Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is described by the AKC as playful, charming, lively, a member of the Hound Group, originally from Portugal.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 8-12 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9-13 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Playful / Charming / Lively [1] |
| AKC group | Hound Group [1] |
| Origin | Portugal [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 164 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Bred originally for rabbit hunting, the energetic Portuguese Podengo Pequeno requires brisk daily exercise. They have a rightful reputation for being tough and tireless. Playing in a large fenced yard, a vigorous walk daily, participation in agility or obedience trials, or hunting can provide the needed activity. [1]
Grooming
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a no-frills, wash-and-wear kind of dog who comes in two coat types: smooth and wire. Routine brushing followed by running a comb through the hair to eliminate any tangles in the wire coat, and an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth on the smooth coat, will be sufficient to keep him in great shape between monthly baths. No clipping or scissoring is required. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a healthy breed overall. With a small gene pool in the States, breeders screen breeding stock to be able to identify and breed away from possible genetic issues .Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as eye disorders and joint diseases such as hip dysplasia or patellar luxation (slipped stifles). Overall, the majority of PPPs are healthy dogs with few genetic problems. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno in 2013. [1]
- It ranked No. 164 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 153 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Pequeno.” [1]
- The AKC lists Portugal as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Portuguese Podengo Pequenos live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
How big does a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno get?
AKC breed information lists height 8-12 inches and weight 9-13 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.