The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is one of three size classes of the Portugal Podengo breeds, although they all hail from the southern border in the countryside of Portugal. Yet, their official introduction to the American public was much later, in 1995 when the smooth-coated Pequeno came into the United States, and then a couple of years later in 2001, the first wiry coated had also arrived.Īlbeit the fact that the breed’s ancestors had much smoother coats, ideal in Portugal’s wet north, wiry coats flourished in hot, dry southern Portugal where brambles were particularly abundant. The dogs’ duties were keeping the ship rodent-free during the travels, in order to protect and preserve the food stores and prevent most of the sailors and lower-deck ratings from getting vermin-borne and several other diseases. In the 15 th and 16 th centuries, the breed was taken abroad on ships heading towards America. Firstly, using their sense of scent, then their excellent hearing, to locate the small animals. The dogs hunted alone and also were capable to work together in packs. The dogs’ responsibilities were to flush out the rabbits, capture, kill, and finally retrieve the prey for their human counterparts. In the early days, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno was bred to hunt rabbits for the people in the craggy Iberian countryside. The ancient Roman, Phoenician, and Moorish traders and invaders brought the breed’s ancestors to the Iberian Peninsula over 2000 years ago. The breed, as their name suggests, is originated from Portugal. Neptune City, N.J.: TFH Publications.It is believed that the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is the world’s smallest hunting dog. Wilcox, Bonnie Walkowicz, Chris (1995).Ramsbury, Marlborough: The Crowood Press Ltd. Sighthounds: their form, their function and their future.

The dog: the most complete, illustrated, practical guide to dogs and their world. North Pomfret, VT: Trafalgar Square Publishing. Dogs: the ultimate dictionary of over 1,000 dog breeds. According to the Clube Português de Canicultura's breed standard states the Large stands 55 to 70 centimetres (22 to 28 in) at the withers and healthy adults weigh 20 to 30 kilograms (44 to 66 lb), the Medium stands 40 to 54 centimetres (16 to 21 in) at the withers and healthy adults weigh 16 to 20 kilograms (35 to 44 lb), and the Small stands 20 to 30 centimetres (7.9 to 11.8 in) at the withers and healthy adults weigh 4 to 6 kilograms (8.8 to 13.2 lb). The Portuguese Podengo is bred in three size varieties, the Large, Medium and Small (in Portuguese the Grande, Medio and Pequeno). (Pequeno: rabbits Medio: rabbits and wild boar Grande: deer and wild boar). Each size category traditionally hunts game appropriate to their size and temperament. When game is found, they kill and retrieve it, or flush it towards the hunter to be shot. Typically, the dogs hunt in a pack with their handler following. Keen hunting dogs, the Podengo has an affinity for game regardless of size. Loyal and fearless, Podengos are also good house guards and are amenable to training by dog experienced people and those that enjoy primitive (unrefined, 'less domesticated') dog behavior. In general, the breed is healthy the Pequeno (small) variety has an average lifespan of approximately 15–17 years.Īll Podengo types are hardy, intelligent and lively dogs, excelling at agility and making fine companions. The smooth coated variety is traditional, whereas the wire coated variety is an outcome of the assimilation of various other breeds during the 20th century. Their coats are either short and 'smooth', or longer and 'wired'. As a breed, the Podengo is divided into three size categories that are not interbred: small (Pequeno), medium (Médio) and large (Grande). The Portuguese Podengo, also known as the Podengo Português or Portuguese Warren Hound, is a hound (sight and scent) breed from Portugal.

Portuguese podengo pequeno long hair