Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno or the Small Portuguese Hound is a type of Portuguese Podengo, a primitive breed of dogs with an excellent sense of sight, smell, and hearing used for hunting game. However, some dog registries, including the AKC (American Kennel Club) have recognized the Podengo Pequeno as a separate breed. It comes with a wedge-shaped head, erect ears, expressive eyes, well-muscled body, and a sickle-shaped tail. It is related to the Ibizan Hound, Basenji, Cirneco dell’Etna, and Pharaoh Hound.

Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Pictures

History

The Podengo Pequenos are an ancient breed, which is thought to have evolved from primitive hounds that were brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Phoenician merchants from Anatolia during 1,000 BC. The rough terrain and the harsh climate played a part in shaping up this breed.

During the 15th century, European explorers kept these dogs on their ships for catching rats. It has also been commonly used by the farmers as a keen rabbit hunting dog over the years.

The wire coat Podengo Pequenos were first displayed in the US at a show organized by the ARBA in 2001. On the other hand, the smooth-coated variety was first exhibited in America in 2003.

Temperament and Behavior

Although the Pequeno has earned its reputation as a tireless hunting partner of farmers, it is also cherished as a terrific family companion by city dwellers. It is cheerful and rambunctious by nature, always looking to please its people with its amusing antics.

It is neither too aggressive nor overly shy, but because of its tenacity, fearlessness, and wariness around strangers, the Pequeno makes an excellent watchdog. If socialized from a young age, it is patient with children and other dogs in the household.

Training

Being loyal, smart, and affectionate nature, it is easily trained but requires a firm and confident handler.

Socialization
Introduce your Pequeno puppy to well-behaved children and unfamiliar men regularly, keeping the interactions unthreatening and pleasant. Allow other people to cuddle and handle your pup gently. Invite your friends to come to your place and tell them to approach your dog’s bowl while it is eating. Then ask them to drop a tasty treat into its food bowl. Practicing this will teach the puppy to get used to unknown people approaching its bowl.

Obedience
Since it often has an independent streak, training it for obedience could be useful in dealing with and overcoming problem behaviors. Be sure to teach your pet some easy commands, including stop, come, sit, stay, etc. Keep training short, positive, and relaxed.

Feeding

Keep your Portuguese Podengo Pequeno on a performance diet, containing a high percentage of fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

Interesting Facts

• The Podengo Pequeno delivers a loud, high-pitched bark called “maticar” when chasing its prey. It helps the hunter to locate the dogs and the prey.