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Hound Handbook
Insurance guide
Breed profile

Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

The smallest Portuguese warren hound: a lively, hardy rabbit hunter in smooth or wire coat. Alert, playful and keen-nosed.

A smooth-coated fawn and white Portuguese Podengo Pequeno stands side-on against a plain white background
The Pequeno is the smallest of the three Podengo sizes.Photo: UsernameDrama0909 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Weight
4–6 kg9–13 lb
Height
20–30 cm8–12 in
Lifespan
12–16 yrs
Group
Hound
Origin
Portugal
Popularity
#164 US#185 UK · 2025

Known for: Flat-friendlyLow grooming

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Lively, Playful, Alert, Independent.

Health problems to know about

  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disease (ophthalmologist screening recommended)

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Daily walks plus play and scent games; secure fencing, as they hunt and dig. Weekly brushing. Recall training on a long line.

A good fit for

Active families, flats with daily walks, people who want a small, sturdy, low-fuss dog.

Probably not ideal for

Homes with small pets, owners wanting off-lead reliability, close neighbours.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Portuguese Podengo Pequeno breed information
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
  3. American Kennel Club: Hound Group health testing requirements
  4. Wikipedia: Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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