The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

Brazilian Terrier

Information and Pictures

Izy the Brazilian Terrier standing outside in grass and clover looking at the camera holder

Izy the Brazilian Terrier at 8 months old

Other Names
  • Fox Paulistinha
  • Terrier Brasileiro
Pronunciation

Brazilian Terrier

Description

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.

Temperament

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, Weight

Height: 14 - 16 inches (36 - 41 cm)

Weight: 15 - 20 pounds (7 - 9 kg)

Health Problems

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Living Conditions

This breed is not recommended for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.

Exercise

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.

Life Expectancy

About 12-14 years

Litter Size

About 4 to 7 puppies

Grooming

Their short coat requires little grooming.

Origin

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.

Recognition
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
Izy the Brazilian Terrier standing in front of a bed of purple and white flowers

Izy the Brazilian Terrier at 8 months old

Close Up - Esmeralda the Brazilian Terrier puppy laying on a human's blue bed looking at the camera holder

Esmeralda the Brazilian Terrier as a 4-month-old puppy

Esmeralda, the Brazilian Terrier Puppy laying on a human's bed and looking up

Esmeralda the Brazilian Terrier as a 3-month-old puppy

Brazilian Terrier standing on a pink and white couch and looking towards the camera holder

An adult Brazilian Terrier standing on the couch.