The country of Brazil has just three recognized, but very different, breeds of dog that originated in this South American nation. These are the Fila Brasileiro, the Rastreador Brasileiro (Brazilian Tracker), and the Terrier Brasileiro or Brazilian Terrier.
Brazil’s terrier exhibits many of the same characteristics as the Jack Russell Terrier and is known particularly for its curious, inquisitive expression and its enthusiastic, playful personality.
The FCI Breed Standard describes the Brazilian Terrier’s personality as follows: “Restless, alert, active and keen; friendly and gentle to friends, suspicious of strangers.”
This New World terrier breed has a rather interesting backstory, thought to have made its way to Brazil in the 19th and early 20th centuries when many young Brazilians went off to study in European universities, particularly in France and England.
Quite a few of the students returned home married and with a small terrier in tow.
“The little dog adapted to farm life and crossed with local dogs and bitches,” the Breed Standard states. “Thus, a new type was formed and the phenotype was fixed in a few generations. With the development of large cities, the great urban centres attracted farmers, their families and employees. In this way the small dog underwent another change of environment.”
Male Brazilian Terriers stand between 13.7 and 15.7 inches tall, while females measure in at between 12.9 and 14.9 inches tall. The average weight for both sexes is 22 pounds. Modern-day dogs serve their families the world over as reliable farm dogs, dependable earthdogs, and trustworthy companions.
If this sounds like a breed that you might be interested in bringing into your home, here’s a look at five things to know about the Brazilian Terrier before making a final decision:
The Brazilian Terrier is not always the best candidate for families that have cats or other small animals in the household. This is due to the breed’s nature as a true terrier, and the fact that it was bred to hunt small creatures, especially rats.
In addition to having a high prey drive, Brazilian Terriers (like so many other terrier breeds) tend to have an affinity for digging holes in an effort to look for things underground. So, it is important to understand this behavior and be prepared to deal with the mess. The best tactic for managing the breed’s tendency to dig is to make sure the dog doesn’t become bored, as this can lead to even more of this type of behavior.
The Brazilian Terrier has a high energy level, with a strong need for mental stimulation and daily exercise. Without regular activity, this breed can become noisy, stressed, and destructive of property. This means it isn’t likely the right breed for anyone who consistently likes to lounge around the house and take it easy. But, if you’re looking for a breed to accompany you on adventures, go for daily jogs, or participate in dog sports (this breed particularly excels in activities like Agility and Barn Hunt), a Brazilian Terrier could be the perfect fit for you.
The Brazilian Terrier is not exactly a quiet breed of dog. The need to vocalize is a trait that comes with the vast majority of the terrier breeds, meaning, this breed may not be the best choice of companion for people who live in close proximity to their neighbors.
However, despite their small size, these terriers can make fine watchdogs with their fearless mentality and a quickness to alert their owners to intruders or any type of danger.
Taking care of the Brazilian Terrier’s short coat isn’t an incredibly difficult task. Very little brushing is needed to keep this breed looking its best. Only when the dog is shedding, which it does twice a year, is there a need for brushing 2-3 times per week. Aside from that, it’s important to be sure to keep up with regular maintenance grooming which includes bathing on a schedule, cleaning ears, and nail trims as needed.
The Brazilian Terrier is a highly trainable breed with the ability to excel in multiple different performance events as well as entertain the entire family with the variety of tricks it can learn. Performing is just one of the many things that makes this breed such a joy to own. But bear in mind, training will take some patience and firmness due to the breed’s restless personality and the stubbornness that sometimes comes with that. For best results, it’s important to be sure to use positive reinforcement and keep training sessions enjoyable and lighthearted.
