Dog Breeds - Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed displays towards family members and familiar individuals can vary. Some breeds tend to be more reserved and aloof, forming a strong bond primarily with their owner, while other breeds are known for their friendly and sociable nature treating everyone they know as dear friends. It's important to note that individual personality and upbringing also play a significant role in a dog's affectionate behavior regardless of their breed. Thus, while certain breeds may have general tendencies towards being more or less affectionate each dog should be evaluated on an individual basis.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree of tolerance and patience that a particular breed exhibits towards children's conduct along with their overall affinity towards families. It is essential to maintain constant supervision when dogs interact with young children or with children of any age who may not have much prior experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
It is crucial to supervise dogs when they interact or meet other dogs, regardless of their breed. Nevertheless, some breeds inherently exhibit a greater tendency to be friendly and get along with other dogs both in domestic and public environments.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair that can be expected to be shed by a breed. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing are more likely to provoke certain allergies and will necessitate more frequent vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The recommended frequency for bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance in different breeds. It is important to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you can allocate for these grooming tasks when assessing the required effort. Additionally, it is essential for all breeds to regularly trim their nails.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool. If you have a preference for cleanliness, breeds that have a tendency to leave trails of drool on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes may not be suitable options for you.
COAT TYPE +
Wiry, Smooth
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of friendliness a breed is likely to exhibit towards strangers. Certain breeds may be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting, whereas other breeds are generally eager to greet new people whenever they are present.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed is likely to display towards play, even beyond the puppy stage. Certain breeds will maintain their desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into adulthood, while others will prefer to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The inclination of a breed to notify you of the presence of strangers. Such breeds are more prone to react to any potential threat, whether it be the mailman or a squirrel near the window. However, these breeds are also likely to become more comfortable with strangers once they enter the house and are accepted by the family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change. This includes adjustments to living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines and other variations that occur in their day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness of a breed to learn new things. Certain breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners and are eager to learn, while others may have a more independent nature and prioritize their own desires over following commands or learning new skills.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The level of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed. High-energy breeds are always up for the next adventure, enthusiastically spending their time running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more relaxed and enjoy leisurely activities, resembling couch potatoes who are content to lounge around and snooze.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization displayed by a breed, which can include barks or howls. Certain breeds tend to bark at every passer-by or even birds near the window, while others reserve their barking for specific situations. It's worth noting that some barkless breeds may still be vocal, utilizing alternative sounds to express themselves.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The level of mental stimulation required by a breed to maintain their happiness and overall well-being. Purpose-bred dogs often have jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other mental qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, these dogs may create their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which may not align with the projects their owners would prefer.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed displays towards family members and familiar individuals can vary. Some breeds tend to be more reserved and aloof, forming a strong bond primarily with their owner, while other breeds are known for their friendly and sociable nature treating everyone they know as dear friends. It's important to note that individual personality and upbringing also play a significant role in a dog's affectionate behavior regardless of their breed. Thus, while certain breeds may have general tendencies towards being more or less affectionate each dog should be evaluated on an individual basis.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The degree of tolerance and patience that a particular breed exhibits towards children's conduct along with their overall affinity towards families. It is essential to maintain constant supervision when dogs interact with young children or with children of any age who may not have much prior experience with dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

It is crucial to supervise dogs when they interact or meet other dogs, regardless of their breed. Nevertheless, some breeds inherently exhibit a greater tendency to be friendly and get along with other dogs both in domestic and public environments.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair that can be expected to be shed by a breed. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing are more likely to provoke certain allergies and will necessitate more frequent vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The recommended frequency for bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance in different breeds. It is important to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you can allocate for these grooming tasks when assessing the required effort. Additionally, it is essential for all breeds to regularly trim their nails.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool. If you have a preference for cleanliness, breeds that have a tendency to leave trails of drool on your arm or create large wet spots on your clothes may not be suitable options for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Wiry, Smooth

