The Rare Breed Having Its Hollywood Moment

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is packed with some of Hollywood's biggest names, from Matt Damon and Tom Holland to Zendaya. But one of the film's most talked-about performers has four legs, a wagging tail and a history stretching back thousands of years.

The dog bringing Argos, Odysseus' loyal companion, to life on screen is a Portuguese Podengo – an ancient hunting breed now gaining new fans thanks to one of literature's most famous dogs.

The dog at the heart of The Odyssey

"It's the ultimate dog story."

That's how Christopher Nolan has described The Odyssey while promoting his adaptation of Homer's epic tale.

For dog lovers, it's easy to see why. Among mythical monsters, legendary battles and heroic journeys, one of the story's most memorable moments belongs to Argos – Odysseus' faithful dog.

After waiting twenty years for his owner to return from the Trojan War, Argos is one of the only characters to recognise Odysseus when he finally arrives home disguised as a stranger. Despite his old age, the dog lifts his head, wags his tail and acknowledges his master before peacefully passing away.

For nearly 3,000 years, Argos has remained one of literature's most powerful examples of canine loyalty.

He isn't remembered because he was the fastest dog or the strongest. He is remembered because he never forgot.

Meet the Portuguese Podengo

While Homer never identified Argos' breed in the original poem, the filmmakers chose a Portuguese Podengo to portray the famous hunting dog.

The Portuguese Podengo is an ancient breed with a history stretching back thousands of years. The name "Podengo" comes from the Portuguese word for a rabbit hunter, reflecting the breed's traditional role as a skilled hunter.

Developed to work across Portugal's varied landscapes, Podengos are known for their athleticism, intelligence and ability to hunt using a combination of sight, scent and hearing. These natural instincts, alongside their alert expression and agile build, made them a fitting choice to bring one of literature's most famous dogs to life on screen.

The breed has links to other ancient Mediterranean hunting dogs, including the Pharaoh Hound, and has long been valued in Portugal for both its working ability and companionship. Today, Portuguese Podengos are known for their lively character, intelligence and affectionate nature.

The breed comes in three sizes – small, medium and large – and two coat types: smooth and wire-haired. In the UK, the smaller variety is the one most commonly seen.

Although their roles have changed over time, many of the instincts that made these dogs valuable working companions remain today.

A working heritage lives on...

Argos may come from an ancient story, but the qualities he represents are familiar to anyone who has shared their life with a dog – loyalty, intelligence and the special bond between dogs and people.

The Portuguese Podengo is just one example of a breed whose original purpose continues to shape who they are today. Across many Hound breeds, dogs still demonstrate the skills they were developed for, from using their incredible sense of smell to working alongside their handlers in activities such as field trials.

Whether working in the field or alongside their handlers, these dogs continue to showcase the traits that have made them valued companions for generations.

While The Odyssey may have introduced the Portuguese Podengo to a new audience, this breed's story began long before Hollywood. Like many dogs, its journey is shaped by the relationship between people and their four-legged companions – a connection that has lasted for thousands of years.