Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
- Small
- Hound Group
- Popularity rank 164
The smallest of Portugal's three Podengo breeds, the Pequeno is a rustic rabbit hunter built close to the ground. It stands 8 to 12 inches and weighs 9 to 13 pounds, and it is playful, lively, and active in short bursts.
- Height
- 8 to 12
- inches at the shoulder
- Weight
- 9 to 13
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15
- years, median 13.5
- Senior from
- 10.1
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Temperament
- Playful, charming, lively
- Coat
- Smooth, Wiry, short
- Origin
- Portugal
- Recognized
- 2013
2015: rank 153, 2016: rank 160, 2017: rank 159, 2018: rank 154, 2019: rank 149, 2020: rank 157, 2021: rank 162, 2022: rank 171, 2023: rank 163, 2024: rank 157, 2025: rank 164
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is the smallest of Portugal's three Podengo breeds, a small dog of the Hound Group. It stands 8 to 12 inches at the shoulder and weighs 9 to 13 pounds, built close to the ground with a body a little longer than it is tall.
The head is wedge-shaped, with expressive almond-shaped eyes and erect, pointed ears. The body is long-backed and muscular, the tail tapered and sickle-shaped, and the coat comes in two types: short and smooth, or short and wiry. The breed has a rustic appearance and retains its traditional rabbit-hunting form.
Quiet, cheerful, and curious, the Pequeno is playful, charming, and lively. It is loyal to its family and friendly toward most people, though it can be wary and reserved with strangers.
The Podengo dates back thousands of years, originating in Asia Minor before the Phoenicians brought it to the Iberian Peninsula, where it became common in northern Portugal as both hunter and companion. Pequenos hunted vermin and rabbits hiding underground, a talent that earned them passage on the ships of early explorers, including Vasco da Gama and Magellan, where they protected food stores from rodents. The first Pequeno arrived in the U.S. in 1996, and the breed attained full recognition in 2013.
Temperament and needs
Scored 1 to 5 for the breed overall. Individual dogs vary.
- Affectionate with family5 out of 5
- Good with young children5 out of 5
- Good with other dogs5 out of 5
- Openness to strangers3 out of 5
- Playfulness4 out of 5
- Watchdog and protective nature3 out of 5
- Adaptability4 out of 5
- Trainability3 out of 5
- Energy level4 out of 5
- Mental stimulation needs4 out of 5
- Barking level3 out of 5
- Shedding3 out of 5
- Grooming frequency2 out of 5
- Drooling1 out of 5
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
The Pequeno does well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Match the diet to your dog's life stage: puppy, adult, or senior. Keep clean, fresh water available at all times.
Some Pequenos are prone to gaining weight, so watch calorie intake. Monitor how much your dog eats and reduce portions if it gains excess weight. Treats help with training, but too many can add up.
Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not, and check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet.
Grooming
The Pequeno has smooth and wiry coat types. Brush and comb the wiry coat to remove tangles. Wipe the smooth coat occasionally with a damp cloth, and bathe either type monthly. Neither type needs clipping or scissoring.
Trim the nails regularly with a clipper or grinder, and check the ears often for wax buildup and debris.
Start dental care early with daily teeth brushing and occasional professional cleanings.
Exercise
Bred for rabbit hunting, the Pequeno is energetic and needs brisk daily exercise. A vigorous daily walk or a romp in a large, securely fenced yard covers its needs.
These dogs also take naturally to many dog sports, including agility, obedience, and rally, which give them both physical activity and mental stimulation.
Only let a Pequeno off-leash inside safely fenced areas. As a hunter, its instinct to follow a scent can get it into trouble fast.
Training
The Pequeno is a lively, intelligent dog and a quick learner. Keep training fun and in short, reward-based sessions, using food or treats to hold its interest.
Without enough mental and physical stimulation, a Pequeno can get bored and into trouble, so keep sessions positive and consistent.
Start socialization early. It helps your Pequeno grow into a well-mannered dog who is welcome in any situation.
Health conditions
7 conditions are documented for the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno.
A predisposition is not a diagnosis. Ask your vet which screenings make sense for your dog's age.
- Canine Epileptoid Cramping SyndromeNervous System & Behavioral
- CataractsEye
- EpilepsyNervous System & Behavioral
- Legg-Calve-Perthes DiseaseBone & Joint
- Patellar LuxationBone & Joint
Show all 7 conditions Show fewer
Sources
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