Portuguese Podengo Small

Breed Description

The dogs currently known as the Portuguese Rabbit Dog, or Portuguese Podengo, or Portuguese Hound, have a rich history. Interestingly, the breed is also referred to as the Portuguese Small Podengo. Several centuries ago, when the Romans and Phoenicians arrived on the Iberian Peninsula, their dogs were bred with local breeds, resulting in a rich lineage. The assimilated hybrids quickly established themselves among the local population. As noted by renowned dog breeders, the Podengo of that time worked under harsh conditions in hunting, as assistants in herding livestock, and on farms to catch rodents. Due to their efficiency, endurance, unique appearance, and rich history, they are rightly considered one of the most important parts of the local culture.

These small dogs retain traits from their ancient ancestors that make them excellent hunters. Their mental and physical capabilities enable them to be valuable companions for hunters in the mountainous and rocky regions of Portugal. It is easy to find dog kennels on the map – they are often specially marked, familiar to local dog breeders.

Due to their versatility, the small Portuguese Podengo has become popular across all social strata. They have served both for survival in the wild and for domestic living, which has promoted their popularity and spread throughout the country. For instance, they are actively used in modern hunting as indispensable companions.

Today, Portuguese Small Podengos continue to be held in high regard both in their country of origin and abroad. They attract attention with their exceptional character and excellent working qualities. Additionally, this breed is valued as wonderful family pets, bringing joy with the friendly and devoted behavior of the Portuguese Podengo. Nearly every country in the world has a reputable kennel or breeder of hunting or companion dogs offering Portuguese Hound puppies. In Russia, you can purchase a Podengo puppy from one of the kennels. The cost of such puppies starts from 60,000 to 80,000 rubles, while in my historical homeland, such dogs are sold for 1,500 euros and above. It is noteworthy that for show-quality individuals, you will need to pay more than 100,000 rubles and wait in line for pre-orders.

Appearance

A compact, elegant dog with a graceful and harmonious build. Males of this breed typically weigh between 4.5 to 6 kg, while females range from 4 to 5 kg. At the withers, the Portuguese Small Podengo reaches a height of approximately 20 to 30 cm.

Visually, it somewhat resembles a Chihuahua, looking elegant and refined. Rabbit dogs, according to well-known breeders in Russia, possess a slender, linear muzzle, straight and strong hind limbs, and smooth, shiny short hair. These dogs have a distinctive stylish gait that adds to their charm. Despite their modest size, they are muscular, compact, and sturdy. There is no excess weight even in neutered or spayed individuals. They are characterized by exceptional endurance, which some breed enthusiasts believe they inherited from their ancestors. According to unverified genetic information, their ancestors include Iberian wolves and a large variety of breeds.

Proper care, healthy nutrition, and an active lifestyle can contribute to the longevity of the Portuguese Small Podengo. With appropriate care and living conditions, they live on average from 12 to 15 years, maintaining their energy and love for play for many years.

Отличительные черты

Голова

In the shape of a narrow wedge, with a wide base. When viewed from the side, the profile is almost straight, with pronounced brow ridges and a simplified skull. The occipital protuberance is clearly visible, and there is a flat area between the ears. The stop is virtually unremarkable. The skull is definitely longer than the muzzle.

Морда

The nose has a slightly pointed shape, protruding a bit at the tip, and is somewhat slanted. The tip of the nose is usually darker than the color of the fur. When viewed from the front, the muzzle is slightly curved, shorter than the length of the skull, with a broad base and pronounced brow ridges.

Уши

They are positioned roughly at eye level, also slightly diagonally. They are quite mobile, with thin cartilages. They can be upright but are more often slightly tilted forward. They are triangular in shape, with pointed tips and a fairly wide base. Elongated and thin.

Глаза

Only a colorful iris is allowed, ranging from dark brown to hazel and honey tones-the intensity and brightness depend on the color of the coat. The gaze is lively and cheerful. The eyes are small, slightly slanted, and not protruding. Any deviation from the specified parameters is considered a defect.

Зубы

When viewed from the front, it is immediately noticeable that the lips are pressed against the gums, and the jaws are strong and sturdy. The lips are black and thin. The bite is only scissor-shaped, with teeth that are even and without enamel issues; the canines are powerful and large compared to the overall size of the animal. The cheekbones protrude slightly.

Корпус

The neck is muscular, strong, and quite elongated, smoothly transitioning into a straight line at the top. From the side, the withers do not stand out much. The back is flat and fairly long, with a chest that is not too wide and drops almost to the elbows. The belly is tight, and the groin is clearly defined.

