Breed Information
Popularity
2022: #
2021: #
2020: #
2015: #
Name
Other names
Origin
Brazil
Breed Group
Size
Type
Life Span
Temperament
Active
Alert
Friendly
Gentle
Keen
Restless
Height
14-16 inches (36-41 cm)
Weight
15-20 pounds (7-9 kg)
Colors
Litter Size
Puppy Prices
A Brazilian Terrier puppy will cost about $800 from a decent breeder of pet quality dogs. For something from a top breeder, or if you are looking for show standards and experience you can expect to pay a lot more than that.
Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.
Breed Characteristics
Adaptability
Apartment Friendly
This breed is not recommended for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.
Barking Tendencies
Occasional
Cat Friendly
Child Friendly
Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.
Dog Friendly
Exercise Needs
It also needs both physical and mental activities to be happy, a common tendency is becoming destructive and restless if kept indoor, long daily walks is the best option.
Grooming
Low Maintenance: Their short coat requires little grooming.
Health Issues
Hypoallergenic: Unknown
Intelligence
Ranking: (N/A) Full Ranking List
Playfulness
Shedding Level
Stranger Friendly
Trainability
Watchdog Ability
Brazilian Terrier Dog Breed Characteristics
The Brazilian Terrier is a feisty, energetic little dog originally bred in Brazil to hunt rodents and vermin. Though small in stature, these compact pups pack a lot of punch when it comes to personality. Read on to learn all about the unique traits and characteristics of the lively Brazilian Terrier dog breed.
Background and History
The Brazilian Terrier traces its origins to Brazil in the early 20th century. Breeders wanted to develop a terrier with dexterity and stamina suited for hunting in the tropical climate of Brazil.
To create the breed, Fox Terriers were crossed with small terrier breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier and the Chihuahua. The result was a compact, agile dog primed for life in a hot climate.
The Brazilian Terrier gained recognition from major kennel clubs in the 1960s and 70s. Today, it’s the national dog of Brazil, though the breed remains relatively rare outside South America.
Physical Characteristics
Though classified in the terrier group, the Brazilian Terrier has a distinct look all its own. Here are some quick facts about their appearance:
- Size: Small, typically 10-14 inches tall at the shoulder and 15-20 pounds
- Coat: Short, dense, and coarse
- Color: Solid white or a white base with tan or brown markings
- Ears: Triangular and erect
- Tail: Docked or naturally short bobtail
The compact build of the Brazilian Terrier allows for great agility and swift, nimble movements. Their athleticism lets them excel at hunting and sports.
But don’t let their small size fool you – these feisty pups are bursting with energy and personality.
Temperament and Personality
The typical temperament of the Brazilian Terrier is alert, lively, and bold. True to their heritage, they make excellent watchdogs and will loudly announce any intruders.
Brazilian Terriers form very close bonds with their people. They crave lots of time with their family and don’t do well when frequently left alone.
Affectionate and loyal to those they love, Brazilian Terriers still tend to be reserved with strangers. Early socialization is key to prevent shyness or aggression toward unfamiliar people or animals.
Intelligence and independence are hallmark traits of the breed. Brazilian Terriers are smart and like making up their own minds. They need consistent, positive training from a young age to learn proper manners.
As energetic hunting dogs, Brazilian Terriers have a high prey drive. They’ll eagerly chase small animals and can be prone to taking off after intriguing scents. A securely fenced yard is a must.
If not provided adequate outlets for their enthusiasm and activity needs, these vivacious pups are prone to nuisance barking and destructive chewing. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys are a must.
Living Needs & Care
While energetic and driven, the moderately-sized Brazilian Terrier can thrive in urban settings like apartments or condos – so long as they get enough daily activity and interaction.
Here are some key care considerations if you’re considering welcoming one of these lively pups into your home:
- Exercise: Brazilian Terriers need 45+ minutes of vigorous activity every day. They particularly love games and interactive play that stimulates their intelligence.
- Training: Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are essential. Brazilian Terriers respond best to upbeat, engaging training sessions full of praise and rewards.
- Grooming: The short coat requires only occasional brushing and is easy to maintain. Nails should be trimmed regularly.
- Healthcare: Brazilian Terriers are generally healthy, living 12-14 years. Potential issues to be aware of include luxating patellas, Legg-Perthes disease, and cardiac problems.
If provided adequate daily activity and mental stimulation, the Brazilian Terrier makes a fun-loving, affectionate pet. Their small size makes them a good match for apartment life. Just be ready to keep up with their vivacious, high-energy spirit!
