Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are small, energetic rabbit-hounds with strong chase instincts; in busy lobbies they may fixate on fast movement (cats, small dogs, wildlife outside), become alert/vocal, and attempt door‑dashing or leash‑lunging. They’re bright and independent, can react to sudden restraint, and stress may show as scanning, whining, pacing, or jumping. Arousal can spike quickly with squeaks or rapid motion but often settles after short bursts. Front-desk handling: use a secure leash/harness, control doorways, offer a quieter wait away from small pets, and allow brief sniffing before gentle handling. If you observe sudden collapse, frantic panting/overheating after excitement, or an abrupt aggression change, alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: This breed is quick and chase‑focused. Would you prefer to wait in your car or a quiet area away from cats or small pets? Are there handling preferences we should note (e.g., does sudden restraint worry them, do they do better with you nearby)? If you see heavy panting that isn’t settling, sudden weakness, or a sharp behavior change, please tell us right away so we can bring a nurse to assist.
Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are generally healthy, but national club and OFA guidance highlight a few areas to watch: knees (patellar luxation), hips (hip dysplasia), and inherited eye disease. Breeding-screen recommendations for this breed include patella and hip evaluations plus an ophthalmologist exam, and DNA panels note eye-related risks (e.g., PRA variants, primary lens luxation). For owners, practical red flags include a skipping/hopping rear‑leg gait, stiffness after activity, difficulty rising, or any eye changes such as redness, cloudiness, squinting, or sudden vision changes—these warrant prompt veterinary attention.
Front desk script: This breed is typically hardy, but we keep an eye on knees, hips, and eyes. If you notice a ‘skip’ in the step or rear‑leg limping, we can arrange a check. Eye signs like sudden redness, squinting, or vision changes should be treated as urgent—please call us right away so we can prioritize your pet. We can also note any breeder health testing (hips, patellas, eye exam) in the record.
Small, energetic hounds, Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are about 8–12 inches tall and roughly 9–13 lb, with smooth or wire coats that need simple weekly brushing; they’re bright, independent, and affectionate but have a strong prey drive, so plan daily leashed exercise and a securely fenced yard, and supervise around small pets and young kids. Expect moderate barking and good adaptability to active households. They’re generally healthy; when purchasing or advising, ask breeders for proof of OFA hip and patella evaluations and a board-certified ophthalmologist eye exam per the parent club’s recommendations, and plan routine wellness care over a 12–15 year lifespan. Escalate care immediately if you see signs of heat stress (collapse, heavy panting, confusion) after activity, severe eye trauma, or sudden non–weight-bearing lameness—call us or an emergency clinic right away.
Front desk script: They’re small, athletic hounds with big energy and a strong chase instinct—daily on‑leash exercise or a secure yard is important. Grooming is low (weekly brushing for smooth or wire coats). If a client is buying a puppy, remind them to ask for OFA hip/patella results and an ACVO eye exam. If the dog shows heatstroke signs, severe eye injury, or can’t bear weight suddenly, advise immediate emergency care.
For Portuguese Podengo Pequenos, front-desk teams most often field: routine wellness/vaccine scheduling (per canine vaccination guidelines); dental-cleaning and bad-breath calls (small-breed dental disease is common); intermittent hind‑limb “skipping” or new limping after running/jumping (patellar luxation is overrepresented in small breeds and is a parent‑club screening item); vomiting/diarrhea and concerns about swallowing objects (foreign‑body risk in active, outdoorsy dogs); seasonal foxtail/grass‑awn exposure to nose, ears, or skin; eye squinting/irritation after brush contact; and heat‑stress with vigorous exercise. Escalate immediately if there is repeated vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood) or inability to keep water down, sudden non‑weight‑bearing lameness with pain, persistent eye squinting/closed eye, trouble breathing, collapse, suspected foreign‑body/toxin, or heatstroke signs (heavy panting, drooling, weakness/confusion).
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Portuguese Podengo Pequeno. I can book routine wellness and vaccines, or a same‑day exam for concerns like a new hind‑leg ‘skip,’ vomiting/diarrhea, possible foxtail exposure, or eye squinting after outdoor activity. Please go to emergency care now if there’s trouble breathing, collapse, repeated vomiting or bloody stool, a suspected swallowed object/toxin, or signs of heatstroke (excessive panting with weakness/confusion). If you’re unsure, I can stay on the line while we arrange the fastest option.
