The Portuguese breeders/hunters need not worrying about the dog picking up burrs while out in the field or having to be bathe a wet, muddy dog after the hunt. This is critical to the appearance of the hunting dogs as well. It should feel as though nothing can stick to it. Just a few hairs in your fingertips should do the trick. The texture should feel course on the wire and the only way to know, is to feel it. The texture of the coat is a very important part of the equation. The smooth coat should be short and very dense while the wire is long and harsh. This is a single coated breed and easy to maintain without hair spray and mousse. Then on the other hand, a clean and brushed out animal should not be penalized for over grooming. The standard calls for a rustic appearance without excessive sculpting and clipping however, it is as important not to confuse rustic with a dirty, untidy appearance. When seen in the conformation ring, remember moderation is good. This structure makes them a formidable competitor in Agility. Their little hind legs, with just enough muscling are propelling themselves forward like they are flying. Being shorter to the ground than their cousins the Medio and Grande, the Pequenos reply on a little extra body length to maneuver through the field and brush, able to make the twisting turns as fast as the rabbit.
It is not until you have seen them in action do your really appreciate what this hunting dog would look like. Height is 50/50, but we cannot forget why it is important for the Pequeno to be 20% longer then tall.
This is a dog bred to chase and the specific proportions are worth noting. The Portuguese breeders/hunters have done fabulous job in maintaining breed function from the smallest to the tallest of the Pequeno and in many cases, have shared their wealth of knowledge with the next generation of breeders in many different countries. Because they are used small packs it was important in the development of the Pequeno to have a range in size from 8-12 inches without losing the type and function of the breed. They are a fearless little dog with a high-pitched bark called the maticar that sounds off when they are excited. They need to have stamina and endurance to be out in the field and the trainability to return to the hunter with their quarry. It searches for rabbits in holes, dense shrubs and on/over rocks going into crevices to flush out the rabbits. The Pequeno (smallest of three sizes) is primarily used as a rabbit hunting dog in its native Portugal.
It is no different for the breeders of the Portuguese Podengo Pequenos. We have all heard the term used before, “form follows function” and when planning our next generation of dogs’, it is what we all keep in mind, right? Have you asked yourself “Is the dog I am showing in the conformation ring capable of performing the function of the breed as it was intended?”
Clean and quiet, they can adapt to many types of living environments with proper care and enough exercise.From the February 2019 Issue of ShowSight. Due to their strong prey instincts, they may not get along with smaller pets and should never be left unsupervised with cats or other small mammals. They are naturally curious, vigilant, and very friendly with their pack members however, they should be introduced cautiously to new dogs. Podengo roughly translates as “ rabbit hunter” or “ warren hound.” Lively, inquisitive, and intelligent, Pequenos are hardwired to hunt with a pack and find prey in dense cover.