Judging the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

The standard for any breed is the written description of the ideal specimen of that breed. The standard of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno depicts a dog of moderation that has the requisite bone, muscle, body proportions, and angles to complete the job it was developed to do: hunt its prey, the European rabbit or common rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), over uneven terrain, through thick cover, and underbrush to provide meat for Portuguese farmers and hunters.

It is important to keep that function in mind when judging this breed. It is not a toy breed, lapdog, or terrier but a highly effective hunter developed to efficiently get the job done. The Podengo Pequeno is considered a primitive breed, meaning it uses sight, scent, and hearing while hunting. Ranging in height from 8 to 12 inches at the shoulder, the shorter dogs are used to get into tight crevices to drag the prey out of hiding or bolt the rabbit so that the larger dogs can run them down and complete the hunt.

Being the shortest of the “sighthounds,” the Podengo Pequeno obviously relies on its acute sense of hearing and highly developed sense of smell to locate the quarry. Once sighted, it courses the game and dispatches it, demonstrating agility and impressive maneuverability to stay with the rabbit, turn quickly, and use its speed to run down the quarry. The Podengo Pequenos were bred to hunt for hours each day, starting early in the morning, breaking during the heat of the day, and resuming the hunt in late afternoon. They often hunt for several consecutive days. TYPE is the most important aspect in judging this breed. It is the only primitive breed with a RECTANGULAR body outline.

Notes on the Standard:

Size and Proportions

The standard calls for proper PROPORTIONS: a one-to-one ratio [1:1] of body depth, measured from the top of the withers to the bottom of the chest, to leg length, measured from elbow to the ground. Being too leggy or too short on leg results from an improper 1:1 ratio of body depth to leg length.

The LENGTH of body is 20% or 1/5th LONGER [5:6 ratio—height to length] than the TOTAL HEIGHT of the dog (distance from the top of the withers to the ground).

Body Proportions

Body length is measured from the point of the shoulder to the pin bone. Therefore, a 10-inch high dog should be 12 inches long. It is essential to have the required proportions for the Podengo Pequeno to function properly while hunting over irregular and rocky terrain. Without that added length, the dog cannot maintain speed or make the rapid changes in direction necessary to catch the elusive rabbit.

The body proportions of the Podengo Pequeno were developed over time through result-based breeding to create the efficient hunter we know today. Correct proportions are necessary for the correct Podengo Pequeno type!

When confronted with two specimens—one approaching square and the other longer than the required 20%, with all other parameters equal—you should choose the longer dog if the additional length isn’t so extreme that it hampers the dog’s proper functioning.

Body height is between 8 to 12 inches. Look for the most balanced dog with correct Podengo Pequeno type within this range. Occasionally, you may find a dog of larger size. The judge must then weigh the need for correct type within the size range.

It is better to have a slightly oversized dog that is balanced than one that is within the size range but lacks the correct proportions and therefore does not possess the correct Podengo Pequeno type. Common sense should be employed in not awarding an excessively oversized dog.

Head

The head is wedge-shaped when viewed from the side and from above, resembling a four-sided pyramid. It is broader through the back skull and narrows towards the nose. The muzzle is wide at its attachment to the skull, narrowing to the nostrils, shorter than the back skull, and slightly down-faced.

The head has a curved appearance when viewed from above, with prominent brow bones. The eyes are small, almond-shaped, set obliquely, and can be honey to dark brown in color. The ears are broad-based, triangular in shape, thin, taller than their width, and set obliquely at the level of the eye.

The skull is relatively flat between the ears. The under jaw is strong with clean musculature and not cheeky. The nose is black or darker than the coat, prominent at the tip. The lips are close-fitting, thin, and pigmented. The bite is scissor with normal occlusion of both jaws.

Neck, Topline, and Body

The neck is moderately long, strong, and muscular, with a slight arch and no dewlap. It blends smoothly into a level topline, with the withers only slightly visible. The back is straight and long, while the loin is level, broad, and well-muscled. The croup is level to slightly sloping and of medium width. The ribcage is slightly sprung, with a moderate fore chest. The underline features a lean belly with a slight tuck-up.

Tail

The tail is medium high set, medium length, strong, thick, and tapered with a feathered underside. At rest, it falls curved and reaches the hock. On the move, it is carried either horizontal with a slight curve or vertical in the shape of a sickle.

