Portuguese Podengo (Small)

History of the Breed

The history of the Portuguese Podengo traces its roots back to ancient times. It is believed that these dogs are descendants of ancient Egyptian hunting dogs, similar to the Pharaoh Hound, which were brought to the Iberian Peninsula by Phoenician and Roman traders over 2,000 years ago. Isolation in this territory and harsh living conditions contributed to the formation of an exceptionally resilient, healthy and functional breed. For centuries, Portuguese peasants and hunters selected dogs for their working qualities rather than their appearance.

This led to the emergence of three size variations, each adapted to a specific type of hunting:

• Large Portuguese Podengo - used for hunting large game such as deer and wild boar.
• Medium Portuguese Podengo - specialised in hunting rabbits, working in a pack.
• Small Portuguese Podengo - was indispensable for flushing rabbits out of their burrows and other hard-to-reach places.

The Small Portuguese Podengo was particularly valuable aboard Portuguese caravels during the Age of Discovery (15th-16th centuries). They were kept on ships to control rodent populations, which saved food supplies and prevented the spread of disease. This role as a "ship's dog" is a testament to their incredible adaptability and unpretentiousness. Official recognition came much later, and the standard was approved in the 20th century, which helped preserve its unique features.

What the Small Portuguese Podengo Looks Like: Breed Standard

The appearance of the Small Portuguese Podengo is the embodiment of functionality and natural harmony. It is a dog of proportionate, slightly elongated build, with dry musculature and strong bone structure. Its appearance gives an impression of agility and readiness for action. The main feature of the breed is the existence of two coat types.

Head and Muzzle: The head is shaped like a four-sided pyramid with a wide base and a pointed muzzle. The skull is flat, and the transition from forehead to muzzle is barely noticeable. The muzzle is shorter than the skull and straight. The lips are thin and fit tightly.

Eyes and Ears: The eyes are small, almond-shaped and set obliquely. The colour ranges from honey to chestnut, matching the coat. The gaze is very expressive, lively and intelligent. The ears are the breed's calling card. They are set high and slightly oblique, erect, triangular in shape and very mobile. The dog uses them like radars, turning them in the direction of sound.

Body and Tail: The body is slightly longer than the height at the withers. The back is straight and long, the loin is strong and muscular. The chest is not very wide but deep, reaching down to the elbows. The belly is dry and tucked up. The tail is set quite high, thick at the base and tapering towards the end. At rest, it hangs down, but in motion, it is raised horizontally or slightly higher, but never curls into a ring.

Coat Types and Colours:

• Smooth (Liso): The coat is short, dense and smooth, but not too soft. There is no undercoat. This coat type requires minimal maintenance.
• Wire (Cerdoso): The coat is of medium length, harsh, resembling wild boar bristles. It stands out and lacks shine. On the muzzle, it forms a characteristic "beard". The undercoat is also absent.

Colours: The predominant colours are yellow and fawn (from light to very dark) and black (diluted). Solid variations are possible, as well as those with white markings. White with patches of the mentioned colours is also permitted.

Character and Temperament

The Small Portuguese Podengo is a big dog in a small body. Its character is a vibrant cocktail of energy, intelligence, loyalty and hunting instincts. This is not a lapdog, but an active companion that craves attention and mental stimulation.

Loyalty to Family: The Podengo is very family-oriented. It forms a strong bond with its owner and strives to participate in all family activities. This dog can be a great companion for school-aged children who know how to behave with animals. However, due to its hunting past, relationships with small pets (hamsters, guinea pigs, birds) can be problematic. Early socialisation helps establish contact with cats if they grow up together.

Watchdog Qualities: This is an extremely alert dog. It will always be the first to announce the arrival of guests or any suspicious sounds outside the door with a loud bark. Unlike some other primitive breeds, such as the Basenji which rarely barks, the Podengo is quite "chatty". This makes it an excellent alarm, but can become an issue if the barking isn't controlled from a young age.

Intelligence and Independence: Like most primitive breeds, the Podengo is very clever but simultaneously independent. It was bred to make independent decisions while hunting, so don't expect blind obedience. It learns quickly but will only follow a command when it sees the point. Training must be consistent, patient and based on positive reinforcement.

Energy and Need for Movement: This is a true bundle of energy. The Small Portuguese Podengo needs long daily walks, games and the chance to run off-lead in a safe area. A bored Podengo is a destructive Podengo. Left alone without sufficient physical and mental stimulation, it may start chewing furniture, digging holes in the garden or barking incessantly.

Pros and Cons of the Breed

Care and Maintenance: What Should Owners Know?

Although the Small Portuguese Podengo is an undemanding breed, certain aspects of care are critical for its health and happiness.

Coat Care:

• Smooth variety: Simply wiping the coat with a damp cloth or rubber glove once a week is enough to remove dead hairs. Shedding is moderate.
• Wire variety: Requires brushing with a brush or comb 1–2 times a week to avoid matting. Particular attention should be paid to the "beard", which needs cleaning of food debris after every meal. Occassionally (2–3 times a year) hand-stripping (plucking old hair) is reccomended to stimulate new growth and maintain the correct texture.

Bathing: Bathe the Podengo only when necessary, using a mild dog shampoo so as not to dry out the skin, which lacks a protective undercoat. Usually, 2–4 baths a year are sufficient.

Teeth, Ears and Nails: Like all small breeds, the Podengo is prone to tartar build-up. Regular teeth brushing (2–3 times a week) is mandatory. Ears should be checked weekly for dirt or signs of infection and cleaned if needed. Claws are trimmed every 3–4 weeks if they do not wear down naturally.

Activity and Walks: The minimum requirement is two walks a day of 30–45 minutes each, with the opportunity to run. Ideally, one of the walks should be longer and more intense. This breed loves agility, coursing, flyball and long hikes. Important: due to a strong hunting instinct, the Podengo should only be let off the lead in a securely fenced area.