Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno (Small Portuguese Hound) is an ancient primitive-type hound with a history in Portugal that dates back thousands of years. It is one of three size varieties of the Portuguese Podengo (Pequeno, Medio, and Grande), each adapted for different hunting tasks. The Pequeno is the smallest. Like other Podenco/Podengo breeds of the Mediterranean, their ancestors are believed to have been brought to the Iberian Peninsula by Phoenician and Roman traders from ancient Egypt and the Middle East. These dogs evolved over centuries, adapting to the Portuguese terrain and climate.

The Podengo Pequeno was specifically developed and highly valued for its skill in hunting rabbits and other small game. They are unique in their hunting style, using not only sight (like sighthounds) but also their keen senses of smell and hearing to locate and flush quarry from dense brush, rock crevices, and burrows. Their small size and agility allowed them to navigate difficult terrain where larger hounds could not go. They often worked in small packs or alongside human hunters. The Pequeno also served as an efficient ratter on farms and ships. While still used for hunting in Portugal, they are also gaining appreciation as lively and intelligent companion dogs worldwide. The AKC recognized the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno in 2013.

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is known for its lively, intelligent, and alert temperament. They are energetic and playful little dogs, always ready for activity and adventure. Pequenos form strong bonds with their families and are typically affectionate and loyal, though they are not necessarily fawning lapdogs; they retain a degree of independence. Their intelligence makes them quick learners, but their primitive hound nature can also mean they possess a stubborn or self-willed streak, especially if a compelling scent or sight catches their attention.

As natural hunters, they are very observant of their surroundings and make excellent watchdogs, quick to bark and alert their owners to anything unusual or the approach of strangers. Early and consistent socialization is important to ensure they are well-adjusted and to manage their potential wariness of unfamiliar people or situations. Pequenos generally get along well with other dogs, especially if raised with them, but their strong prey drive means they are not typically trustworthy with very small non-canine pets (like rabbits or rodents) unless meticulously socialized and managed from a very young age.

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno comes in two distinct coat varieties, each with slightly different grooming needs:

• Smooth-coated (Liso): This variety has a very short, dense, smooth single coat that is extremely easy to maintain. A weekly rubdown with a hound mitt or rubber curry brush is usually sufficient to remove loose dead hair and keep the coat shiny.
• Wire-haired (Cerdoso): This variety has a harsh, wiry, medium-length single coat without an undercoat, often with a noticeable beard. The wire coat requires more grooming than the smooth type, including weekly brushing with a slicker brush or pin brush and a comb to prevent tangles and remove debris. Occasional hand-stripping may be done to maintain its correct harsh texture, though many pet owners opt for simple brushing.

Both varieties are considered light to moderate shedders and are known for being clean dogs with little “doggy” odor. Baths are needed only occasionally. Regular nail trims are important, as are ear checks (their large, erect ears generally stay clean but should be checked for any wax buildup) and diligent dental care, as small breeds can be prone to dental issues.

Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are energetic and remarkably agile little dogs that require regular daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. Despite their small size, they were bred for endurance and swift pursuit over challenging terrain. They are not suited for a consistently sedentary lifestyle.

Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of varied activity per day. Good exercise options include:

• Brisk daily walks on a leash, with plenty of opportunities to sniff and explore.
• Off-leash play and running in a very large, **extremely securely fenced area**. Their powerful prey drive, speed, and incredible jumping and climbing ability mean they are supreme escape artists and should never be trusted off-leash in an unsecured environment.
• Canine sports that challenge their agility, intelligence, and hunting instincts, such as lure coursing (they often excel), agility, barn hunt, or Earthdog trials.
• Interactive games like fetch with small toys or puzzle toys to engage their sharp minds.

Without a sufficient outlet for their energy and intelligence, Podengo Pequenos can become bored, restless, and may develop undesirable behaviors such as destructiveness, excessive barking, or escape attempts. They thrive in active homes where they have opportunities to engage their natural instincts in a safe and controlled manner.

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is generally considered a very hardy and healthy breed, having been shaped by natural selection and a working lifestyle in its native Portugal for centuries. As a landrace-type breed, they often have fewer widespread genetic predispositions compared to some more intensively bred modern breeds. However, like all dogs, they can be susceptible to certain conditions. Potential concerns, often typical for small, active hounds, might include:

• Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap, common in many small breeds.
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease:** A hip joint disorder affecting small breeds.
• Dental Issues:** Like many small breeds, they can be prone to tartar buildup and gum disease. Diligent dental care is important.
• Allergies:** Skin or food allergies can occasionally occur.
• Injuries:** Due to their speed, agility, and love for running in potentially rough terrain, they can be prone to minor sprains or cuts.