Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey certainly has no shortage of famous faces, from Matt Damon to power couple Zendaya and Tom Holland. But it's a four-legged performer who has emerged as one of the unexpected stars of the show and captured the hearts of dog lovers around the globe.
Argos, Odysseus's loyal dog, is played by a Portuguese Podengo in the new film. And, like the story itself, this stunning hunting hound has a history stretching back thousands of years.
In Homer's poem, Argos waits 20 years for his master to return from the Trojan War. When Odysseus finally returns in disguise (spoiler alert) his faithful friend is one of the few to recognize him before passing away.
Christopher Nolan has even described The Odyssey as "the ultimate dog story", as his own experience of pet ownership helped him understand its emotional heart.
What breed is Argos in The Odyssey?
In the film, Argos is played by three dogs at different stages of his life, including a Portuguese Podengo for his adult years.
This beautiful breed is recognizable by its erect ears, wedge-shaped head, and alert expression. It has a lean, muscular build thanks to its heritage working across Portugal's rugged countryside, with either a smooth or wire-haired coat.
The history of the Portuguese Podengo
The Portuguese Podengo is classed as a “primitive dog breed”—essentially, ancient breeds that haven't changed much over a long period, including Japan's Shiba Inu and Mexico's hairless Xoloitzcuintli. Unlike more modern breeds that rely on one dominant sense, Podengos hunt using a combination of sight, scent and sound.
Today, it's one of the rarest breeds in the world, but Podengos have been working alongside humans as hunting dogs for thousands of years.
They first arrived on the Iberian Peninsula around 700 BCE with Phoenician and Roman merchants across the Mediterranean, and even have some shared ancestry with Pharaoh Hounds.
Podengos come in three sizes, each developed for a different purpose. Pequeno (small) worked as ratters on Portuguese ships during the 15th century, while the Pequeno Médio (medium) hunted small game like rabbits, and the powerful Grande (large) helped to hunt wild boar and deer.
What are Portuguese Podengos like as pets?
Considering doing an Odysseus and making a Podengo your loyal companions? They are a lively, intelligent breed, so best suited to more active owners. While Podengos are bright and quick to learn, they were bred to work independently of people, which can make training more of a challenge than other more beginner-friendly dog breeds.
At home, expect an affectionate dog with plenty of personality. The Royal Kennel Club (RKC) describes them as a family companion, whose "friendly temperament, character and intelligence make him a great personality."
A secure yard and good leash training are advisable though, as they have a strong prey drive so their hunting instincts can take over when they catch a scent. Be sure to research their size too, as each variety has different needs. A reputable breeder should be able to explain their temperament, health and exercise requirements.
While we'd never advise picking a dog breed just because they look appealing on screen, for the right owners, Portuguese Podengos can be an energetic and entertaining companion with an ancient past—and loyalty worthy of Odysseus himself.
Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.
