are petite but high energy and have a sociable personality. Confident and charismatic, the Pomapoochi will slot in well to busy family life and does not require a great deal of exercise. They are easily trained and relish the opportunity to use their brain.
Pomchis are half Pomeranians and half Chihuahuas. This mix results in a portable cute dog that is smart, affectionate, and loyal. The main issue with this crossbreed is their stubborn and feisty personality that can turn into aggressiveness if not properly handled. Thus, early socialisation and exposure to different scenarios, people, and animals is mandatory to raise a well-rounded dog.
An alert and outgoing dog, the Pomeagle gets on well with other dogs and people of all ages. However, due to their established prey drive, most are not tolerant of smaller pets. They can live happily in smaller homes and apartments and do not need access to a back yard as long as their moderate exercise needs are met consistently.
Pomeranians are toy dogs with a plush coat and foxy-like appearance that makes them irresistibly cute. They are friendly, lively, and curious dogs that enjoy being the centre of attention. They make good pets, as they are the happiest when next to people, but are still independent enough not to be too clingy. Though they can be headstrong, they are always loyal and affectionate.
The Pomsky is an affectionate and playful hybrid that is produced by Siberian Husky and Pomeranian parents. Though it can vary in size, its appearance is quite predictable, and few can resist this fluffy bundle of fun. It is usually easy to train and very sociable, but can be very vocal and requires a lot of grooming to manage its heavy-shedding coat.
A plucky and well-adjusted cross of the Pomeranian and Boston Terrier, the Pomston has a sensible head on its shoulders. With a low maintenance coat, moderate exercise needs and the ability to live in small homes, they suit a wide range of modern day owners. Caution is advised though; avoid spoiling these dogs to prevent ‘small dog syndrome’ from setting in.
Adept at hunting in swamps and marshes, the Pont-Audemer Spaniel is sometimes referred to as a ‘water specialist’. This breed is also lovingly called ‘a clown’ thanks to their jovial personality and the sweet way with which they play with the children of the home. An incredibly rare dog even in their native France, the Pont-Audemer Spaniel is at real risk of extinction.
The Poodle is an elegant, intelligent and happy breed of dog that comes in a variety of sizes. The Poodle is an excellent companion animal, as it is easy to train, and is eager to please. The curly Poodle coat requires frequent grooming, as it grows continuously and can turn into cords and mats. Poodle cross breeds are currently very popular.
A loyal little dog with a real desire to learn, the Poogle makes a good training companion and often excels at whatever it is asked to do. Poogles love to be around people and are equally comfortable in the company of other dogs. Playful and kind, the Poogle has a reputation for being a great choice of pet for those families with young children.
A fun pet for the whole family, the Poolky, also known as the Silky Poo, is both affectionate and kind. As they do not have high exercise requirements and respond well to basic training, this is a good breed for the first-time owner. An intelligent dog, it is important to not neglect their mental development and to provide them with an array of activities to participate in.
Named for their sleek and glossy white coat, the Porcelaine is native to France and is not well known internationally. Used as a scenting hound, this dog commonly hunts hares, boar and even small deer. While still mainly used to work, the Porcelaine can integrate well as a companion animal, as they have the typical loving personality of most hounds.
The Porgi is a short-coated hybrid dog, which is a cross between a Corgi and Pug. Affectionate and loving, they can have a stubborn streak and be slightly mouthy. Their ideal owner has some experience with dogs and can give the dog a calm environment, away from chaotic children. Potential health problems include disc disease, allergies, and bladder stones.
An impressively large dog, the Portuguese Mastiff is thought to have descended from the ancient Molosser breeds of central Asia. Utilised as a livestock shepherd and watchdog by rural farmers throughout Portugal several hundred years ago, this breed is now more often seen as a guard dog or family pet. A rare find today, it is unlikely you will meet one in your lifetime.
As the national dog of Portugal, the Portuguese Podengo is one of the oldest breeds in the world. After their arrival on the Iberian peninsula with Phoenician traders, the breed has diversified to include dogs of three different sizes and two coat types. As an active hunting dog, the Podengo is a great companion but requires plenty of stimulating outdoor exercise.
The Portuguese Pointer is a medium sized, lively, but loyal and affectionate breed developed in Portugal to point and mark game during hunts. It is highly trainable and is intrinsically eager to please. The breed is best suited to an active household and is good with children. It has a short easy to care for coat, although it does shed throughout the year. The breed is very healthy and does not suffer from any breed specific health problems.
A powerful and stubborn breed of dog that shows extreme loyalty to its family, the Portuguese Watchdog very much lives up to its name, acting as a fantastic watch dog, even if never taught to do so. Difficult to train and a breed that likes to do their own thing, the Portuguese Watchdog is not suited to a novice owner.
