Feed these pups ¾ to 1 cup of high-quality, dry kibble, divided into two meals each day. Ditch the feeders in favor of a strict meal schedule. These purebreds are mighty eaters, but that could lead to obesity and related health problems if you give them automatic feeders. Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is the smaller sized pup, but their appetite could rival that of their standard-sized cousins.
DOGS 101 PORTUGUESE PODENGO PROFESSIONAL
In this case, you could bathe your Portuguese Podengo Pequeno at home, or take him to a professional groomer. These pups are surprisingly clean and odor-free most of the time, so their bath needs are once every 3-6 months. Use a medium-bristled brush to pull through their thick fur. Their coat is single-layered but dense, which needs daily brushing to keep knots, tangles, and excess hairs at bay. There are several varieties for the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno when it comes to their coat type. 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. Be patient and positive during training sessions, but keep your training methods entertaining and fun. But a few simple commands can be taught to make them listen to you, their master and alpha, at all times. These pups can have a stubborn streak, especially when they are hot on the trail of their latest prey. Portuguese Podengo Pequenos have an innate obedience that makes them simple to train, most of the time. This natural curiosity could lead them to jump over or dig underneath a fence to reach the world on the other side. With a natural curiosity about the world around them, these purebreds want to explore and learn about all they can. These dogs, however, are excellent jumpers and diggers, so make sure you have a high and deep fence to prevent dreaded break-outs. 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.Įxercise-wise, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is an energetic, bouncy dog that loves to run and play and explore. These purebreds are excellent watchdogs and guard dogs, and their barks are dominating and loud, even at a small stature. These pups used to be bred for tracking and hunting small animals, like rabbits, groundhogs, and squirrels. Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are smart, loveable, and excitable, but their sighthound breeding also makes them alert, instinctive, and somewhat impulsive. On average, a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno boasts a lifespan between 10 to 13 years.
DOGS 101 PORTUGUESE PODENGO SKIN
Other health conditions that pet owners should be concerned about are patellar luxation, skin allergies, cataracts, glaucoma, and recurring ear infections. In more severe cases, surgery is a cosmetic option. Sometimes the swelling goes down, and this condition heals itself. The inner eyelid becomes swollen, popping over the exterior eyelid to create a little bubble of redness. This condition is minor and painless, but it might look scary, which panics some pet owners. Surgery is required to fix this condition permanently. Symptoms are subtle, but you might notice an awkward gait or a limp that gets worse over time. If left untreated, it could worsen into permanent nerve damage and severe, painful arthritis. This condition is a birth defect that occurs when the hip bone and socket are malformed, causing random dislocation and cartilage deterioration. But they also boast a few breed-specific health complications that could hinder their overall quality of life, such as: 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, 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.
The American Kennel Club recognizes the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno in the following colors:Īlso known as PPP pups, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is an overall healthy breed.
Characteristics Physical Characteristics: