In the late 19th century, it was common for Brazilian students to complete their education in the UK. Experts speculate that this is how Jack Russell Terriers first came to be imported into the country. These Jack Russells were mated with Miniature Pinschers, Fox Terriers, and Chihuahuas, creating mixed puppies with distinctive triangular faces and tri-color coats.
Once grown, these mixed puppies became working dogs on coffee and rubber plantations, where they proved themselves outstanding rodent hunters. In 2007, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized these terriers as a distinctive breed dubbed the Brazilian Terrier.
3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Brazilian Terrier
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They’re friendly and playful: Once they get to know you, they understand the ground rules. These dogs are an excellent companion choice for senior citizens living alone, as well as for families. Their engaging personalities make them a good choice for first-time dog owners, too. | They bark a lot: They are barkers, particularly when they’re bored. While this makes them excellent watchdogs, it does limit their ability to live in apartment-sized living spaces or accompany you on “Take Your Dog to Work” days. If you live in an urban setting, a Brazilian Terrier might not be the right choice for a canine companion. |
| They’re highly intelligent: They are extremely smart and can be stubborn. So firmness and consistency must be important parts of any training regimen. Training satisfies their need for mental stimulation, so the earlier you begin training and socializing them, the happier they will be. Brazilian Terriers do especially well with canine agility and obedience sports training. | They were bred to hunt: If your other household pets include rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, or guinea pigs, Brazilian Terriers are not the dog for you. On Brazilian plantations where this breed was first developed, these dogs were bred to hunt small prey. Even with training, this drive may be difficult to contain. |
| They’re easily groomed: They have short, smooth coats, which means their grooming can easily be accomplished at home. Brush them occasionally, scrub their teeth at least once a day, bathe them once a week, and they’ll do fine. | They can trigger allergies: They are not hypoallergenic. They are medium shedders, and their shedding can trigger allergic reactions in individuals who are sensitive to dogs. |
Some owners find Brazilian Terriers to be more open to cooperative behaviors, possibly due to their history of working in groups on plantations, but individual trainability can vary between dogs.
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History and Origins
The historical background of the Brazilian terrier is uncertain. It is believed that several types of terriers were transported to Brazil from Europe in the 1800s and may have been the original ancestor of the breed. The original dogs could have included Fox, Parson, and Jack Russell terriers.
Others theorize that the breed came from Spanish dogs that were brought to Brazil during the Iberian Union. They think the original dogs could have included Ratonero Valenciano and Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz.
Brazilian Terriers love to play — and so do children. With a Brazilian Terrier, your child will have a playmate who never gets tired. Like all dogs, though, it’s best not to leave them untended with children.
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Size and Weight
Male Brazilian Terriers vary from 14 to 16 inches in height. Females are slightly smaller at 13 to 15 inches. The optimal weight for either sex is between 15 and 22 pounds. Most Brazilian Terrier puppies reach their adult size by 12 months of age.
Common Health Issues
Brazilian Terriers have been selectively bred in Brazil for specific traits, but as a relatively young breed, they are generally considered hardy and robust, with fewer hereditary health issues reported compared to some older breeds.
Be sure that your pet gets plenty of exercise and that they maintain a healthy weight. Ultimately, this will help to ensure they live a long life. It is not uncommon to find Brazilian Terriers who are 15 years old or older.
Temperament and Behavior
While a Brazilian Terrier’s personality is not typically described as “laid-back,” you’ll find this canine can be quite easy-going when its needs for exercise are met.
These dogs work and play well with others, and while they like to bark, their behavior is seldom aggressive. However, they bark to attract the attention of their pack members (you and your family) when they’re feeling neglected. Common Brazilian Terrier traits include intelligence, friendliness, assertiveness, and fearlessness.
Brazilian Terriers like to run, chase, and play spirited games of fetch.
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How To Take Care of a Brazilian Terrier
As long as you factor in their need for exercise, Brazilian Terriers are relatively low-maintenance. They are not prone to hereditary illnesses that may necessitate frequent trips to the vet.
Since puppies are curious and assertive, it’s smart to begin leash training and obedience as early as possible so there’s no question in your Brazilian Terrier puppy’s mind that you are the boss.
The Best Dog Food
Since they are relatively small dogs, the Brazilian Terrier has a high metabolism. Therefore, it’s important to feed your Brazilian Terrier a diet that’s specifically formulated for small dogs; this food typically has a higher concentration of high-energy fats than other types of dog food.
