Portuguese Podengo Pequeno — breed guide
The smallest Podengo — a rabbit hound that hunts in packs and goes into burrows, and the national dog of Portugal in miniature.
At a glance
- Group
- hound
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 4–6 kg (9–13 lb)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Smooth or wire, short and dense
Living with a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Light grooming — a brush now and then.
- Moderate shedding.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Barks readily.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Not a safe bet with cats — this is prey drive rather than a training problem.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Handles warm weather well.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Lively · Bold · Clever · Watchful
Health to watch
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno good with kids?
Generally yes. Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno good with cats?
Usually not. This is prey drive rather than a training problem — a cat that runs can trigger it in a dog that is otherwise impeccably behaved.
How much exercise does a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno handle hot weather?
It copes well with warm days.
Leash Life keeps a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.