Forequarters

The forequarters have moderate shoulder angulation. There is a moderate layback of the shoulder blade (scapula) and a moderate return of the upper arm (humerus). The elbows are tucked in, with the forearm being straight, long, and muscular. The pastern is short, strong, and slightly sloping. The feet are oval-shaped (think Teaspoon), strong, with slightly arched toes, tough pads, and strong nails.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters have moderate angulation. They are well-muscled and lean, with the upper thigh being long, of medium width, and muscular. Second thigh is long, lean, strong and well muscled. The hock joint is of medium height, lean, and moderately angulated. The rear pastern is short and straight, and there are no dewclaws. The feet are oval-shaped, strong, with slightly arched toes, tough pads, and strong nails.

Coat

The breed has both smooth and wire varieties. The smooth coat is short and very dense, while the wire coat (rough) is long and harsh, though less dense than the smooth coat. The hair on the muzzle is longer in wire varieties, forming a beard.

Grooming should keep the coat tidy but not overly trimmed. Dogs whose coats have been altered by excessive sculpting, clipping, or artificial means shall be penalized and effectively eliminated from competition. This is a rustic breed that requires good combing and removal of dead coat to maintain its appearance. One of the reasons people are attracted to the Podengo Pequeno is the minimal grooming required.

Skin

The skin is thin and tight. Mucous membranes are preferably dark pigmented or always darker than the coat.

Gait

The Podengo Pequeno displays a light trot, showcasing easy and agile movement. As a sturdy hunting breed, it should move efficiently, covering ample ground with little apparent effort.

Temperament

This breed is lively and intelligent, serving as a companion and a watchdog. The Podengo Pequeno is acutely aware of its environment, easily picking up on the smallest changes. As a primitive breed, it may be aloof and diffident with strangers, which should be taken into consideration when approaching the dog.

Faults

• Jaws: Level bite
• Nose: Partial lack of pigment
• Neck: Ewe necked or severely arched
• Body: Arched topline
• Croup: Excessive slope
• Coat: Silky and/or undercoat
• Behavior: Signs of shyness

Serious Faults

• Skull/Muzzle: Convergent planes (nostrils higher than the top of the muzzle where it attaches to the back skull)
• Nose: Total lack of pigment
• Ears: Rounded
• Belly: Excessive tuck-up
• Tail: Curled

Disqualifications

• Eyes: Different colored
• Jaws: Undershot or overshot
• Ears: Folded or hanging
• Color: Brindle, black and tan, tricolor, solid white
• Behavior: Aggressive or overly shy

Summary

In summation, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a primitive breed with a rectangular outline. It embodies moderation, avoiding extremes. Correct balance equals correct proportions. The Podengo Pequeno type supersedes everything and is the most important criterion for judging this breed.

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Portuguese Podengo Pequeno

Judging the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, a lively, intelligent, and sober little dog with a rich hunting history in Portugal, should be a fun and rewarding experience. The Pequeno should appear well-muscled, energetic, but rustic. Judges should look for the hallmarks of the breed: a wedge-shaped head, erect ears, and a sickle tail. An important characteristic of the Pequeno is the silhouette. It should show the proper proportions of twenty percent longer than tall, with the height being half and half, leg to body. Buoyant and smart, over-shyness or aggressive behavior are disqualifying faults. These cheerful sight hounds should be enjoyable in the ring. A light trot with easy, agile movements is what you should see when they are moved.

A natural-born rabbit hunter, Pequenos should have sound skeletons and be well-muscled. The belly is lean and slightly tucked up. The tail is slightly curved when carried horizontally or vertically in the shape of a sickle. When relaxed, the tail falls curved to the hock joint. A curled tail is a serious fault. The length of the body is twenty percent longer than tall, as measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks. Pequenos, unlike the Medio/Grande, should never be square. The Breed Standard height is eight to twelve inches, with the bottom of the chest and elbow at the midpoint of the height. The weight is nine to thirteen pounds. With this variation, it is common to see a wide range of sizes in a ring at one time, and all of the dogs will be within the standard. The most frequently asked judging questions revolve around the coat. Light, medium, and dark shades of yellow and fawn coloring are acceptable. Coat colors for the Pequeno can be solid or with white markings.