Conversely, Brazilian Terrier puppies should be on a small dog puppy diet which contains more nutrients as well as calories per bite to fill their smaller tummies. Feed your dog twice a day, and make sure he or she always has access to fresh water. This is a remarkably healthy breed that will likely live a long and healthy life eating any quality dog food.
Maintenance and Grooming
Under normal circumstances, you will not have to visit a groomer at all if a Brazilian Terrier becomes your animal companion. They’re not hypoallergenic, so they will shed enough to require regular brushing and maybe follow-up vacuuming. However, your carpets are unlikely to become coated in dog hair. Unless they roll in mud or some other offensive substance when you exercise them, they won’t need a bath more often than once every few months.
Like all dogs, you should brush their teeth at least once a day and clip their nails regularly. Seasonal flea and tick treatments are also recommended since, optimally, your dog will be spending a lot of time outside.
Training
Start obedience training early with your Brazilian Terrier so that it doesn’t develop any misconceptions about who the leader of the pack is. Some owners find Brazilian Terriers to be more open to cooperative behaviors, possibly due to their history of working in groups on plantations, but individual trainability can vary between dogs. These dogs do well with circuit training.
Brazilian Terriers are relatively low-maintenance. They are not prone to hereditary illnesses that may necessitate frequent trips to the vet.
©Pawel Rajtar/Shutterstock.com
Exercise
In order to live happily with a Brazilian Terrier, you must commit to exercising your dog regularly. A slow walk around the block will not suffice: This dog requires at least one period of vigorous exercise every day. These dogs like to run, chase, and play spirited games of fetch.
While their temperaments are nowhere as high-strung as Jack Russell Terriers, Brazilian Terriers can turn snappish and aggressive. Therefore, be sure they get adequate exercise.
Puppies
Unneutered Brazilian Terrier females go into heat approximately every six months. Gestations last 60 to 64 days. Litter sizes typically range from four to six puppies. Surprisingly, at eight weeks of age, your Brazilian Terrier puppy is old enough for simple five-to-ten-minute training sessions.
Make sure to end training sessions on a high note with plenty of praise and a treat because your Brazilian Terrier puppy wants to please.
Brazilian Terrier puppies should be maintained on a small dog puppy diet which contains more nutrients as well as calories per bite to fill their smaller tummies.
©Rafael Goes/Shutterstock.com
With Children
Kids and Brazilian Terriers both like to romp, so they’re a natural team. Therefore, as long as your child knows better than to pull ears or tails, it’s a match made in heaven. Still, if your child is younger than five, it’s best to chaperone his or her interactions with this family pet. Brazilian Terriers were bred to be hunting dogs, so they do have a well-developed prey drive.
Similar Dogs
Dog breeds similar to the Brazilian terrier include the Jack Russell Terrier, the Fox Terrier, and the Portuguese Podengo.
- Jack Russell Terriers: Jack Russell Terriers are lively, clever, and tenacious little dogs that were bred to go underground. Their coats, which can be either smooth or rough, are short and come in a variety of colors, including white, white and tan, or tricolor white, black, and tan.
- Fox Terriers: Fox Terriers were first bred in 18th century Britain to flush foxes out of hiding places during hunts. Their bodies are compact and muscular to facilitate speed and agility. Smooth Fox Terriers have short, predominantly white coats, while Wire-Haired Fox Terriers have a bristly double coat. They are perfect companions for anyone who lives an active lifestyle because they are friendly, energetic, and have remarkable staying power.
- Chihuahuas: Never tell a Chihuahua she’s a small dog; she just won’t believe you. These feisty descendants of the royal dogs of pre-Columbian Mexico may deign to share rulership of your home with you, but they’ll never give up the throne. They’re small dogs that seldom weigh more than six pounds, which makes them ideal for apartment living. Their coats come in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. Chihuahuas are very intelligent and respond well to firm, consistent, and affectionate training.
Brazilian Terrier Pictures
View all of our Brazilian Terrier pictures in the gallery.
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Sources
- Wisdom Panel / Accessed February 16, 2021
- Animals Adda / Accessed February 16, 2021
- Dogzone / Accessed February 16, 2021
- Small Dog Place / Accessed February 16, 2021
