Brazilian Terrier

15-18 lbs
14-16"
Brazil
Fox Paulistinha, Terrier Brasileriro

The Brazilian Terrier is an active, alert dog that makes a loyal and devoted pet. Like most Terrier breeds, they need a firm but a kind leader to keep them in their place. Otherwise, they could develop behavioral problems. These dogs are attractive, with long slender legs, fine body structure, and finely chiseled facial features. Their tri-colored coat is easy to maintain, and they make a good guard dog - giving the alert if strangers or visitors come to the property. It is the best practise to praise the dog for his warning, then make it clear to the dog that you are in control and to stop their barking. The Brazilian Terrier is easy to train as long as you are consistent  in your commands and training schedule. This utterly fearless dog has a strong spirit and makes an excellent hunter of vermin which they have been trained to do for their owners in the rural areas of Brazil. They make excellent pets around children. In the best interest of the dog, all children should be taught at a young age how to handle a pet like this lively Terrier. The children need to be kind to the dog and yet be a leader. Otherwise, this wily canine may take over. Good looking, full of action, devoted and loyal - the Brazilian Terrier is all these things and more.

purpose Purpose
Companion, Guardian, Vermin Hunter
history Date of Origin
19th Century
ancestry Ancestry
Jack Russell Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Chihuahua

Brazilian Terrier Health

Average Size
Male Brazilian Terrier size stats
Height: 14-16 inches Weight: 16-20 lbs
Female Brazilian Terrier size stats
Height: 14-16 inches Weight: 15-18 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Allergies
  • Thyroid
Minor Concerns
  • Skin Allergies
  • Eye Disease and Disorder
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Various Eye Conditions
Occasional Tests
  • Complete Blood Count
  • Gonioscopy
  • Complete Ophthalmologic Examination
  • Diagnostic Tests for Hyperthyroidism
  • Biochemical Profile Tests
  • Skin Scrapings and Biopsies

Brazilian Terrier Breed History

The Brazilian Terrier is known as 'the dog of the people' in their homeland of Brazil. They are a native of this country, only sharing this honor with one other dog, the Fila Brasileiro. Rumor has it that the locals of Brazil keep the Brazilian Terrier to alert them to strangers, and a Fila Brasileiro to deal with them! The Brazilian Terrier is well known for their focused attention and rodent hunting skills. These dogs have a highly developed hunting instinct. Therefore they need supervision and care around other smaller pets. The Brazilian Terrier ancestors came to Brazil in the 19th Century; the dog most likely was the Jack Russell Terrier who was bred with the Miniature Pinscher and the Chihuahua to achieve the Brazilian Terrier. Originally the Terrier was bred to work either individually or in large packs of dogs. While they are well loved and revered in Brazil, this breed is not well known out in the wider world. Brazilian Terriers became registered in 1973, yet they remain somewhat unknown elsewhere. But one thing is for sure, they have established a reputation for their high intelligence and fearless hunting skills within Brazil. Credit must go to these fearless dogs for the control of vermin within the country. The Brazilian Terrier is almost always a tri-color dog, with patches of white, black and tan being the norm. Some can include a blue coloring which is acceptable to breeders. These dogs seem to have a happy nature, plenty of energy and can provide endless hours of fun for the lucky family who enjoys their company.

Brazilian Terrier Breed Appearance

The Brazilian Terrier is attractive to look at, with their smooth short hair and their bright, alert expression. The body is athletic in form, with long slender legs. The paws are small and rounded, allowing the dog to turn on a dime while retaining their balance. The strong neck supports the head, which is flat on top, and triangular facial features form a well defined pointed muzzle. The ears are typically triangular but often tip over, forming a folded ear that the animal holds erect, showing their alertness. Bright round eyes miss nothing, they are very observant and highly tuned to their environment. Their tail is long and fine and pointed at the end. Although some breeders do dock the tail, in some countries this practice is not allowed, and to be honest, the dog looks great with their long whip like tail. Their nose is small and is a glossy black, while the mouth is dainty yet efficient with a teething arrangement meeting in a scissors grip. The dog is attractive in its tri-colored short coat, giving them an air of distinction.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Brazilian Terrier eyes
Brown
amber Brazilian Terrier eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Brazilian Terrier nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
pied Brazilian Terrier coat
Pied
black Brazilian Terrier coat
Black
white Brazilian Terrier coat
White
brown Brazilian Terrier coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Brazilian Terrier straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Brazilian Terrier Breed Maintenance

