

In Portugal these dogs are used for hunting, ratting, guard work and companionship. Human intervention in breeding has reduced the Medio's size, while leaving other characteristics intact.

Hunting in packs or alone, the Portuguese Hounds became very skilled at hunting rabbits. It is sometimes still used as a small-game hunter there. Although the Medio's closest relative, the Podengo Grande, is now very rare, this lively and alert medium-sized hound remains a popular dog, particularly in rural parts of northern Portugal. However, the Podengo could be a descendant of small Iberian wolves. The Grande, from which the Medio and Pequeno evolved, is similar to the tan-colored sighthounds, such as the Pharaoh Hound, which spread out of North Africa to the Iberian Peninsula. There are two possible origins of all Podengo Portugueso.

The Podengo Portugueso comes in three sizes: The Grande (large), Medio (medium) and Pequeno (small). Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner. Moderate Shedding: Expect this dog to shed regularly. Each type is either smooth-coated or wire. Because this breed has had relatively limited intervention by humans, it has a low incidence of known inherited defects or diseases. There are three types and two coat varieties of Podengos: the Podengo Grande, Podengo Medio and Podengo Pequeno. Low Maintenance: Grooming is only necessary once in a while to maintain upkeep. This fast and very active breed needs a lot of daily exercise, including a daily, long, brisk walk or jog. It is also friendly toward other pets and friendly toward strangers. Good with Kids: This is a suitable dog breed for kids. This breed is well-suited for hot sunny climates and can live and sleep outdoors so long as they have adequate shelter. The Podengo Portugueso Medio is not recommended for apartment life. If you have an active family and the time to devote to a lively and smart little dog, then maybe you should consider bringing a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno home with you. You might be required to do some extra searching but wouldn’t rescuing a dog be worth that effort? Don’t forget to look into adopting an adult Pequeno. You can also attend dog shows, speak to a national or local dog club, or post your desire to find a Pequeno puppy on social media. However, there aren’t many Portuguese Podengo Pequeno breeders in North America, so be prepared for the possibility of traveling a fair distance in order to visit a kennel to pick up your puppy. If you’re interested in searching for one of these gorgeous dogs, you can start by looking for an excellent local breeder. All of these factors will determine her personality and temperament as an adult dog. The most important factor in every dog’s life is how she was socialized and trained as a puppy and how she has been treated throughout her lifetime. Lastly, it has been said that female dogs are easier to train and can be a little more affectionate than males, but there are debates about this.

The most obvious advantage of electing to have your dog go through surgery is in preventing unplanned pregnancies, but it can also decrease aggressive behavior, and it might even prolong your dog’s life by reducing the possibility of specific health problems in the future. Spaying the female is a more complicated surgery than neutering the male and will be more expensive and will take longer for her to recover from. The next consideration between females and males is whether or not you plan to spay or neuter your Pequeno. Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Puppies Image Credit: Marcis Gaujenietis, Shutterstockīoth male and female Pequenos are 8 to 12 inches in height and weigh 9 to 13 pounds, but the female might be slightly smaller and lighter than the male. Pequenos come in a variety of different colors, including black, chestnut, red, orange, gray, and most commonly in gold, yellow, or fawn with white markings. The Pequeno is a small dog with erect pointed ears and a sickle-shaped tail, and she comes in a smooth or wirehaired coat. It is believed that the Pequeno was brought to Portugal at least 1,000 years ago through Moorish, Phoenician, and Roman traders and were used for hunting rabbits in the Portuguese countryside. They are the national dogs of Portugal and belong to the Hound Group through the AKC, and they are considered the smallest hunting dog breed in the world. The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a purebred dog that is the smallest of the Portuguese Podengo breeds (Pequeno translates to “small” or “little”). Fawn, Yellow, Brown, Black, Gray, Orange, RedĪctive, Lively, Playful, Intelligent, Eager to Please