With their webbed toes and warm coats, the Portuguese Water Dogs were perfect for their original use as working dogs on fishing vessels. This affable and intelligent dog accompanied Portuguese fishermen as far away as Newfoundland where they herded fish into nets. Energetic and loyal, they are a great outdoor, family dog.
The Posavac Hound is a little-known gem of a dog. Medium-sized, he needs a good amount of exercise, but has a faultless reputation for being good-natured and even-tempered. Better still, the breed is considered healthy and free from many genetic health issues that are common in other breeds.
The Poxer, or Box-A-Pug, is a hybrid dog, which is a mix between a Boxer female and Pug male. They Poxer is an energetic clown that loves to snuggle and makes for great family dog. A medium-sized, short-coated dog, they are easy to care for, but health problems include corneal ulcers, bloat, and breathing difficulties as a result of their short snouts.
The Prague Ratter is the world’s smallest dog by height, which belies this hunting dog’s ability to kill rats. A lively but loving character, he’s loyal to his owner but wary of strangers, and thinks nothing of preying on other family pets.
A hard-working and versatile hunting dog that is also gentle and kind, the Pudelpointer makes just as good a family pet as they do a huntsman’s companion. A mix of the German hunting Poodle and English Pointer, the breed was originally developed to flush, retrieve and point, whether on land or water; the ‘Swiss army knife’ of hunting dogs!
The Pug is a small charismatic, happy, playful dog of extremely old oriental origins. Solely bred as a companion the Pug can make an excellent family pet. It has a short, stout appearance and does not require large amounts of exercise. Their coat requires minimal grooming, although it does shed. The breed is prone to several health problems, so careful selection of the healthiest family lines possible is important.
A loyal and loving little dog, this interesting looking character has a lot of love to give and will dedicate itself to its owner. Needing small amounts of exercise each day and not requiring too much space, this hybrid does well in urban environments and in small houses. With the ability to play sweetly with children, the Pug-Zu makes a wonderful family pet.
A sweet dog, the Pugalier has a clownish personality and will love anyone it meets. As they do not require a lot of exercise and enjoy nothing more than to be in the company of people, they make the ideal pet for the older person. As there are several health conditions that can inflict this breed, owners should always buy from responsible breeders.
The Pugapoo is a mix between the Pug and the Poodle. This hybrid has an outstanding character and is a great canine companion. Their coat care needs varies depending on which parent they take after. A Pugapoo requires a moderate amount of exercise, but plenty of mental stimulation. If they have a fault, it’s a tendency to bark when bored.
The Puggle is a mix breed that results from crossbreeding a Pug and a Beagle. Being a lap dog, Puggles are affectionate family dogs, having inherited both of their parents’ characteristics. Puggles are active and curious like the Beagle and true companions like the Pug. Because they have longer snouts than Pugs, they breathe easier and tend to be healthier too.
While a cross between a Pug and a Dalmatian may sound more like the start of a joke than a designer dog, the Pugmatian actually makes a handsome and loving pet. Though still incredibly rare, the charming physical appearance and friendly nature of the Pugmatian could well mean that its popularity grows considerably in years to come.
Plucky and determined though affectionate and sweet-natured, the Pugshire is a level-headed dog that makes a good companion and forms strong connections with its owners. Very sociable, these guys do well with most other pets as well as children, though should be monitored due to their small size. Always alert, the Pugshire works as well as any burglar alarm!
The Pumi is an energetic and sporty breed that is brimming with intelligence. They are good with children and love being part of the family. Be prepared though, as this breed needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Bred as herding dogs, despite their cuddly teddy-bear appearance, these dogs are inherently protective and can be suspicious of strangers.
An ancient and noble dog breed, the Pungsan dog hails from North Korea and has likely been in existence for more than 500 years. Originally used for hunting, these physically impressive dogs are now most often seen as companion animals that diligently protect their family through their roles as watch dogs and guard dogs.
A confident and cheerful crossbreed, the Pushon fits in well into most family homes and makes a great friend for children of all ages. Their desire to be social can be a negative at times as they may become over reliant on human company, finding it difficult to relax when left alone. These dogs can shed more than one might expect.
The Pyrenean Mastiff is an ancient guardian breed, long used by the Aragonian shepherds of Spain to protect their flocks from large predators like wolves and bears. The breed has retained a strong protective instinct, and despite its normally docile and gentle nature, is quick to put itself in harm’s way when it feels its family is threatened.
The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a gentle, affectionate companion that is particularly good with children and smaller pets. However, it is also a loyal and fierce protector. Originally bred to guard livestock from predators and thieves, it is suspicious of strangers, and needs socialisation and persistent training to overcome any tendency to shyness or aggression.
The Pyrenean Sheepdog has been herding livestock in the Pyrenees for many centuries. They are active, loyal and intelligent dogs who accompany their owners wherever they go. They form a loving and enduring bond with their owner but can be wary of strangers. Exercise and mental stimulation are important aspects to keep this breed happy.