Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 10-13 years
Also known as PPP pups, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is an overall healthy breed. But, like any canine, these pups can develop a few health issues later in life that could put a damper on their ability to interact and play. For example, these purebreds are apt to develop the health conditions that could plague any breed, such as heart disease, heartworms, and parvo virus. But they also boast a few breed-specific health complications that could hinder their overall quality of life, such as:

Hip Dysplasia

This condition is a birth defect that occurs when the hip bone and socket are malformed, causing random dislocation and cartilage deterioration. If left untreated, it could worsen into permanent nerve damage and severe, painful arthritis. Symptoms are subtle, but you might notice an awkward gait or a limp that gets worse over time. Surgery is required to fix this condition permanently.

Cherry Eyes

This condition is minor and painless, but it might look scary, which panics some pet owners. The inner eyelid becomes swollen, popping over the exterior eyelid to create a little bubble of redness. Sometimes the swelling goes down, and this condition heals itself. In more severe cases, surgery is a cosmetic option.

Other health conditions that pet owners should be concerned about are patellar luxation, skin allergies, cataracts, glaucoma, and recurring ear infections. On average, a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno boasts a lifespan between 10 to 13 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are smart, loveable, and excitable, but their sighthound breeding also makes them alert, instinctive, and somewhat impulsive. These pups used to be bred for tracking and hunting small animals, like rabbits, groundhogs, and squirrels. These purebreds are excellent watchdogs and guard dogs, and their barks are dominating and loud, even at a small stature. There are three sizes of this breed, but Pequenos in Spanish translates (roughly) to “little.” So, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a smaller variation of the standard-sized Portuguese Podengo.

Exercise-wise, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is an energetic, bouncy dog that loves to run and play and explore. These dogs, however, are excellent jumpers and diggers, so make sure you have a high and deep fence to prevent dreaded break-outs. With a natural curiosity about the world around them, these purebreds want to explore and learn about all they can. This natural curiosity could lead them to jump over or dig underneath a fence to reach the world on the other side.

Portuguese Podengo Pequenos have an innate obedience that makes them simple to train, most of the time. These pups can have a stubborn streak, especially when they are hot on the trail of their latest prey. But a few simple commands can be taught to make them listen to you, their master and alpha, at all times. Be patient and positive during training sessions, but keep your training methods entertaining and fun. These pups appreciate a challenge, both mentally and physically, so set up obstacle courses, invest in training games, and voice your instructions in a firm, but kind tone.

Grooming

There are several varieties for the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno when it comes to their coat type. Their coat is single-layered but dense, which needs daily brushing to keep knots, tangles, and excess hairs at bay. Use a medium-bristled brush to pull through their thick fur. These pups are surprisingly clean and odor-free most of the time, so their bath needs are once every 3-6 months. In this case, you could bathe your Portuguese Podengo Pequeno at home, or take him to a professional groomer.

Diet

Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is the smaller sized pup, but their appetite could rival that of their standard-sized cousins. These purebreds are mighty eaters, but that could lead to obesity and related health problems if you give them automatic feeders. Ditch the feeders in favor of a strict meal schedule. Feed these pups ¾ to 1 cup of high-quality, dry kibble, divided into two meals each day. Just in case, you should also ask your vet to explain the specific nutritional needs of your unique Portuguese Podengo Pequeno. Every Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is slightly different when it comes to what they need nutritionally.
 

Find A Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Breeder

Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

Cost

Despite their rarity, you might get lucky in tracking down an adoptable Portuguese Podengo Pequeno from your local animal shelters. These types of rescues usually keep in contact with other animal shelters and rescue groups. In which case, you can ask the animal shelter to get in contact with other shelters in a bid to find a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno up for adoption.

If you happen to locate an adoptable Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, the adoption fees will range from $75 to $250, initially. Most shelters offer vaccination updates, professional health checks, and spay or neuter services, so your adoption fees might climb upwards of $400 to $550. You should also factor in the costs of chew toys, wholesome kibble, regular vet check-ups, and long-term care, regardless of the method you use to adopt or buy a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno.

If you buy your Portuguese Podengo Pequeno through a reputable breeder, expect to shell out between $1,250 to $1,850. For AKC guarantees of bloodlines and show qualities, the price is significantly higher, around $2,500 for Portuguese Podengo Pequeno puppies. Most breeders throw in first vaccinations, a microchip, and AKC registration with the asking price.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a solid 1 on the integration scale. These pups have a downside of using their chasing instincts at the wrong times, but they can be easily trained to resist those urges. On the more positive side, these purebreds are loveable and friendly, making excellent companions and pets for energetic, affectionate families.

 

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