The Brazilian Terrier is a pleasure to groom, as they have short hair that only requires a good brushing once a week. When it comes to bathing this dog, it will depend on what the little rascal has gotten into as to how many times a week they would need it. These Terriers are inquisitive little souls, and you may find that they have discovered some disgusting smells to roll in (which is all part of being a dog), so some may need frequent bathing while others only need a bath once a month. Whenever you do bathe a dog, remember to use special dog shampoo, as human shampoos are too harsh for an animal's skin and fur. You want to clean your dog's coat, but not strip it of natural oil. Whenever you are bathing or brushing your dog, take advantage of this moment to check your dog's ears and eyes for any signs of ill health or infection. Also, check under the legs as parasites often hide in the less hairy areas of a dog. If you have trained your dog since puppyhood to have their teeth cleaned, you should have no trouble continuing with this practice, as dog's teeth do need constant care to keep them in good health.

Brushes for Brazilian Terrier
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Brazilian Terrier requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Brazilian Terrier Temperament

When describing the temperament of the Brazilian Terrier, the best description is to say that it is like a big Jack Russell Terrier. They love to play or to be actively involved in a hunt or training. It is this love of action that makes them so alert and easy to train. This dog is not suited for apartment living as they are very active indoors and tend to get restless and destructive if not kept busy and well exercised. These frisky Terriers love to dig and to bark, but with training can be taught to overcome any excessive levels of this behavior. Originally used to keep ranches and homes clear of vermin, this dog still has a very strong hunting instinct, and is excellent at tracking and dispatching any rodents that may be foolish enough to come into their territory. Because of this strong tendency to chase, they should not be trusted with smaller animals. Children and the Brazilian Terrier will get along well, but the dog will not respond well to rough behavior such as tail or ear pulling and may retaliate with a bite or two. Teach the children how to be kind to all animals, and that they are the boss of the dog, not the other way around. Skills such as what commands to use, and tone of voice to use will be useful for children to learn. The Brazilian Terrier is a lovely dog full of life and has a strong Terrier nature, but treated right they will be a faithful companion and a joy to the family.

Brazilian Terrier Activity Requirements

The Brazilian Terrier loves to be active, whether that involves a long walk around town, going on a hunt, or clowning around with the family. This dynamic small dog will eagerly participate in games of chasing, seeking, or those involving a ball. The Brazilian Terrier is an active dog and much like an energizer battery; they just keep on keeping on. Usually, you will tire well before they do. Because of their active nature, they require regular daily exercise. A long walk through parks or along a beach is ideal; just ensure you keep them on a leash, as their tendency to chase any fast moving small creature is legendary. Rather than chasing after them (usually futile as they are in hunt mode), keep them well leashed unless in a securely fenced area. A great way to wear this dog out is to take them out while you are biking; this way you can last the distance while the dog gets the exercise. The Brazilian Terrier will happily join you in a pool, river or just fooling around with a water hose. Then tired and content, they will happily snuggle up next to you and lapse into a deep sleep to recharge their energy.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
80 minutes
activity minutes

Brazilian Terrier Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $2.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$30.00 - $40.00
food bag monthly cost

Brazilian Terrier Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Brazilian Terrier size stats at six months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 8.5 lbs
Female Brazilian Terrier size stats at six months
Height: 7.5 inches Weight: 7.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Brazilian Terrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 15.0 inches Weight: 18.5 lbs
Female Brazilian Terrier size stats at 12 months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 17.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Brazilian Terrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 15.5 inches Weight: 19.5 lbs
Female Brazilian Terrier size stats at 18 months
Height: 15.5 inches Weight: 17.5 lbs

Brazilian Terrier Owner Experiences

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