Portuguese Podengo Pequenos come in two natural, low-maintenance coat types—smooth (short, very dense) and wire (medium, rough; typically single, without undercoat). Both are shown naturally (no clipping/sculpting); routine home brushing is the norm, with wire coats benefiting from a weekly brush/comb and beard tidy to prevent debris. Bathe only as needed to avoid stripping natural oils. For scheduling: plan periodic nail trims and optional brush-out tidy visits; refer to a veterinarian if owners report persistent itchiness, odor, dandruff, hair loss, or ear debris/odor. Escalate same day for painful mats or skin sores; if a dog develops sudden facial swelling, hives, or trouble breathing after a bath/product exposure, direct to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: This breed has either a smooth or a wire coat that’s meant to look natural—most need just regular brushing, and wire coats may benefit from a weekly comb-out and occasional beard tidy. We can book routine nail trims/brush-outs on a 6–8 week cadence and adjust as needed. If you notice persistent itching, odor, dandruff, hair loss, or ear discharge, we’ll schedule a same‑day exam. If there’s sudden swelling, hives, or breathing trouble after bathing or grooming products, please go to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
Small, athletic hound with strong prey drive; generally healthy and long‑lived, but the parent club via AKC recommends patella, hip, and ophthalmologist evaluations, so callers may report hind‑limb limping/“knee popping” or eye redness/squinting. Intake: confirm age, duration/severity, recent trauma, ability to bear weight, and any eye pain or vision change. Routing: wellness/vaccines to standard exam; orthopedic signs to a lameness slot with imaging available; ocular signs to an eye‑problem slot or ophthalmology as per clinic workflow. Escalate immediately if non‑weight‑bearing, sudden vision change, marked eye pain/redness, or recent significant trauma is reported. Likely follow‑ups include radiographs, ophthalmology referral, and (as a small breed) dental consult scheduling.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Portuguese Podengo Pequeno—let’s get you the right appointment. For wellness or vaccines I can book a standard exam; for back‑leg limping or a kneecap that seems to slip, I’ll schedule a lameness evaluation with x‑rays available. If the eye is red, squinting, cloudy, or vision seems suddenly reduced—or your dog won’t bear weight—this can be urgent, so please come in today or proceed to the nearest emergency hospital. I’ll note when signs started and any injuries to route you appropriately.
Puppy: Plan frequent visits every 3–4 weeks until the core vaccine series is complete, with growth/behavior check-ins and parasite prevention; owners often ask about socialization and safe exercise for this active hound. Adult: Shift to annual preventive-care exams focused on weight, dental health, parasite control, travel/boarding vaccine needs, and discussion of breed‑club screening priorities (patella, hips, and eyes). Senior: Increase visit frequency (commonly twice yearly) with veterinarian‑directed screening to monitor mobility, cognition, dental and organ health, and to adjust nutrition/activity as needed. Escalate immediately for trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, or repeated vomiting; request same‑day attention for sudden non–weight‑bearing lameness, painful red eyes, or rapid appetite/behavior change.
Front desk script: For Pequeno puppies, we book check-ins every 3–4 weeks until vaccines are finished and growth is on track. Adults are typically seen yearly; seniors are scheduled twice yearly with screening as the doctor recommends. If you report trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, or repeated vomiting, we will direct you to emergency care now. New limping or eye redness? Let us know so we can try to see you the same day.
Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are small, high‑energy rabbit‑hounds with a strong chase instinct; for smooth visits, ask owners to arrive with a secure harness and 6‑ft leash (no retractables), keep the dog leashed/crated in the lobby, and offer text check‑in or a quiet room if the dog is excitable. Confirm ID/microchip and remind owners to use doors cautiously due to door‑darting risk. Set expectations for daily exercise/mental enrichment and ask brief behavior questions (vocality, stranger‑wariness) to plan rooming quickly. Small dogs are prone to dental buildup—ask about home care and breath changes. For very young or very small puppies, confirm last meal and any recent vomiting/diarrhea, as small‑breed puppies are at higher risk for low blood sugar. Escalate immediately if owners report trouble breathing, repeated vomiting/diarrhea, collapse, seizures, or a puppy that is weak, trembling, or non‑responsive.
Front desk script: “Podengo Pequenos love to run and chase, so please arrive with a secure harness and a 6‑foot leash; we can text check‑in and take you straight to a room if that’s easier. We’ll ask about exercise, behavior in the lobby, and—because small breeds often get dental buildup—any changes in breath or home brushing. If your pup is very young or very small, when did they last eat and has there been any vomiting or diarrhea? If you’re seeing breathing trouble, nonstop vomiting/diarrhea, collapse, seizures, or a weak/shaky puppy, tell us now—this needs a same‑day exam or go to the nearest emergency hospital if severe.”
Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are generally healthy, but parent‑club/AKC guidance recommends preventive screening of knees (patellar luxation), hips, and eyes—so at annual wellness visits ensure a documented patella check, weight/body‑condition review to protect joints, and baseline/periodic ophthalmic exam as advised; confirm and file any breeder/OFA–CHIC results. For small breeds, plan early dental care and an anesthetized oral evaluation/cleaning around 1 year of age, then follow the veterinarian’s recheck interval. Coach owners to watch for back‑leg “skipping,” new or persistent lameness, or any red, painful, squinting/cloudy eye or sudden vision change; schedule same‑day if noted, and advise ER if the eye seems very painful or vision acutely changes.
