Description
This Podengo Pequeo has a body that is somewhat longer than it is tall and is constructed near to the ground. The breed can also easily navigate through dense brush when hunting thanks to its excellent hearing, tough coat, and flexible small cat-like feet. There are two different coat kinds for Portuguese Podengo Pequeos: smooth and wire. They frequently have light, medium, or dark yellow or fawn coloured coats. However, they could also be marked, black, or brown. The Portuguese Podengo Pequeo is characterized by a straight muzzle and a wedge-shaped head that tapers towards the tip of the nose.
Origin/History
It is believed that traders and conquerors from locations like Rome brought the ancient species known as the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno to the coastal nation of Portugal, a neighbour of Spain. In fact, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno may trace its roots back to 600 B.C., when it coexisted with the Romans and the Phoenicians.
Although not native to Portugal, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno gained their reputation by quickly winning the hearts of the locals. The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno was immediately beneficial to the local populace because, as you might expect from a dog also known as the Portuguese Rabbit Dog, it has a remarkable talent for collecting and killing rabbits. Since the same traits that make the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno an effective rabbit hunter also make them a successful rodent hunter in general, its amazing hunting abilities were also put to use aboard many of the ships that travelled from the Portuguese coast to the Americas in the 15th century.
It doesn’t seem like the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno made much of an impact in the Americas at first, despite its early transatlantic voyages. The American Kennel Club (AKC), which did not officially recognise the breed until 2011, initially classified it as belonging to the Miscellaneous Class before redesignating it as belonging to the Hound Group in 2013.
Temperament
The Podengo Pequeo is a calm, happy, and curious animal that hunts by using its intelligence, quickness, and vivacity. They have brief bursts of energy but are pleased to snuggle up for a nap the majority of the time.
Podengo Pequeos are devoted to their family members and typically have a warm, kind disposition towards other individuals. Despite this, they can be apprehensive and reticent towards strangers. Overall, they are playful, expressive, and love to be petted by their owners.
Care
The most crucial things to keep in mind when taking care of this breed are to give them lots of opportunity for exercise, positive reinforcement-based training, and fundamental grooming. Regular steps are usually involved in grooming, although long-haired members of this breed also need to be brushed frequently.
Exercise
The small Portuguese Podengo is an active dog. They presumably won’t go hunting for rabbits as a family pet, but they’ll still need a place to release all that energy. A large fenced-in backyard is also excellent for this breed, however it is not necessary as long as they receive plenty of other daily exercise. Long daily walks are essential. It’s crucial to note—while we’re on the subject of that fence—that Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are fast to follow their noses and difficult to stop once they’re on the hunt.
Grooming
A Portuguese Podengo Pequeno doesn’t need a lot of work to be groomed. Maintain a regular bathing schedule (once a month should be plenty), and comb out your pet’s coat after a bath if it has a wiry coat. In the absence of this, your dog’s fur can tangle. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have your nails cut every month, have your ears cleaned every week, and wash your teeth at least five days a week. Include regular brushing in the mix as well if your Portuguese Podengo Pequeno has long and/or wiry hair.
Training
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a smart, motivated dog when it comes to training. This breed typically performs well in training. Use only training methods that focus on positive reinforcement, rewarding good behaviour while disregarding bad. A well-socialized and trained Portuguese Podengo Pequeno will be nice to people and other animals in addition to being a wonderful family member.
Diet and Nutrition
The nutritional requirements of Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are the same as those of the majority of dogs, and the breed thrives on a high-quality, protein-rich diet. If necessary, adjust your Portuguese Podengo Pequeno’s diet to suit special requirements, such as whether it’s a puppy or an elderly dog. After reaching maturity, this breed should be fed twice daily; but, with your veterinarian’s approval, you may occasionally be able to feed it just once a day as an adult.
Give your Portuguese Podengo Pequeno plenty of nutritious snacks, but be sure to keep them in moderation if you see any weight gain. If you have any concerns or see that your dog is putting on too much weight, consult your veterinarian.
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