If you are a fan of the Portuguese Podengo, then you would surely love this breed. A variation of the standard Podengo, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, is the smallest version of the Podengos. The Pequeno possesses all the distinctive qualities of the Podengo, including its athletic body and beautiful coat that comes in two varieties: smooth and wired. Similar to the Podengo’s skillset, the Pequeno also excels in the field, wherein it earned a reputation as an excellent rabbit hunter.
We can notice one characteristic that the Podengos have in common: their playfulness. When it comes to playing in the field, the Pequeno is definitely on the go. It is eager to make its master happy and could cope with most indoor and outdoor activities. Having a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno at home is sure to give any dog owners a wonderful time. If you are looking for an athletic and energetic dog that works well in the field, the Pequeno is a dog you should consider owning.
In this article, we are going to look into the fascinating characteristics and origins of the small but substantial dog, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno.
Origins of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
The origins of the Pequeno resemble that of the standard Podengo. We can trace back its history to hundreds of years ago ancient civilization. It is believed that Phoenicians, Romans, and Moorish brought hunting breeds with them during their journey to Portugal. These breeds brought by ancient traders and invaders were thought to be the ancestors of the Pequeno.
Because of the dogs’ excellent hunting abilities, the Portuguese developed the breed and further improved its instincts. They created a breed that would excel in the field as a hunter that specializes in small mammals, such as rabbits. Their cross-breeding resulted in the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, which is small in size but possesses exceptional hunting skills. The Pequeno was known to hunt rabbits in the Iberian countryside. It earned a solid reputation as a hunter and is considered the world’s smallest hunting dog.
Interestingly, the Pequeno is a hunting dog that can adapt to various situations. It could work well alone but work in packs is also acceptable. For many years, the Pequeno helped hunters in tracking rabbits’ hiding spots. They do their best to lure rabbits into the open field, allowing the hunters to finish the job with the help of its rifle. Today, the Pequeno remains to be a significant breed that is known for its athletic and versatile nature.
Characterists of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Height: 8 – 12 inches
Weight: 9 – 13 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Hypoallergenic: No
When it comes to hunting rabbits in the field, there is no other dog that could match the expertise of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno. Despite having a small size, the Pequeno is equipped with excellent qualities that allow it to excel in the hunting field. It could stand up to twelve inches tall and weighs up to thirteen pounds.
Interestingly, the appearance of the Pequeno resembles most of the Podengo’s facial and body features. Its coat comes in two variations: smooth and coated. Along with its small body is a muscular and athletic physique, which helps it excel in hunting. Almond-shaped eyes and triangular ears add to the dog’s soft and gentle nature.
As mentioned earlier, the Pequeno is known for its exceptional hunting skills. It is equipped with keen instincts to help it with tracking and luring rabbits in the field. A substantial body allows it to run at extreme speeds and move with agility. Similar to the standard Podengo, the Pequeno also has a versatile skillset, making it an all-around working dog.
Moreover, working in the field is not the only thing that makes the Pequeno interesting. Many dog lovers admire the Pequeno for its playful and affectionate nature. This behavior of the Pequeno is what makes it suitable not just for hard work but also for just being a lovable family companion. A sturdy, versatile dog that is eager to please its master: the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is genuinely a one-of-a-kind breed that is perfect as a companion in the field or a family pet.