Other names/Nicknames:
- Miniature Portuguese Rabbit Hound
- Small Portuguese Warren Hound
Country/Date of origin:
- Portugal
- 1800′s
Height:
- 8 to 11 inches
Weight:
- 11 to 13 pounds
Personality:
- Lively and alert.
- Friendly.
- Gets along well with other dogs.
- A pack hunter.
- Tends to roam.
History:
There are three native sight hounds in Portugal, all are closely related. Podengo (meaning running hound) are divided by size. The largest, about 25 inches is used mostly for coursing hares. The middle size Podengo, or Medio, is about 18 inches tall and is used to chase, catch, kill, and retrieve rabbits. The smallest size, called the Pequeno, is a warren dog that is often used in concert with the Medio. It is sent down the rabbit hole to flush the quarry to the waiting coursers. The two larger size Podengos are hunted singly or in pairs, in the manner of Greyhounds. The Pequeno is traditionally hunted in packs, like a Beagle. The Pequeno is a true, miniature sighthound. The largest size is believed to be the original form, and it is thought that the other two sizes were bred down from it. The Pequeno, most likely, has some terrier blood mixed in.
Body Type:
- Resembles an over-sized and rather sturdy Chihuahua.
- Rather long in back.
- Medium-length tail is held low when dog is at rest and high (in a sickle shape) when it is alert. It is not altered.
- Ears are large, wide set, and especially mobile. They are not altered.
Coat:
- There are two coat varieties. Both lack an undercoat.
- The rough-coated Podengo’s coat is wiry, harsh, and of a medium length. There is distinct feathering on the muzzle and longer hair over the back of the neck.
- The short-haired Podengo’s coat is fine and glossy.
- Colors are solid red, fawn, or yellow red with or without white markings or black shadings.
- Fawn and white or yellow and black are the most common.
- Moderate grooming.
Health and Wellness:
- None that are known.
What you should know:
- The Pequeno is a very popular house pet in Portugal.
- It adapts well to apartment life.
- The Podengo will be difficult to find in the United States.
- Unusual for a hound, the Pequeno is a talented ratter.