Acceptable colors, while not preferred but allowed, are black or brown, solid or with white markings, also white with markings of acceptable colors. Colors that would disqualify a Pequeno from the show ring are brindle, tri-color, black and tan, or solid white. There are two varieties of coat: smooth and wire. The smooth is short and dense, and the wire is long and harsh. There is no undercoat in either variety. The breed should be shown naturally. Excessive grooming and sculpting should be penalized. The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a beloved little breed, whose numbers are growing every year. A true Portuguese treasure, it is our responsibility to preserve the breed for generations to come.

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Interview with a Junior Handler, Cora Thomas

Where do you live? Where do you go to school?

I live in Johnson City, Tennessee, and go to St. Dominic Catholic School.

Do you have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? Do you have a job?

I enjoy drawing, and I play guitar and piano… and soccer. I walk our neighbor’s dog while she is at work, and I was just invited to help a breeder with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels next summer.

Have you grown up in a doggy family? What is your breed(s)?

Yes. We have German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs). I love to show Portuguese Podengo Pequenos (PPPs).

How were you introduced to Junior Showmanship? When did you start competing?

My Mom took me to Conformation classes and entered me in my first Junior Showmanship this past February.

What do you remember about the first time you showed as a Junior?

I remember showing “Jerry” (GCHG Houla’s Jerry Loule’ TNK), a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno I’d borrowed from Junior Taylor Stone. I found it hard at first to put the dog on the table.

How do you prepare your dog and yourself for the ring? Any rituals? Any good luck charms?

I like to pet the dogs, so they are happy and put their tails up. I like to make sure my suit and my dog both look good. I don’t have any good luck charms.

What’s it like in the ring when the pressure is on? Do you have a secret for handling the nerves?

I remind myself that I am supposed to have fun and learn.

Do you have a mentor in the sport? Have you assisted any Professional Handlers?

My Mom, Taylor Stone, and Lenore Hedemark are my mentors. Yes, I was asked by pro handler Michelle Smith Wolcott to bring the Winners Bitch into BOB in GSPs and I won Best of Winners.

Are there any wins for which you are particularly proud? Any memorable losses?

I love showing and winning in Juniors with the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno “Kutie” (CH Kaprikorn Karolina Kutie). She is a really nice dog. We get along really well, and she is the daughter of Jerry.

How do you accentuate your dog’s breed type in the ring? How do you try to stand out?

I try to follow the judge’s instructions. One time, a judge said to go around and then stack my dog the best way for the dog. Everyone else did a free-stack, but I knew my hand-stack was better. So, I did that instead. To stand out, I smile at the judge and talk to the judge, and I ask questions if I don’t understand their instructions.

Are there any breeds that you haven’t yet shown but would like to some day?

I’m looking forward to showing Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

What can be done to encourage more young people to participate in Junior Showmanship?

Have more TV shows about it. Have them air more about Juniors on YouTube and Netflix.

Have you bred or co-bred a litter? If so, can you share what you’ve learned from the experience?

Not yet.

Is breeding something that you’d like to pursue? Is breed preservation important to you?

Yes and yes. I don’t want a bunch of dogs that no one would want or that would go into shelters.

What are your goals for the future? Do you see yourself continuing in the sport once you’ve aged-out?

I want to show PPPs more, and be a pro handler on the weekends when I am not working as a doctor when I finish school.

Can you share a word or two about your relationship with your current dog? What does s/he mean to you?

“Breezy” is like my sister. She loves to lick my face. I love her because she’s funny and she’s sweet.

Is there a funny story that you can share about experiences as a Junior Handler?

Last year, I was working with Mom’s dog, “Shatzi,” trying to get her to Dock Dive. She would only jump off the dock if I jumped first. It was fun for me, and it was funny to watch her bark at me and jump in to get the ball.

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Interview with Adrian Ghione & Nicole Torre, Breeders of Tango Portuguese Podengo Pequenos

Where did each of you grow up?

We both grew up in very different parts of the world. Nicole grew up in the North Bay area of California, in a town called Santa Rosa, while Adrian grew up in Argentina.

Do you come from doggy families? And if not, how did the interest in breeding and showing purebred dogs begin?

Nicole: Yes, I grew up in a doggy family. My grandmother was into dogs and my mother bred Doberman Pinschers my whole childhood. As a child, I always helped with the dogs and grew up working in the kennel. I always helped with whelping, raising, and socializing the litters, too. I spent most of my weekends going to dog shows, coming home from school during the week to help in my mom’s grooming shop and with the kennel she had. My mom bred about three litters of Dobermans a year, and I was quite involved with the whole breeding process.

