The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, a primitive breed, is known for its small size, erect ears, wedge shaped head, and two coat types, smooth and wire. It hunts by sight, scent and hearing, and is related to the Pharaoh Hound, Ibizan Hound, Cirneco dell’Etna and Basenji. The smooth coat is short and very dense, while the wire coat (rough) is long and harsh, with a bearded muzzle. Preferred coat color is yellow or fawn, with or without white markings.

Pequenos earned their rep as tough, tireless hunting buddies of farmers and country squires, but they are also cherished as pets by Portuguese city dwellers. Their compact body, trainability, and agreeable personality make them ideal town dogs. Smart and versatile, Pequenos are athletes who can master any number of dog sports. They’re excellent watchdogs and take to the job naturally. Pequenos are a robustly healthy, long-lived breed and are said to be quick learners.