History
All Podengo types are hardy, intelligent and lively Dogs, excelling at agility and making fine companions. As an added bonus the Portuguese Podengo need little grooming ?.
One of the oldest of all Dog breeds. Brought to the Iberian Peninsula over two thousand years ago by Romans and Phoenicians, these primitive Dogs have not changed much since ancient times.
Description
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a small, primitive breed that resembles a stocky Chihuahua. Strong, sturdy and well-muscled. In profile, Podengo Pequenos are longer than they are tall and have a pronounced fore chest.
Grooming and Physical Needs
- Grooming Needs: The Podengo Portugueso Medio needs little grooming. Occasionally comb and brush to remove the dead and loose hair.
- Coat Type: The coat comes in two varieties: smooth and wire-coated. The smooth coat is hard and longer than that of most sighthounds. The wirehaired coat is medium-long, shaggy and coarse. Colors may include yellow, fawn or black with white markings.
- Moulting: This breed is an average shedder.
- Exercise Needs: This fast and very active breed needs a lot of daily exercise, including a daily, long, brisk walk or jog.
- Average Life Span: 12-14 years.
Behaviour
- Family: Courageous and a good watchdog, they are affectionate, making a good family companion.
- Temperament: They are an intelligent, lively breed.
- Trainability: The Podengo Pequeno is a very bright breed and is easy to train. Reward-based techniques, using positive reinforcement rather than harsh verbal or physical corrections, makes teaching these dogs standard obedience commands a breeze.
- Sociability (Other Pets): They are tireless hunting hounds that need to actively engage with people and other animals to stay physically and mentally fit.
- Barking: Podengo Pequenos tend to be a bit barky, especially when they are excited or want to draw their owner’s attention to something they find interesting.
Talents
Keen hunting Dogs, the Podengo has an affinity for chasing.
Notes
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.