Izy the Brazilian Terrier at 8 months old
Brazilian Terrier
The Brazilian Terrier's coat is always tricolor—white and tan with black; blue or brown are also accepted. The tail may be docked or kept natural. It has a flat, triangular skull. The chest is narrow and compact with a well-balanced body.
The temperament of the Brazilian Terrier is best described as being like a big Jack Russell Terrier. They are very perky, alert, intelligent and frisky. This breed loves to play and will do so the whole time they are with their owners. They love to bark and dig and make good watchdogs. Tell this dog after they bark to warn you of something, that is enough and you will take care of things from there. They are great ratters, excellent at tracking and dispatching the rodents that inhabit rural ranches in Brazil. This devoted, loving dog needs an owner who is familiar with the terrier personality; one who can be a strong pack leader. Spirited and obedient, yet absolutely fearless, the Brazilian Terrier is friendly and generally kind to children. Children need to be taught how to be kind to the dog, but also how to be the dog's leader. This intelligent breed needs firm, experienced training, along with a firm, consistent, confident pack leader, or it will become willful and determined. To prevent behavior problems, the Brazilian Terrier needs rules it must follow and limits as to what it is and is not allowed to do, in order to prevent Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors, where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. They have strong hunting instincts (stronger than your average terrier) and should not be trusted with other small animals. They like to chase and explore. Be careful not to let them off the lead unless they are very well-trained.
Height: 14 - 16 inches (36 - 41 cm)
Weight: 15 - 20 pounds (7 - 9 kg)
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This breed is not recommended for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.
The Brazilian Terrier needs mental and physical activity to be happy. They tend to get restless and destructive if not kept fruitfully occupied and well exercised. They need to be taken on a long daily walk.
About 12-14 years
About 4 to 7 puppies
Their short coat requires little grooming.
The Brazilian Terrier is one of only two native breeds to Brazil, with the Fila Brasileiro being the other. Jack Russell Terriers, brought to Brazil from Europe in the 19th century, served as the nearest probable ancestor to the Brazilian Terrier. Other breeds used for this dog's development were the crossing of Miniature Pinschers and perhaps large Chihuahuas. The Brazilian Terrier is said to be popular in Brazil, but almost unknown outside that country. Although this breed has been in existence for 100 years, the breed has only been registered since 1973. They are used for both pack and single hunting. When working in packs, they surround their prey from all directions until the animal is exhausted.
Izy the Brazilian Terrier at 8 months old
Esmeralda the Brazilian Terrier as a 4-month-old puppy
Esmeralda the Brazilian Terrier as a 3-month-old puppy
An adult Brazilian Terrier standing on the couch.
