Classified as a hound, the alert and playful little Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a quick, athletic rabbit hunter of ancient lineage. Pequenos love to run, romp, and chase when outdoors but make charming and well-mannered housemates.
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a cheerful, versatile, rambunctious little dog with a strong desire to please the people he loves. However, it is an independent thinker and is naturally wary around strangers. Though they are lovable and loving, Pequenos are not lap dogs. They are tireless hunting hounds that need to actively engage with people and other animals to stay physically and mentally fit. They should be treated like the bright, active animals that they are. This is not to say that they are stodgy. To the contrary, Podengo Pequenos are known for their silliness. They run around the house with wild abandon, jumping onto and banking off of furniture and engaging in any number of other amusing antics. They become very attached to their owners, are patient with children and make terrific family companions. Loyal, tenacious and fearless, they also make great watchdogs.
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a no-frills, wash-and-wear kind of dog who comes in two coat types: smooth and wire. Routine brushing followed by running a comb through the hair to eliminate any tangles in the wire coat, and an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth on the smooth coat, will be sufficient to keep him in great shape between monthly baths. No clipping or scissoring is required. Starting a good dental-care program with regular brushing will alleviate the possibility of issues occurring later. Nails should be trimmed regularly using a nail clipper or grinder.
Bred originally for rabbit hunting, the energetic Portuguese Podengo Pequeno requires brisk daily exercise. They have a rightful reputation for being tough and tireless. Playing in a large fenced yard, a vigorous walk daily, participation in agility or obedience trials, or hunting can provide the needed activity. They should only be allowed loose within safely fenced areas—as hunters, their instinct to follow their nose can get them into trouble quite quickly.
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a healthy breed overall. With a small gene pool in the States, breeders screen breeding stock to be able to identify and breed away from possible genetic issues .Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as eye disorders and joint diseases such as hip dysplasia or patellar luxation (slipped stifles). Overall, the majority of PPPs are healthy dogs with few genetic problems.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
Read the Official Breed Club Health Statement.
Though new to the AKC Hound Group, Pequenos are an ancient breed. It’s thought that their ancestors were brought to Portugal in antiquity by successive waves of Phoenician, Roman, and Moorish traders and invaders. This breeding stock was adapted by the Portuguese to hunt rabbits in the craggy Iberian countryside. Pequenos have been called “probably the world’s smallest hunting dog.” Working alone or in small packs, they assist hunters by routing rabbits from their hiding places and into open country.