Especially Podencos, Galgos, and Whippets get very cold in the winter as they don’t have an undercoat. They need some clothing. If you don’t own a dog but would like to knit this fun doggie sweater, feel free to download the pattern. You can always donate it to an animal shelter.

I put up Podraco as a gift because I wanted as many dogs to benefit as possible. If you would have paid gladly for the pattern, please donate to Hope For Podencos instead.

This privately run rescue center can host about 100 Podencos. Steve makes sure that they are medically treated and prepared for adoption. He also finds them a suitable home so that they will be happy in their new life. And most of all he gives them all his love and tons of cuddles.

Podencos are most horribly abused in Spain. Bred as hunting dogs yet unprotected by the law about 60.000 to 80.000 are dumped, abandoned, or killed each year when the hunting season is over because it is cheaper to buy new dogs than to feed them during the 40 off-season weeks. Their 12 weeks of hunting life isn’t a treat either. How very atrocious.

Podencos are one of the oldest breads descending from the ancient Pharaoh hounds. They are loyal and very gentle with humans, even though most of them have been treated poorly before. Therefore, they might need some time to settle in at first.

Podencos do have a mind of their own very similar to cats, but once you have earned their trust, their heart belongs to you eternally. The model in the dog pictures “adopted me” two years ago. A life-changing event filled with unconditional love.

Podraco is designed for canines with a tall and slender built¸ but it can be easily adjusted to dogs with a different built or size, starting from a middle-sized dog. If you are a skilled knitter, you can tinker around and even try a version for Chihuahuas. Go ahead. The pattern is for free. Naturally, you don’t have to add the spikes if you are looking for a basic pattern.

Podraco is ideal for sport weight yarn, but I used regular sock yarn and knitted with two strands at a time. Dogs like to roll in the mud at times (or worse ). So, you want to use a yarn that will tolerate a washing machine gladly. Like all sweaters Podraco is comprised of several parts. Those of you, who are familiar with my designs, will know that I have my roots in seamless modular knitting that doesn’t involve sewing the parts together. I applied the same techniques here, so you will join the parts as you go. All instructions are given in written and charted form along with graphics to explain the general structure. You will find helpful photo tutorials on all the techniques at the end of the pattern.

Please spread the word, share, follow, and most of all donate.

Stay healthy and safe, lots of doggie cuddles, happy knitting and the likes

PS: If you would like to knit this sweater for a smaller dog, take a look at Liz’ project page. She tweaked the chart into a smaller size and asked for my permission to share the charts. Since this is a free pattern with the aim to raise as much and to make as many dogs happy money as possible I was very happy for her to post the images.
You can find them here:
https://www.ravelry.com/projects/thelizardqu33n/podraco