Конечности

Уверенная, невесомая рысь достигается за счет особого строения конечностей поденго. Передние ноги параллельно поставлены, прямые, с сильными мышцами. Плечо под наклоном, довольно длинное, с мускулистым предплечьем. Подушечки лап жёсткие, с когтями тёмного цвета. Задние ноги при взгляде сзади с мощной мускулатурой, особенно на бёдрах. Сильные скакательный суставы, подушечки сзади плотные, пальцы длинные, когти тёмные.

Хвост

Of natural length (average size), sufficiently thick and set high. Slightly curved upwards, reaching the hock. During movement, it extends parallel to the ground, continuing the line of the back. It never curls in a ring.

Шерсть

There are several types of fur: coarse and smooth. In both cases, there is no undercoat. Smooth-haired Podengos have a denser coat than dogs with a coarse type of fur. Moreover, a beard is only found in coarse-haired Podengos.

Окрас

The breed standard specifies that small Portuguese Podengos can be black, brown, white with spots, or the stated colors with white markings. However, these colors are acceptable but are valued less than yellow and fawn shades of varying intensity.

Character

As noted by renowned dog breeders, among the wide variety, several key traits of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno can be highlighted.

First and foremost is their extraordinary energy and excellent mental abilities. Due to their energy, they require constant physical activity and training; otherwise, a lack of engagement can lead to destructive behavior.

When discussing their sharp intellect, it’s worth mentioning a significant degree of stubbornness. As the saying goes, “trouble from intelligence”: at times, a Podengo might use all its cleverness just to avoid doing what it doesn’t want to do at that moment. All the cleverness that aids the dog in work and learning is redirected into persistence. In such cases, the owner may need to seek help from specialists, such as the dog breeding facilities where the puppy was purchased.

Secondly, there is their curiosity and excellent intuition.

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno has outstanding intuition and sensitivity to its surroundings, but their curiosity and independent nature can sometimes lead to stubbornness and disobedience regarding certain commands. They may also show defiance if they don’t see the point in tasks, which creates specific challenges in training.

Independence and self-sufficiency.The breed is known for its independence and self-reliance, which can be interpreted as stubbornness and disobedience, particularly when the dog is waiting for its own decision. They are capable of acting independently and making choices, a trait that results from their long history of being used for hunting, but it can also pose problems in training and behavior control for inexperienced dog owners.Friendliness and love for family.Despite their independence, Podengos are very attached to their owners and the entire family, though this bond may come with jealousy in some situations. It is worth noting that Portuguese hounds exhibit a tendency to protect their territory, which can lead to unpleasant encounters with strangers and other animals.In conclusion, it is clear that the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is an amazing dog breed with a unique character. Their energy, intelligence, independence, and attachment make them extraordinary partners for both work and family life; however, their stubbornness and independence require patience and persistence in the training and upbringing process.

Care and Maintenance

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, as noted by reputable breeders and kennels, is a breed with a pronounced intelligence and energetic temperament. Their care requires a certain level of attention and commitment from the owner, and the same characteristics of the dog may be perceived differently by different owners. For less experienced owners, the independence of these Portuguese hounds might seem like disobedience or stubbornness. However, this is simply a habit shaped by historical use.

One of the most notable features of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is their activity level. They need a lot of open space for physical exercise. Their high metabolism somewhat complicates diet selection, which must include all necessary nutrients. It is essential to ensure a balance and variety of these elements.

The foundation of the diet for a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno should be high-quality proteins such as poultry, beef, a bit of red fish, or eggs. These protein sources will provide the necessary amino acids to maintain muscle mass and overall health. Additionally, carbohydrates such as vegetables and grains should be included to provide calories.

It is also important to include healthy fats in their diet, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil, which will help maintain healthy skin and coat. Along with a balanced diet, a constant supply of fresh water is essential for these dogs.

It is recommended to consult with a veterinarian or an animal nutrition specialist to create an individual feeding plan tailored to the specific needs of each dog.

