Portuguese Podengo (Small)

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Portuguese Podengo is one of the few breeds that has retained its natural health thanks to the absence of intensive breeding for external features. They are true long-livers of the dog world. However, like any breed, they have a predisposition to certain genetic conditions, although they occur infrequently.

• Patellar Luxation: A common problem among small breeds. This is a dislocation of the kneecap, which can cause lameness.
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. It usually manifests at the age of 4-12 months and leads to severe pain and lameness. It is treated surgically.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A hereditary eye disease leading to gradual loss of vision. Responsible breeders test their dogs for carrying this gene.
• Dental Issues: Due to the small size of the jaw, teeth can grow crowded, which promotes the formation of plaque and tartar.

It is important to choose a puppy from a responsible breeder who provides the results of the parents’ genetic tests. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, parasite treatment and a balanced diet are the best prevention for any illness.

The energetic metabolism of the Small Portuguese Podengo requires high-quality and balanced nutrition. The basis of the diet can be either high-quality dry food or natural feeding. The main thing is to consider the age, weight and activity level of the dog.

Dry Food: Choose super-premium or holistic foods for active small breeds. Preference should be given to rations with a high content of animal protein (chicken, turkey, lamb, fish) listed first in the ingredients. The daily allowance is usually indicated on the packaging; it should be divided into two meals to avoid overloading the stomach.

Natural Feeding: If you choose this path, the ration must be carefully balanced. The base (50-70%) is lean raw or scalded meat (beef, turkey, rabbit) and offal. The rest is vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, courgette), a small amount of grains (rice, buckwheat) and dairy products (kefir, low-fat cottage cheese). With natural feeding, adding vitamin and mineral complexes prescribed by a vet is mandatory.

Always ensure access to fresh and clean drinking water. It is not recommended to give the dog tap water; it is better to use filtered or bottled water.

• Ancient Hunter: The Podengo is one of the few breeds that still hunts in the same way as thousands of years ago, using sight, hearing and smell.
• National Treasure: In Portugal, the Podengo is a national symbol and is depicted on postage stamps.
• Two in One: The presence of two completely different coat types in one breed is a unique feature. This is not just a cosmetic difference – the harsh coat better protected the dog in thorny bushes.
• Hollywood Star: A wire-haired Small Portuguese Podengo named Pilot played one of the leading roles in the popular American sitcom “High School Musical: The Musical”.
• Escape Artist: Thanks to their agility and flexibility, Small Portuguese Podengos are known as skilled “escapees”. They can squeeze into narrow gaps and jump over fences that seem far too high for them.

Is the Small Portuguese Podengo suitable for flat living?
Yes, provided it receives enough daily physical and mental exercise. Without this, the dog can become destructive and noisy.

Is this breed hypoallergenic?
No, no breed is 100% hypoallergenic. However, since Podengos do not have an undercoat and shed moderately (especially the wire-haired type), they may suit some people with mild allergies. Before buying, it is advised to spend time with representatives of the breed.

Is it easy to train a Small Portuguese Podengo?
They are clever and learn quickly, but their independence can be a challenge. Training requires patience, consistency and the use of positive reinforcement methods. They dislike monotonous repetition.

How do they get on with other dogs?
With proper and early socialisation, they usually get along well with other dogs. They may be a little wary at first meeting, but are not prone to unprovoked aggression.

How much does a Small Portuguese Podengo puppy cost?
This is a relatively rare breed outside of Portugal, so the price for a puppy from a responsible breeder can be quite high. In the UK, prices typically range from £1,000 to £1,500 depending on the pedigree, the parents’ titles and the breeder’s reputation.