Pet Wiki

Portuguese Podengo

Also called Podengo Português, Portuguese Warren Hound, Podengo Pequeno, Podengo Médio, Podengo Grande

A bright, spirited and down-to-earth dog.

SizeSmall
Weight4 to 30 kg (9 to 66 lb)12
Height20 to 70 cm (8 to 28 in)12
CoatSmooth or wire coat
OriginPortugal, likely descended from ancient dogs brought to the Iberian Peninsula by Phoenicians and Romans.13
GroupFCI group 5
Recognised breedShort profile
lively and intelligent
hardy and adaptable
keen hunter
134

Personality what they are like

A bright, spirited and down-to-earth dog. It is friendly and clever, playful at home and quick on its feet outdoors, and makes a pleasant, well-mannered companion.134

Coat and looks how to spot one

smooth or wire coat

Comes in two coats: a short, smooth one and a longer, rough wire one, both of medium thickness with no undercoat. The body is lean and athletic, with upright ears and a primitive, sighthound-like outline.12

Coloursyellowfawnwhite with patchesblack (small size)brown (small size)1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Portuguese Podengo. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An athletic hunter that loves to run and chase. The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to 30 minutes of exercise a day for the small size; the bigger sizes were bred for longer hunting days.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low-maintenance coat; about one brush a week is enough for the smooth variety.3

Home where they are happiest

Adapts to family life if it gets outdoor time to run in a safe, enclosed area, as it enjoys chasing.43

Company who they like around

Friendly and sociable; the medium and small sizes traditionally hunt in packs as well as alone.32

The story where it all began

The Podengo probably goes back to ancient dogs that reached Iberia with Phoenician and Roman traders and then adapted to Portugal's varied terrain. From the 15th century the small type sailed on Portuguese ships to keep rats down. The breed was organised in the early 20th century, and the standard for the large size was set in 1953.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It comes in three sizes (small, medium and large) and two coat types, and the three sizes are not bred with each other.2

  2. 2

    Small Podengos travelled on Portuguese caravels as ship ratters during the age of exploration.1

  3. 3

    The large size can hunt hare or even deer, while the small size searches out rabbits in burrows and rocky ground.1

  4. 4

    Its name is often translated as warren hound or rabbit hunter.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Podengo' is derived from the Portuguese word for 'hound' or 'rabbit dog', reflecting its primary use as a hunting dog for small game like rabbit.5

Name ideas for your new friend

ZiggyPipFadoPequenoSolBrisaRoccoLunaTintoSardinhaRápidoMar

A day in the life told by a Portuguese Podengo

I woke up this morning and stretched my long legs, then trotted to the window to watch the birds. My human laughed and gave me a scratch behind the ears. After a quick walk in the park, I chased a leaf and sniffed every tree. Back home, I curled up on the sofa and dozed in a sunbeam. In the afternoon, we played fetch in the garden, I love running! At sunset, we walked again, and I wagged my tail at every neighbor. Now I'm cozy in my bed, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 94, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 7 Primitive type hunting dogs; standard dated 04.11.2008. Three sizes and two coat types.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Hound group; mainly the small smooth-coated variety is seen in the UK.3
AKC
The small size is listed as the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno in the Hound group.4
Clube Português de Canicultura
Recognised in its home country.2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Portuguese Podengo tip

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a lively little hound that does well on a high-quality diet, but they can be prone to weight gain, so keep treats to a minimum and use them mainly for training. Like many small breeds, they can also be prone to dental issues, so regular tooth brushing and dental chews are a good idea, ask your vet for advice on a dental care routine.

Source: purina.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Portuguese Podengo, and at what times?

Feed your adult Portuguese Podengo at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps their digestion, so aim for set times each day. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6

What should a Portuguese Podengo eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your Podengo's size and age. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always avoid giving human treats like these.7

How often should I bathe a Portuguese Podengo?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Portuguese Podengo need brushing?

Brush your Portuguese Podengo about once a week, which is enough for the smooth coat. The wire-coated variety may need a bit more attention. Regular brushing keeps the coat healthy and reduces shedding.38 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Portuguese Podengo's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Portuguese Podengo need?

The small size needs up to 30 minutes of exercise daily, while larger sizes were bred for longer hunting days. Daily walks and play in a safe, enclosed area are ideal. This athletic dog loves to run and chase.34 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Portuguese Podengo's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Floppy ears can trap moisture, so dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Portuguese Podengo live?

The lifespan varies by size and individual health, so ask your vet for a specific estimate. Senior years usually start around age 10. With good care, many live a long, happy life. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Portuguese Podengo good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is friendly and sociable, and traditionally hunts in packs, so it can get along well with other dogs. Early socialisation helps with children and other pets. Always supervise interactions.321

Can a Portuguese Podengo be left alone?

This breed adapts to family life but enjoys company and can be sociable. How long it can be left alone varies by the individual dog. For specific advice, ask your vet or a good breeder.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 94, Podengo Português fci.beused for group, sizes, coat, colours, uses, history
  2. Wikipedia: Portuguese Podengo en.wikipedia.orgused for history, sizes, fun facts
  3. The Royal Kennel Club: Portuguese Podengo royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, temperament, history
  4. AKC: Portuguese Podengo Pequeno akc.orgused for temperament, activity
  5. akc.org akc.org
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.