Physical activity in the care of such dogs should include regular exercises to maintain health and fitness. Walks, running alongside a bike, playing with a ball or frisbee are excellent ways to keep the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno active.An essential aspect of their maintenance is coat care. Fortunately, their coat is easy to manage, requiring regular brushing to keep the hair and skin healthy. This helps prevent overheating and reduces the risk of various skin diseases. Nevertheless, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno does shed, and it is advisable to brush them regularly and remove dead hair, especially during shedding periods, to prevent matting and enhance the coat’s appearance. Daily brushing helps remove dead hair and prevents tangles. A soft brush with gentle bristles is suitable for this breed, as it does not harm the skin or damage the coat. The smooth texture of the Podengo’s coat doesn’t create issues with tangling, simplifying grooming.Regular bathing is not required to avoid washing away the natural protection of their coat and skin. However, if necessary, you can use a shampoo specifically designed for short-haired dog breeds.Attention should also

Training and Education

Every dog owner desires to have a well-behaved and cared-for dog that brings joy not only through its appearance but also through obedience. To achieve this, the owner must put in maximum effort. Our zoo portal offers not just dog kennels and puppy prices, but also recommendations on training and educating your pets.

To have the most fruitful training sessions with a Portuguese Podengo, the owner needs to establish a strong bond, ensuring that the dog will always hear your voice under any circumstances.

Portuguese hounds have a strong sense of family. They are loyal and attached to their owners, making it essential to foster close and trusting relationships. Positive upbringing based on love, respect, and clear rules will help strengthen the bond between you and your Portuguese Podengo. Trust and respect are the fundamental principles of raising this breed.

Consistency is the cornerstone of interaction with this breed.

These small yet resilient hunting dogs are very intelligent but can sometimes be a bit stubborn. It’s crucial to be consistent in your actions and expectations. The dog must understand that you are the pack leader and that it needs to obey. If rules and commands change too often, the dog may become unsure of your leadership. Consistency and clarity in training will help the dog better understand what is expected of it.

Use positive reinforcement!The Portuguese Podengo reacts enthusiastically to praise and rewards. Using positive reinforcement will be an effective method of upbringing and training, as recommended by nearly every professional dog trainer or breeder. Encourage good behavior with treats, praise, or play. This way, you will reinforce positive behavior and motivate the dog to repeat the desired actions.Seek professional help if you are unsure of your abilities. Consulting qualified instructors can assist you and your dog in mastering basic commands and behavioral rules. Professionals can also offer advice and recommendations for raising and managing your Portuguese Podengo’s behavior. Find your puppy through trusted sources on Zoonyk.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a small Portuguese Podengo puppy is an important step, so it’s essential to pay attention to several key points. First, determine the purpose for which you want to acquire a dog. If you plan to use it for hunting, you need a reputable breeder of hunting dogs who can offer suitable options and help you choose a puppy with the right working qualities. If you want a companion dog, research the price list of a kennel that specializes in breeding rabbit dogs, as they are called in their homeland, and get advice on selecting the most social and family-friendly puppy.

Pay attention to the emotional state of the mother and the puppies. The small Portuguese Podengo is a very sensitive breed, and a well-socialized puppy raised in a caring and loving environment can be key to its future good behavior and health. Observe how the mother behaves: normally, she should care for and protect her puppies. These are signs of good maternal care, which can affect the health and temperament of the puppies.

Familiarize yourself with the puppy’s lineage and health. Reputable breeders will have information about the parents of the litter, including their health, performance, and working qualities. Additionally, they often conduct checks for hereditary diseases, so you should have access to the relevant documentation. Ensure that the breeder or kennel provides you with complete information about the puppy and its parents, including X-rays of joints and heart, genetic test results, and vaccination records.

Schedule a personal meeting with the puppy and its parents. This will give you the opportunity to assess the dog’s health and character. Pay attention to the puppies’ behavior-they should be active, curious about the world around them, and confidently interact with you. Also, evaluate the environment of the kennel or breeder’s home-the cleanliness, care for the dogs, and living conditions all reflect professionalism and love for the breed.

Health and Diseases

The main diseases of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno may include joint problems. For example, hip dysplasia, which can develop in dogs of this breed. This condition is hereditary and can cause pain and discomfort in the dog, especially in older age. It is recommended to buy a puppy from a kennel that conducts tests for dysplasia and carefully monitors the health of the puppy’s parents.

Another common issue in rabbit dogs may be poor heart function. One of the most insidious cardiological diseases is cardiomyodystrophy (congenital heart defect). Be sure to request the test results of the puppy’s parents to rule out hereditary heart problems.

Another issue that Pequenos may face is tumors, particularly skin tumors. It is important to closely monitor your dog’s skin, to identify any new growths, and if a problem is detected, to consult a veterinary clinic for diagnosis and treatment.

It is important to remember that regular veterinary visits and caring for your dog reduce the risk of developing many diseases. Zooinformatics makes it easy and attracts the attention of buyers.