Adrian: No, my family did not own a purebred dog until I was 16. My journey began in Obedience and competitive Agility with an Akita. After realizing the need for a mentor, I took a job as an assistant to a local handler and started working my way toward the show ring, and eventually, the whelping box.

Who were your mentors in the sport? Please elaborate on their influence.

Nicole: Professional handlers Corky and Sue Vroom were the most influential mentors I had when it came to the business of the sport, but when it came to breeding, it was my mom, Katherine Torre, and her co-breeder, Michelle Santana of Foxfire Dobermans. They were the ones who showed me the ins and outs of why they bred this bitch to that dog, and then how to take care of a pregnant bitch and raise a litter of puppies. They were my mentors in breeding Dobermans. Another mentor was Marjorie Brooks of Manorie Kennels who taught me everything I know about breeding Dachshunds and introduced me to hand-stripping. Tammy Myers of Medley Manchester Terriers was another mentor of mine who taught me a lot about breeding Manchesters.

Adrian: My first job was as an assistant to handler Felix Garcia while I was attending university, studying to become a mechanical engineer. He showed me the ropes and allowed me to gain experience and confidence working with a lot of different breeds like Poodles, Schnauzers, and Springers, just to mention a few. Once I came to the United States I was hired to work as an electrician, but it didn’t take long before the passion for dogs set the course for my future.

After sending out 200-plus emails that went unanswered, as well as an ill-advised employment/apprenticeship offer, I landed on Mark and Sally George’s doorstep, at Aberglen Kennels. I owe them most of what I know today. They not only demonstrated to me the proper way to show dogs, but also how to select breeding stock and pick the best prospects out of each litter. While under their guidance, we showed some top-winning dogs and worked with some of the country’s most prominent breeders.

Giselle Simonds of Bonsai Kennels introduced me to the scruffy-looking little dogs that are Portuguese Podengo Pequenos. We started a solid breeding program with the help of some very knowledgeable breeders.

Your Portuguese Podengo Pequenos (PPPs) are widely known, highly successful and well respected. What breeding philosophies do you adhere to?

Our breeding styles were very similar when we got together, and still are to this day, so it was easy to identify what we were going to breed for. For one thing, PPPs have a smaller gene pool because they are a newer breed to AKC, so keeping this in mind, we start with health and then breed for type. A wise woman once said, breed a good bitch to a good dog and you may get good pups. Joking aside, these words always resonated with us. Neither one of us believes in the “breed by numbers” trend going around. It is understood that pedigrees need to be read, not calculated.

We are Preservation Breeders who believe in keeping this breed as close to that ideal standard as we can, generation after generation. We want younger breeders coming into the sport to not only be able to enjoy these little hounds as much as we do, but also to have a good starting point by using our breeding as a foundation to establish their own breeding programs.

When evaluating candidates for breeding, we focus more on overall balance and type than on specific characteristics. Temperament is also important. Just because we breed for that one dog for us, we still have to make sure the rest of the pups we breed make great family dogs in their forever homes.

How many PPPs do you typically house? Tell us about your current facilities and how the dogs are maintained.

We normally keep around five PPPs in the kennel, along with our boarding and show clients’ dogs. We try not to keep too many PPPs as we feel it isn’t necessary to keep dogs in the kennel that aren’t active in the breeding program. We currently have indoor/outdoor kennels, with 10’ by 20’ gravel runs as well as 10’ by 10’ paver runs, along with a grooming salon, whelping room, and crate room to house all of our clients’ dogs’ needs. This facility is located on the same property as our home, allowing us to stay on top of everything that is happening with the dogs at all times. We live on the outskirts of Oakdale, California, on three acres in the country, where we have plenty of room to keep the dogs happy and well-conditioned.

Who were/are some of your most significant dogs, both in the whelping box and in the show ring?

Honestly, one cannot talk about Podengos without thinking of “Vasco,” GCHS Bonsai Noble Adventurer. Vasco was co-bred by Adrian Ghione and Giselle Simonds. He went on to win Best of Breed at the National Specialty twice, once in 2017 and then we brought him back out again to win in 2020, becoming the only Pequeno to achieve this feat in the history of the breed. Vasco is also the No. 1 Lifetime GCH points PPP, the No. 1 PPP in 2017 in the breed, won Best of Breed at Westminster Kennel Club in 2018, and he has produced numerous champions, grand champions, and specialty winners. Of course, we have to mention our foundation bitch, GCH Pioneer’s Carolina CM2. She was the first PPP to go Best of Breed at an AKC show once they were finally recognized.