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of friendliness a breed is likely to exhibit towards strangers. Certain breeds may be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting, whereas other breeds are generally eager to greet new people whenever they are present.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed is likely to display towards play, even beyond the puppy stage. Certain breeds will maintain their desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into adulthood, while others will prefer to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The inclination of a breed to notify you of the presence of strangers. Such breeds are more prone to react to any potential threat, whether it be the mailman or a squirrel near the window. However, these breeds are also likely to become more comfortable with strangers once they enter the house and are accepted by the family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change. This includes adjustments to living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily routines and other variations that occur in their day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness of a breed to learn new things. Certain breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners and are eager to learn, while others may have a more independent nature and prioritize their own desires over following commands or learning new skills.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The level of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed. High-energy breeds are always up for the next adventure, enthusiastically spending their time running, jumping and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more relaxed and enjoy leisurely activities, resembling couch potatoes who are content to lounge around and snooze.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The level of mental stimulation required by a breed to maintain their happiness and overall well-being. Purpose-bred dogs often have jobs that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other mental qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, these dogs may create their own activities to keep their minds occupied, which may not align with the projects their owners would prefer.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Yellow	232
Fawn	082
Chestnut	070
Gray	100
Gold	091
Red	140
Orange	133
White & Black	202
White & Gray	210
White & Orange	213
White & Red	214
White & Fawn	207
White & Gold	208
White & Yellow	501
White & Chestnut	499

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
White Markings	014

About The Breed

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a lively and playful hound breed that excels at hunting rabbits. Despite its hunting instincts, Pequenos are also well-behaved and charming as companions in the home. With a height ranging from 8 to 12 inches and a weight not exceeding 13 pounds, they are the smallest of Portugal's three Podengo breeds. Their distinctive features include a wedge-shaped head, expressive almond-shaped eyes and erect, pointed ears. The breed has a muscular, long-backed body, a tapered and sickle-shaped tail and a coat that can be either short and dense or long and wiry. Overall, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno represents a rugged and practical rabbit-hunting dog that has remained true to its original purpose.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A PORTUGUESE PODENGO PEQUENO

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Portuguese Podengo Pequeno: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is generally considered a healthy breed. Due to a relatively small gene pool in the United States responsible breeders take measures to screen their breeding stock for potential genetic issues. These screenings often include assessments for eye disorders, hip dysplasia and patellar luxation (slipped stifles). However, it is worth noting that the majority of Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are healthy dogs with few genetic problems. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Patella Evaluation Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a low-maintenance breed in terms of grooming. They come in two coat types: smooth and wire. For the wire coat routine brushing and combing to remove any tangles will suffice, while the smooth coat can be kept clean with an occasional wipe-down using a damp cloth. Monthly baths are typically enough to keep them in good shape and there is no need for clipping or scissoring. It is important to establish a dental care routine with regular brushing to prevent dental issues. Nail trimming should also be done regularly using a nail clipper or grinder. Overall, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a wash-and-wear kind of dog when it comes to grooming.

Exercise

	The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, originally bred for rabbit hunting is an energetic breed that needs daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They are known for their toughness and endurance. Providing brisk daily exercise is essential for their well-being. Activities such as playing in a large fenced yard going for a vigorous walk participating in agility or obedience trials or engaging in hunting can satisfy their exercise needs. It is important to note that they should only be allowed off-leash within securely fenced areas. Their strong hunting instincts may lead them to follow scents and potentially get into trouble if not properly contained.

Training

	The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a lively and intelligent breed with a quick learning ability. Training sessions with them should be fun and kept in short durations to maintain their engagement. They thoroughly enjoy training and can excel in a variety of activities. Whether it's training them as hunters, in performance sports or even as watchdogs despite their small size, they are known for their adaptability and capability. By keeping training sessions positive and enjoyable, you can develop a well-behaved and welcome companion that can thrive in any situation.

Nutrition

	The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno can thrive on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with guidance and approval from a veterinarian. It is important to choose a diet that is appropriate for the dog's age, whether it's a puppy, adult, or senior. Some Podengo Pequenos may be prone to weight gain, so monitoring their calorie intake and maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Treats can be used for training purposes but should be given in moderation to avoid obesity. It is essential to be aware of which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided. If there are any concerns about your dog's weight or diet consulting with a veterinarian is recommended. Furthermore, clean and fresh water should be accessible to the dog at all times to ensure proper hydration.

Historiography

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno despite being a recent addition to the AKC Hound Group is actually an ancient breed with a rich history. It is believed that their ancestors were brought to Portugal many centuries ago by Phoenician, Roman and Moorish traders and invaders. Over time, the Portuguese people adapted and refined these dogs to specifically hunt rabbits in the rugged terrain of the Iberian countryside. In fact, the Pequenos are often referred to as "probably the world's smallest hunting dog." They have the ability to work alone or in small groups, assisting hunters by flushing out rabbits from their hiding places and herding them into open areas for the hunt. The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno holds a significant role as a skilled hunting companion with a heritage dating back to antiquity.