How to Identify a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is an ancient breed of dog and a member of the hound group. [1] Thought to have arrived in Portugal from traders, the Portuguese adapted the breed to hunt rabbits. [2] The Pequeno shares some traits with other breeds of dogs, but they do have some distinguishing characteristics. By recognizing the breed's key traits, this wikiHow will help you identify a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Considering the Structure

  1. Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are relatively small dogs. They have a height of only 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) and weigh 9–13 pounds (4.1–5.9 kg). [3]

    Did you know? The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is actually the smallest size of Podengo but is now recognized as its own breed. The medio (medium) and grande (large) sizes are grouped together as one breed called simply the Portuguese Podengo. [4]

  2. A Pequeno's head has a broad, large base but lean overlook, thus giving the appearance of a four-shaped pyramid or a wedge. The skull is overall straight but flat, especially between the ears. There is a stop where the muzzle and head meet, but it is so slightly defined that it may be difficult to notice from a certain distance. [5]
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  3. The ears of a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno are carried erect, typically exactly upright or a bit forward. In shape, they resemble thin triangles by tapering from a wide base to a point on the top, and they are thus a bit longer than they are wide. Though they stand straight, they are placed on the head obliquely, with the base reaching the eye level. The ears may be seen in different positions based on the dog's mood due to their mobility. [6]
  4. Pequenos have eyes that may range in color from dark brown to honey so that they seem to correlate with the coat. In shape, they aren't round but resemble small almonds. They are placed in an oblique position but slightly less so than the ears and give the dog an overall expression of liveliness. [7]
  5. When viewed from the top perspective, a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno's muzzle may seem a bit curved, but it is noticeably pointed and straight because it begins at a fairly broad base but tapers to the prominently situated and dark nose. Proportionately, it is not as long as the head. The lean cheeks and pigmented, closely drawn lips cover the dog's scissors bite. [8]
  6. The paws of a Pequeno are the same in the front and back except that the back dewclaws are removed. Otherwise, they are uniform in that they are drawn tight and strong while resembling ovals. They form a slight arch with the nails that are notably strong. The paw pads are firm and sturdy, and they feel tough to the touch. [9]
  7. A Portuguese Podengo Pequeno has a sickle-shaped tail that starts at a medium height and is a medium length. When the dog is at rest, it hangs down in the characteristic sickle curve that is long enough to reach the joint of the hock. When the dog is moving, it is raised to the top level with a slight curve or in a vertical line. [10]
  8. Pequenos give off an overall moderate and well-muscled appearance. They have a relatively straight neck, laid-back shoulders, a medium-wide chest, ribs which are sprung slightly, a level topline, and long legs. A Pequeno's gait is made up of agility and ease, forming a trot. [11]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Analyzing the Coat

A Portuguese Podengo Pequeno may have either a smooth or wire coat.

  1. The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno's smooth coat is short in length and rather dense to the touch. It is a single coat, not having an undercoat, with thin skin drawn close to the body. [12]
  2. A Pequeno with a wire coat has a coat which is long in length and feels harsh rather than dense. There is no undercoat, but there is a longer beard on wire-coated dogs, and the skin is also closely drawn and thin on this type of dog. [13]
  3. Preferably, a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a light, medium, or dark yellow or fawn color, with or without white markings, or white with yellow or fawn markings. However, one may also be black or brown, possibly with white markings, or white with black or brown markings. [14]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Checking Temperament

  1. Despite their small size, Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are not lapdogs. Because of their origin in hunting, they are typically tireless and rambunctious dogs. [15]
  2. Pequenos are highly alert and watchful. They are quick to bark if they find necessary and act naturally protective. [16]
  3. Due to their alert, protective nature, Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are aloof with and wary of strangers. Proper socialization from an early age is a necessity to prevent aggression and overly aloof behaviors. [17]
  4. Great family dogs, Pequenos usually do well with children and can tolerate other pets, especially if they have been raised with them. One may see smaller pets as prey, however, so they do not do well in homes with hamsters, lizards, or other small, prey-like pets. [18]
  5. Overall, Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are adaptable dogs due to their convenient size and good temperament. They can suit any environment, from a farm to a city. [19]
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      Tips

      • If you wish to identify the breed of your own dog, consider DNA testing. This will confirm if your dog is a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/portuguese-podengo-pequeno/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/portuguese-podengo-pequeno/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/portuguese-podengo-pequeno/
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/portuguese-podengo/
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PortuguesePodengoPequeno.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PortuguesePodengoPequeno.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PortuguesePodengoPequeno.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PortuguesePodengoPequeno.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PortuguesePodengoPequeno.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PortuguesePodengoPequeno.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PortuguesePodengoPequeno.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PortuguesePodengoPequeno.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PortuguesePodengoPequeno.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/PortuguesePodengoPequeno.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/portuguese-podengo-pequeno-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/portuguese-podengo-pequeno-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/portuguese-podengo-pequeno-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/portuguese-podengo-pequeno-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/portuguese-podengo-pequeno-temperament/

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