Please comment positively on your breed’s present condition and what trends might bear watching.

It is our belief that the breed is in a strong place right now, having earned attention from judges and fanciers alike. Entries all over the country are at an all-time high. This, of course, can be both a blessing and a curse. As a trend, with more people involved in the breed and numbers going up, we hope for the quality overall to improve.

What are your thoughts on the current state of the fancy and the declining number of breeders? How do we encourage newcomers to join us and remain in the sport?

Without getting into a debate about politics and the economy… as breeders are being chased out of urban areas and severely limited in the number of dogs they can keep, it is a really hard task to maintain a breeding program. We all need to do our part to get the youngsters involved in all aspects of the sport, not just a few minutes in the ring during Junior Showmanship.

We strongly believe in the need for an influx of young people in all aspects of dog sports. A multitude of factors has affected the sport negatively. A declining economy, along with multimillion-dollar campaigns carried out by organizations like PETA and the HSUS, have discouraged people from acquiring purebred dogs. On the government side, misinformed legislation has made it more difficult, if not nearly impossible, to maintain a kennel with the necessary number of animals to carry out a good, well-planned breeding program. We, as breeders, get pushed further away from metropolitan areas, which makes education and promotion of our beloved breeds all that more difficult. This also affects our ability to find reliable help; people who, in time, could turn into apprentices and hopefully continue our legacy.

As many before us have wisely said, education is key. Nobody wants to have what they don’t know exists; nobody wants to be part of something they know nothing about. We truly believe this could be more easily achieved at small-scale, local or regional events. We as breeders need to bring our dogs out to the community and show everybody why we chose this breed. We need small, local events to attract the interest of younger audiences in all aspects of the sport: Conformation, Performance, Agility, Obedience, Coursing, and Hunting Trials.

Ultimately, attracting young people and keeping them engaged could be the key to longevity in our sport. Give those apprentices challenges and goals; projects with a tangible end. Encourage them to ask why and how, rather than just memorize the way we
do things.

Where do you see your PPP breeding program in the next decade or two?

Our program is here to stay; our course is set to keep breeding healthy dogs that perform both in and out of the ring. We will keep collaborating with other willing breeders. It is our belief that we should all work together to preserve not just this breed, but all of them. As most breeds evolve and change over time, it is our responsibility as preservation breeders to maintain breed type as unchanged and as close to the standard as possible. With this being said, we hope that in a decade or two, our program still represents this “need to preserve” philosophy that we should all embrace. And it is our wish that younger breeders will emerge and continue what we have started.

We have some exciting breedings planned for the near future as well as some “frozen stuff” for the long run. It is safe to say we look to the future with hope, while never forgetting how we got here.

As most breeds evolve and change over time, it is our responsibility as preservation breeders to maintain breed type as unchanged and as close to the standard as possible.

Finally, tell us a little about Adrian and Nicole outside of dogs… your occupations, your hobbies.

Our occupations are the dogs and this lovely sport. We don’t take this lightly or do it as a hobby; these are our jobs and our responsibilities to be great breeders of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno. We also are all-breed professional handlers, showing 50 weekends out of the year. During the week we run a grooming shop for our local pet owners, and maintain our current and retired show dogs as well.

Apart from the dogs, Nicole’s hobbies include cooking, board games with the kids, dance, and photography. Adrian’s hobbies include fishing, barbecuing, riding dirt bikes, playing video games, jumping on the trampoline with the kids, and just being a big kid himself.

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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?”

It is no different for the breeders of the Portuguese Podengo Pequenos.

The Pequeno (smallest of three sizes) is primarily used as a rabbit hunting dog in its native Portugal. It searches for rabbits in holes, dense shrubs and on/over rocks going into crevices to flush out the rabbits. They need to have stamina and endurance to be out in the field and the trainability to return to the hunter with their quarry.

They are a fearless little dog with a high-pitched bark called the maticar that sounds off when they are excited. 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. 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.

This is a dog bred to chase and the specific proportions are worth noting. Height is 50/50, but we cannot forget why it is important for the Pequeno to be 20% longer then tall. It is not until you have seen them in action do your really appreciate what this hunting dog would look like. 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. Their little hind legs, with just enough muscling are propelling themselves forward like they are flying. This structure makes them a formidable competitor in Agility.

