Their ancestors were brought by the ancient Romans and Phoenicians to the Iberian Peninsula over 2,000 years ago. The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno (pronounced peh-KEN-oo) is the smallest of three Portuguese Podengo breeds, the other two being the Medio and Grande. NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.Search Articles: Submit Search Close Search Favorites.FCI = Federation Cynologique Internationale.This breed was recognized by the AKC in 2004 Group It is nicknamed the Portuguese Rabbit Dog. In Portugal these dogs are used for hunting, ratting, guard work and companionship. Human intervention in breeding has reduced the Medio's size, while leaving other characteristics intact. Hunting in packs or alone, the Portuguese Hounds became very skilled at hunting rabbits. It is sometimes still used as a small-game hunter there. Although the Medio's closest relative, the Podengo Grande, is now very rare, this lively and alert medium-sized hound remains a popular dog, particularly in rural parts of northern Portugal. However, the Podengo could be a descendant of small Iberian wolves. The Grande, from which the Medio and Pequeno evolved, is similar to the tan-colored sighthounds, such as the Pharaoh Hound, which spread out of North Africa to the Iberian Peninsula. There are two possible origins of all Podengo Portugueso.

The Podengo Portugueso comes in three sizes: The Grande (large), Medio (medium) and Pequeno (small). Weight: Large 44 - 66 pounds (20 - 30 kg) Weight: Medium 35 - 44 pounds (16 - 20 kg) Height: Large 22 - 27 inches (55 - 70 cm) Height: Medium 15 - 22 inches (39 - 56 cm) Proper canine to human communication is essential. They need a firm, but calm, confident, consistent handler. Socialize this breed at an early age and be sure to teach it simple obedience like walking on a leash. Regardless of its size, the Medio is a wonderful companion dog and super-efficient hunter. Many Portuguese owners favor the Medio over both of its brothers, the Grande and Pequeno because they feel its size is ideal-not too big and not too small. Courageous and a good watchdog it is affectionate, making a good family companion. The Podengo Portugueso Medio is probably the fastest of three Podengos. Colors may include yellow, fawn or black with white markings. The wirehaired coat is medium-long, shaggy and coarse.

The smooth coat is hard and longer than that of most sighthounds. The coat comes in two varieties: smooth and wire-coated. When the dog is calm the tail hangs down when the dog is excited or in motion the tail is horizontal. The neck is strong and muscular without dewlap.

The cat-like feet have well-arched toes with hard, strong pads. The small, oblique eyes are brown to honey in color. The ears are large, naturally upright, triangular and highly mobile, turning forward to catch sound. The nose is usually brown, but may be black. The Medio Podengo Portugueso is a moderately-sized sighthound type with a well-proportioned head, flat skull and pronounced stop. There are three sizes of Podengo Portugueso: Grande (large), Medio (medium) and Pequeno (small).

Podengo Portugueso Pequeno = Small Portuguese Hound.

Podengo Portugueso Medio = Medium Portuguese Hound.

Podengo Portugueso Grande = Large Portuguese Hound.

Portuguese podengo pequeno puppies