Brazilian Terrier

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Brazilian Terrier (also known as Fox Paulistinha or Terrier Brasileiro) is a medium size slender, well balanced and firmly structured dog originating in Brazil. It is one of only two Brazilian dog breeds. It is lively, playful and alert dog with lots of energy. This dog is used for several purposes including vermin hunting, herding, watchdog and companionship and it proves a great dog in all these roles.

The dog is a combination of blend of dogs brought to the country by settlers and cross breeding of these dogs with local Brazilian dogs gave birth to this wonderful breed. Some of the strongest ties go back to Jack Russel and Fox terriers and also to Miniature Pinscher.

The Brazilian Terrier stands 14-16 inches high and weigh typically between 14-20 lbs. Its appearance is typical of dogs descended from fox terrier types.

The triangular head is broad at base with ears well apart; narrowing noticeably from eyes to nose tip. The skull is rounded with moderately flat forehead. Dark colored nose is moderately developed with wide nostrils. Muzzle is strong and slightly tapered. Lips are dry and tight with upper lip covering the lower one and hiding the teeth. Dark, large and slightly roundish eyes are set well apart with a keen impression and can be bluish, brown, green or grey. Triangular shaped ears are set well apart and in line with eyes. They are carried half-pricked. Neck is of moderate length. Body is well balanced, not too heavy and squarely built. Back and loin are relatively short and well muscled with long and deep chest. The tail may be docked or natural. The coat is short, smooth, fine and closely fitted to the body. It always comes in tricolor pattern.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI and DRA as separate dog breed.

Color

The dog always comes in tricoloring with ground color being white and tan, black or blue markings on the body. According to breed standards, tan markings above the eyes, on both sides of the muzzle and inside and on edge of ears must be present. These tan markings may extend to other body regions bordering markings. The head must always present black, brown or blue markings in the frontal region and ears; there may be a white blaze and white marks preferably on the frontal groove and lateral parts of the muzzle, distributed as harmoniously as possible.

Coat

The coat is short, smooth and fine but not soft. It lies closely to the body. The coat is finer on head, ears, under the neck and legs.

Personality

The Brazilian Terrier is a lively, alert and restless dog that is always on the lookout to do something. The dog is spirited, loyal, obedient and courageous. It is very playful and loves to play with whole family. It is gentle and kind to children and enjoys playing with them. It will get along with other dogs but supervision is must when it is around non-canine pets and very small children. This dog is very alert and attentive and will signal arrival of a stranger making a great watch dog. The dog appears to be bouncing and springing all the time due to its very lively nature. This restless dog will run around the house, play hide and seek and will amuse the whole family with its funny and acrobatic demeanor. This highly intelligent breed can easily learn to perform tricks and will do so to please its family. Being an excellent rat terrier, it will keep the house free of rats and mice but it loves to dig and may destroy the lawn if not properly trained. It likes to be around its family most of the time and can get bored if left alone unattended for longer periods of time. Boredom will lead to barking and digging! The dog should be leashed when taken outdoor due to its high prey drive as it may chase after a small rodent before you know it. Socialization with people and places and training is very important for these dogs. Due to its loving nature, the owner can be strongly tempted to treat the dog as a human family member. This should be avoided at all costs because this otherwise obedient dog will become stubborn and willful. It is a great dog to have as watchdog, rat hunter and companion dog.

Care

Grooming needs are low for Brazilian Terrier due to its short coat. The dog will need brushing once or twice a week to keep the coat clean and free of dead hair. This dog is a medium shedder. Never take this dog outdoor unleashed unless very well trained as it has a high prey drive and run after any moving thing smaller than itself.

Training

This intelligent and obedient breed is not difficult to train specially as it has the ability to be focused when it choose to but it does need an alpha leader who can show a firm hand to guide the dog.

Activity

Very lively and restless, the Brazilian Terrier will need all the exercise it can get through playing, walking or running around the house or secure outdoor places. The dog can get depressed and bored if not provided with sufficient physical and mental stimulation and will indulge in undesirable activities like digging, barking etc. Long daily walk is a must for this dog along with ample playing opportunities. It can live in an apartment or small house if its exercise needs are met properly. The dog is suitable for active families and singles.