When seen in the conformation ring, remember moderation is good. Nothing should be extreme in any way. 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. Then on the other hand, a clean and brushed out animal should not be penalized for over grooming. This is a single coated breed and easy to maintain without hair spray and mousse.

The smooth coat should be short and very dense while the wire is long and harsh. The texture of the coat is a very important part of the equation. The texture should feel course on the wire and the only way to know, is to feel it. Just a few hairs in your fingertips should do the trick. It should feel as though nothing can stick to it. This is critical to the appearance of the hunting dogs as well. 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. Once dry, the dirt will literally fall off the coat.

Many of us will never have a chance to see the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno at work hunting rabbits but we are none the less dedicated to preserving this wonderful little breed for all of its unique features. The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a great companion dog excelling in many dog sports, from Agility to Therapy work and everything in between.

From the February 2019 Issue of ShowSight. Click to Subscribe.

Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Dog Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the charming Portuguese Podengo Pequeno dog breed with articles and information in our Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Dog Breed Magazine.

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The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a rustic breed that is to be shown in it’s natural state. However, they are also a hunting breed that runs through thick brush and cover, so a wire coated dog may have quite a bit of hair pulled out by the branches, thorns and thickets. Smooth coated Pequenos do not lose much hair while hunting, but may show honor scars, from scratches and minor injuries.

When preparing your smooth Portuguese Podengo Pequeno for presentation at a dog show, make sure the nails are trimmed and the teeth and ears are clean. A quick wipe, with a soft cloth, will remove any dust and debris from the short dense coat. The white legs may be chalked, to accentuate the depth of color on the rest of the dog. Make sure to brush out excess chalk.

A wire Portuguese Podengo Pequeno takes a bit more work, to get show ready. First, it is important to remember the wire coat is supposed to be harsh. Bathing a wire coat will soften that coat. Ideally, if you must bathe the wire dog, do it a week in advance. This gives the coat a chance to “regain” the natural texture. A good coat does not need product, to make it feel harsh.

There is no trimming in this breed. Remember, the Standard states that if a dog has been scissored or clipped, it is not to be considered for a ribbon. This is a part of the Standard the judges should take very seriously. Shaved ears, a sculpted dog and tightly trimmed feet, for example, do not deserve a ribbon. Combing and pulling, to neaten up the dog, is perfectly acceptable.

Common places to pull hair on your Pequeno may be the elbows, general body area and under the tail. The feet can grow enough hair to look sloppy, but the coat is easy to pull. Be patient and give your dog some breaks. You can eventually make those feet look much better. The final place I might recommend pulling hair is off the ears. Sometimes, the dog is very clean pointed and the ears never grow much hair. There are those dogs that may need quite a bit of hair pulled off the ears. Over time, this hair may not grow back so vigorously. Again, you may chalk your dog, so the color is more distinct, but this is your option. Again, brushing out the excess.

When you enter the ring, you can hard stack or free stack your dog. There is no rule for this. Do what is best for your dog. The tail can be held up, but this is not necessary. As the dog moves, the tail should come up, in a sickle or saber shape. When the Pequeno is relaxed, the tail will hang down, between or behind the rear legs, without being tucked. A tucked tail is the sign of a nervous or scared dog.

Ideally, the ears are up and forward toward the handler. An alert dog may turn its ears toward a noise it hears, a pinned ear is not ideal, because it shows the dog may be spooked or nervous.

Finally, moving your dog. Remember they are to have “a light trot, easy and agile movements”. Fast and racing around the ring is not called for. There is no need for a lot of reach and drive. This breed covers ground easily, efficiently, and lightly. They do not go through wide open fields, rather dense brush, so do not need big, open movement.

This breed is lovely and funny. Allow those bright personalities to show through. They are very willing to do as they are asked, even if it’s in exchange for some cheese, liver, or steak. Go enjoy your little dog and remember, they may enjoy embarrassing you, as the leap around the ring, in joy.

Photo courtesy of the American Kennel Club.

The Presentation of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno – From the February 2019 Issue of ShowSight. Click to subscribe.

Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Dog Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the charming Portuguese Podengo Pequeno dog breed with articles and information in our Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Dog Breed Magazine.

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The Portuguese do not have a word for hound, so use the NAME Podengo as a specific term for the kind of primitive, prick-eared hunting dogs that were distributed around the Mediterranean basin 2,000 years ago by the Phoenicians.