Front desk script: For Podengo Pequenos, our vet prioritizes an annual kneecap (patellar) check, weight review, hip/eye screening as recommended, and early dental care. Let’s book the annual exam with a patella check and update their dental plan (first cleaning around 1 year if not already done). If you ever see a back‑leg “skip”/new limping, or any red, painful, or squinting eye, please call us right away—if the eye seems very painful or vision changes suddenly, go to the ER now. Do you have breeder health‑test records (patella/hips/CAER) we can add to the chart?
Small, lively hound with strong prey drive; bonds closely to family but can be aloof with strangers—use calm, positive, low‑restraint handling and allow sniffing time. Keep door control tight and use a snug harness/leash (diggers/chasers); owners often value safe containment and good exercise outlets over heavy grooming. Typical health priorities from the parent‑club/AKC include patella, hip, and ophthalmologist evaluations; if the owner reports sudden non–weight‑bearing hind‑leg “skipping” or a painful, red/squinting eye, alert the doctor immediately for same‑day assessment.
Front desk script: “Hi! Podengo Pequenos are energetic little hounds with big chase instincts, so we’ll keep a secure harness and closed doors today. How does [Pet Name] do with new people and being touched on paws/face? Any recent ‘skipping’ on a back leg or a red, painful, or cloudy eye? If yes, I’ll flag the doctor now and get you straight into an exam room.”
Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are small sighthounds with a strong chase/prey drive; during intake use a secure harness and double-leash, and flag as a flight risk—especially around cats or small pets. Expect high energy and alert barking; placements do best with adopters who can provide leashed exercise or secure fencing and enrichment. Health context for front-desk triage: small-breed orthopedic issues (notably patellar luxation) can present as intermittent rear-leg ‘skipping,’ and rare inherited eye issues (primary lens luxation) can cause sudden painful, cloudy, or red eyes with rapid vision change—these require immediate escalation. Request any prior records, note any history of gait or eye problems, and encourage a baseline veterinary exam within 1–2 weeks after adoption (no diagnosis or treatment at the desk).
Front desk script: This breed is a quick, rabbit-hunting hound—please keep them leashed and in a secure harness at pickup, and use caution around cats or small pets. If you notice a red, painful, or suddenly cloudy eye or sudden vision change, call us immediately—this can be an emergency. New non–weight‑bearing lameness or a ‘skipping’ rear‑leg gait should be seen the same day. We also recommend a routine post‑adoption exam within the first two weeks so your vet can review knees and eyes.
Alert, curious, and energetic small sighthounds with a strong chase/prey drive; often vocal and may be aloof with unfamiliar people but bond closely with family. At check‑in, request a short, secure leash or fitted harness (no retractables), seat away from cats/small pets, and position far from doors due to bolt risk and agile jumping. Use calm, low‑pressure greetings (allow sniffing first, avoid looming), offer treats for scale/transfer, and consider a quick escort to a quiet room if aroused or fixated on other animals. For handoff, note any triggers (movement, small animals, doorways), preferred rewards, and whether owner presence reduces stress. If the dog shows escalating aggression (growling/snapping with lunging), frantic escape attempts, or signs of respiratory distress/overheating (excessive panting, drooling, collapse), alert the medical team immediately and move to a quiet, safe area.
Front desk script: Hi! Many Podengo Pequenos are alert little hounds with a strong chase instinct. Please keep [Name] on a short, secure leash (no retractables) and sit away from cats or small pets; we can move you to a quiet room if [Name] seems amped up. We’ll use treats and a calm approach for weigh‑in and handoff—does [Name] have any known triggers or favorite rewards? If you notice heavy panting, gagging, sudden distress, or attempts to bolt, please tell me right away so I can notify the medical team.
For a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, escalate immediately if you observe any of the following: trouble or labored breathing, gasping, blue/gray/pale gums, collapse or unresponsiveness; repeated vomiting/diarrhea (especially blood) or a tight, swollen abdomen with unproductive retching; seizures; signs of heatstroke (excessive panting, drooling, confusion, collapse); significant trauma or eye injury; suspected toxin exposure; straining to urinate or no urine; heavy bleeding; or extreme lethargy/weak pulse. These signs require immediate emergency evaluation—route to the nearest 24/7 ER now if we cannot see the pet at once.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this is an emergency and your Portuguese Podengo Pequeno needs to be seen immediately. Please come to our clinic now; if we are unavailable, proceed to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital without delay. If a toxin may be involved, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 while you are on your way so we can coordinate care.