Discover Everything About Podengo Portugues (Small Shorthair)
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The Podengo Portugues, also known as the Portuguese Podengo, is a small and active dog originally bred as a hunting dog. He is a member of FCI Group 5: Spitz and Urtyp dogs. Although small, the Podengo Portugues is a robust breed known for its striking appearance, speed and agility. Its ears are large and erect, giving it a unique and distinctive appearance. The Podengo Portugues comes in three different sizes and two coat variants, of which the small short-haired Podengo is the smallest and least hairy variant.
| Height | 20 - 30 cm (Female), 20 - 30 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 4 - 5 kg (Female), 4 - 5 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 14 - 15 years |
| Character | Intelligent, lively, loving |
| Coat | Short, dense, no undercoat |
| Coat Color | Yellow, fawn, black and white, brindle, or a combination thereof |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € € |
History
The history of Podengo Portugues goes back a long way. It is one of the oldest dog breeds in Portugal and is often associated with the Phoenicians who came to Portugal over 2,000 years ago. They were used to hunt small game and fight rats and are known for their skill and courage. They are believed to be the ancestors of many of today's Podengo or Podenco breeds in other countries. Despite their long history, they were only officially recognized as an independent breed by the FCI in 2001.
Bred to hunt rabbits and other small game, the small short-haired Podengo Português is known for its speed and agility.
Portugal
Antike
Character & Temperament
The Podengo Portugues is an extremely intelligent and lively dog that likes to keep busy and is always ready to learn and work. He is known for his high energy and strong hunting behavior, which means he needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Despite its hunting instincts, the Podengo Portugues is also a loving and loyal companion that is very people-oriented and enjoys being part of the family. He is good with children and other dogs provided he is properly socialized. Despite its small size, the Podengo Portugues is an alert dog that likes to keep an eye on its surroundings and reacts quickly to new stimuli. This makes him a good guard dog, although he is not a typical guard dog due to his size. He is not particularly fond of barking, but will certainly bark to warn his family if he notices anything unusual. In terms of temperament, the Podengo Portugues is neither hyperactive nor particularly calm. He has balanced energy and is happy and content as long as his needs are met. He can learn to stay alone, although he prefers the company of people or other dogs. However, it is important to note that due to their high energy levels and intelligence, the Podengo Portugues can easily become bored if they do not receive enough mental and physical stimulation. Therefore, it is important to keep him busy with toys, training, and social interactions to ensure he stays happy and healthy. Although the Podengo Portugues is small, it is a bold and courageous dog that is not afraid to stick its nose into the thickets or run through the undergrowth when it is hunting. This instinct can also occur in the home environment, and it is not uncommon for a Podengo Portugues to stick its head in a bag or drawer to see what it can find. This curiosity and determination can be challenging, but they are also part of what makes the Podengo Portugues such a fascinating and lovable breed. Overall, the Podengo Portugues is a versatile and adaptable dog that can become a wonderful companion and family member in the right environment and with proper training. His lively spirit and love of activity make him an excellent choice for active people or families looking for a small but sturdy and energetic dog. But he is also able to relax and enjoy the quiet moments, making him a great companion for those who want to live a balanced life.
| Trainability | |
| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
Did you know that the Podengo Portugues, although small, is an excellent climber and is sometimes referred to as a "cat dog" is called because he likes to climb high places?
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
The Portuguese Podengo Short-haired Small is a lively and intelligent hunting dog. These dogs are very agile and require a lot of exercise as well as mental stimulation. They are alert and show a close bond with their family. Due to their size and temperament, they are well suited for active households that can provide them with sufficient activity.
Housing & Care
The Podengo Portugues is a versatile dog that does well in both urban and rural environments. He is generally good with children, provided they treat him respectfully and calmly. He can also get along well with other pets as long as he is used to them from an early age. However, it is important to remember that he has a strong prey instinct and therefore caution should be exercised when around smaller pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Raising the Podengo Portugues can be challenging due to its intelligence and independent nature. He is very trainable and can learn a variety of commands and tricks, but he needs an owner who is patient and consistent. Due to its hunting instinct, it is important that the Podengo Portugues learns early on how to control its instincts and respond to recall. It is also important to challenge your mind with brain games and exercises to avoid boredom and destructive behavior. With proper training, the Podengo Portugues can be used in a variety of activities and sports, including agility, obedience and even flyball. As a rule, he won't become a ball junkie as long as the times and types of play are measured and varied well. It's important not to overstimulate him and to make sure he gets enough rest. A balanced mix of physical exercise and mental stimulation is optimal for this active and intelligent dog.
Nutrition & Care
The Podengo Portugues' diet should be tailored to its active lifestyle. A diet rich in high-quality proteins and healthy fats will help support his energy and maintain his health. It is important to maintain a balanced diet and avoid being overweight as this can cause health problems. In terms of care, the Podengo Portugues (Small Shorthair) is a fairly easy dog to care for. His short coat only needs occasional brushing to remove loose hair. He doesn't have an undercoat, which means he doesn't shed a lot and doesn't shed seasonally. The Podengo Portugues does well in the German climate, although it prefers a warm climate and may require a dog coat in the colder months.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding | |
| Trainability |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Sell Podengo Portugues (Small Shorthair) Puppies
Breeding Podengo Portugues (Small Shorthair)? Reach responsible puppy buyers and showcase your kennel on HonestDog.
Loading...
Podengo Portugues (Small Shorthair) Breeders Near You
Find verified Podengo Portugues (Small Shorthair) breeders in your region
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Transparency Guarantee
We provide complete transparency in the breeding process, offering detailed information about breeders, their practices, health checks, and genetic testing results in an easily understandable format, ensuring buyers can make informed decisions confidently.
Responsible Breeding Assurance
Our platform prioritizes responsible breeding practices, ensuring all breeders meet stringent criteria including health checks and genetic testing for parent dogs, eliminating the worry of encountering unethical breeders or puppy mills.
Trust and Verification
HonestDog verifies both breeders and buyers, fostering a trusted community where interactions are reliable and secure, setting a new standard for trustworthiness in the dog breeding industry.
Convenience and Time Saving
By featuring thoroughly vetted breeders and providing comprehensive information, HonestDog saves buyers valuable time that would otherwise be spent researching and vetting breeders, allowing them to focus on choosing the perfect puppy for their family.
Our Mission

We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
Why HonestDog?
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your new companion with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.