The word “Podengo” was used in Portugal at least as early as the 16th century to refer to pack-hunting dogs. The full name then was Podengo de Mostra (the Mostra part referring to a pack). Over time, this was shortened to Podengo and referred to multi-sensory, endurance-trotting, pack-hunting dogs. The Portuguese do not have a word for hound, so use the name Podengo as a specific term for the kind of primitive, prick-eared hunting dogs that were distributed around the Mediterranean basin 2,000 years ago by the Phoenicians.

Podengos (Medio and Pequeno) hunt rabbits, which in Portugal live mostly in rock crevices and thick briars rather than in underground warrens. The Medio works in tandem with the smaller Portuguese Podengo Pequeno—whose job is to flush rabbits from crevices and dense briars as well as to chase, track, kill, and retrieve the rabbit. The larger and sturdier Podengo Grande hunts boar and stag, although it will make short order of any rabbit that crosses its path as well.

In England, they have taken to calling the Podengo, Warren Hounds, but we prefer the real name—Portuguese Podengo. There are three types of Podengos: Pequeno, Medio, and Grande. In the United States, the Medio and Grande size are considered one breed based on the fact that you can get both sizes in a litter and on the overlapping of the size standard. So, for our purposes in the US, the breed is split in two, known as the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno and the Portuguese Podengo (Medio & Grande).

The Pequeno, or “small” Podengo, is not a “go-to-ground” dog, but rather a fearless flusher of rabbits from dense brush and crevices. Back in the 15th-18th centuries, this trait made its ancestors ideal ratters, and they served that purpose by sailing with the Portuguese explorers on their voyages of discovery. As a result, the Podengo spread its genetic influence around the world and also picked up some influences from other breeds, which have by now largely disappeared, making the breed true to the Podengo type.

So that’s what’s in the name!

The post Breed History: How the Podengo Dog Got Its Name appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno (PPP) is becoming ever more popular with exhibitors, and judges will see more variety of color and style in the ring. The Board of Directors and Judges Ed of the Portuguese Podengo Pequenos of America, PPPA, are asking that you remember a few important points when judging and/or evaluating the breed.

First, proportion is extremely important. They are 20 percent longer than they are tall, measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks. This allows the dogs to get into the tight groundcover of the commonly hunted areas of Portugal. They are able to flush out the rabbits into more open areas. A dog that is too short in length of body will not be able to maneuver as easily in these situations. Be aware, this measurement is not from the prosternum. Measured there, you will have a dog that is too short. The other proportion to consider is the leg-to-body ratio for height. When you look at a Pequeno, the body of the dog, from point of withers, to the ground, the body makes up 50 percent of the height and the legs are the other 50 percent of the height.

The size range of the Pequeno is quite varied. They can be from 8 inches to 12 inches tall. The smallerones are just as important in a hunting pack as the larger dogs. Smaller dogs are better able to get into tight spaces where the rabbits can hide, and the larger dogs may be able to run down a rabbit for the kill. Be aware of dogs being over-sized. While there is no DQ for over- or under-sized, the norm should be the middle of the standard, at 10 inches. A dog that is too heavy in bone may not be as efficient in the field and may tire too easily and possibly break down. Likewise, a dog that is light in bone may not be able to do the job needed either. They might not be sturdy enough to take the stress of a day(s)-long hunt. Moderation is the key, and there is no difference for wire or smooth.

There are two preferred colors, fawn and yellow. Those preferred colors can be with white or the dog can be white with the preferred colors. There are two acceptable colors, brown and black. Those colors can also be with white or white with the acceptable colors. The fawn or yellow dogs are easier to see during a hunt and are less likely to be confused with the rabbit. Darker dogs may be harder to see and could be accidentally shot by the hunter. This is why there are preferred colors for the breed.

One of the most important things when judging the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is that it is a RUSTIC breed and ANY DOG WHOSE COAT HAS BEEN ALTERED BY EXCESSIVELY SCULPTING, CLIPPING or ARTIFICIAL MEANS shall be PENALIZED as to be effectively ELIMINATED from competition. Please do not reward an over-groomed dog. They should look neat and be clean. Their wire or smooth coat is very easy to care for and takes very little work.

Enjoy judging our funny little breed. They are smart and funny and full of themselves. Feel free to attend a seminar near you, join us at our National, or contact PPPA Judges Education for any
further questions.

Judging the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
By Jean Evanoff

The post Judging the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno appeared first on Showsight Magazine.