“THE PORTUGUESE PODENGO PEQUENO IS A GREAT COMPANION DOG EXCELLING IN MANY DOG SPORTS, FROM AGILITY TO THERAPY WORK AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.”
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
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
this hunting dog would look like. Being shorter to the ground than their cous- ins the Medio and Grande, the Peque- nos 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 stan-
dard calls for a rustic appearance with- out excessive sculpting and clipping however, it is as important not to con- fuse rustic with a dirty, untidy appear- ance. 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 main- tain 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
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 Peque- no 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.
201-ShowSights_HalfPg_Feb.indd 1 300 • S how S ight M agazine , F ebruary 2019
2/6/19 10:12 AM
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