Fun Facts About the Brazilian Terrier
- The breed’s sharp hunting skills earned them the nickname “the little fox hunter of Brazil.”
- In their homeland of Brazil, the breed is called Fox Paulistinha, a nod to the Fox Terrier ancestry.
- Brazilian Terriers make excellent watchdogs – their alert, ready-to-rumble nature means they vigorously announce any intruders.
- Don’t let their small size fool you – Brazilian Terriers need lots of exercise and activity every day to stay happily occupied.
- They have a playful, mischievous streak and enjoy clowning around just to get laughs.
- Brazilian Terriers are super smart and can excel at canine activities like agility, flyball, and obedience competitions.
- They forge very close bonds with their family and don’t like to be separated for long periods.
- Proper early socialization is critical to prevent wariness or hostility toward strangers and other animals. When socialized, Brazilian Terriers are friendly and outgoing.
- Shedding is minimal thanks to the short, dense coat that’s well-suited for Brazil’s tropical climate.
Why Choose the Brazilian Terrier?
For the right owner, the Brazilian Terrier can make a fun-loving, affectionate companion. Here are some of the top reasons these feisty little pups make great pets:
- Lively, mischievous personality
- Athletic and energetic
- Compact size suited for apartments
- Minimal grooming needs
- Extremely loyal to family once bonded
- Alert watchdogs
- Eager to please and trainability
- Does well with other pets when socialized
- Long lifespan of 12-14 years
Love terriers but want a smaller, more manageable bundle of energy? The Brazilian Terrier could be the perfect pick! Just be ready to provide this bright, busy breed with plenty of playtime, training, and interaction with their beloved people.
Finding a Brazilian Terrier Puppy
Since they remain relatively rare outside South America, finding a Brazilian Terrier puppy can take some persistence and patience. Here are some tips:
- Contact the Brazilian Terrier breed club in your country for breeder referrals.
- Vet any breeders carefully and make sure they do all recommended health testing. Reputable breeders will welcome questions.
- Be prepared to go on a waiting list, as litters are small and demand for pups often exceeds supply.
- Check rescues that work with small dog breeds – you may get lucky and find a Brazilian Terrier in need of a home.
- Be wary of online ads selling pups without much info on health or breeding. Always see the premises and parents before purchasing.
Take your time finding a quality breeder committed to producing happy, healthy Brazilian Terrier puppies. Raising these lively dogs is a long-term commitment, so it’s worth being patient upfront to get the best match!
Is the Brazilian Terrier the Right Breed for You?
Before deciding to bring one of these vivacious little dogs home, make sure the Brazilian Terrier is a good fit:
- Their high energy requires a commitment to providing 45+ minutes of exercise and playtime every day. Are you an active person able to provide enough activity?
- Brazilian Terriers form close bonds and don’t like being left alone for long periods. Are you able to provide plenty of companionship?
- They are prone to nuisance barking and destructive chewing without enough stimulation. Are you prepared to actively engage their bright minds with training, toys, and interaction?
- Brazilian Terriers need consistent, dedicated training from an early age. Are you able to commit to thorough socialization and training?
- While compact in size, they have big exercise needs. Is your living space and lifestyle well-suited to an energetic small dog?
If you can meet their needs for activity, training, and bonding, the loyal, lively Brazilian Terrier will reward you with years of fun and affection.
Conclusion
For active owners seeking a compact but lively companion, the Brazilian Terrier can make an excellent addition to your family. They’ll reward you with energetic fun, plenty of affection, and a devoted, mischievous personality.
Just be prepared to provide these busy pups with lots of training, playtime, interaction, and outlets for their intelligence. When their needs for stimulation are met, the Brazilian Terrier will be your happy, enthusiastic little sidekick for years to come!
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about the Brazilian Terrier dog breed:
Are Brazilian Terriers good family dogs?
Yes, Brazilian Terriers tend to do very well with families when properly socialized from a young age. They form close bonds and enjoy spending lots of time with their people. Families will need to provide adequate exercise, training, and attention for these active, smart pups.
How big do Brazilian Terriers get?
These are pint-sized pups, typically standing 10-14 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 15-20 pounds as adults. Their compact size makes them well-suited for apartment living.
Do Brazilian Terriers bark a lot?
Brazilian Terriers have a tendency to bark frequently. As alert watchdogs, they will vocally announce any perceived intruders or disturbances. Proper training and exercise can help curb nuisance barking behavior.
Are Brazilian Terriers easy to train?
Brazilian Terriers are highly intelligent and trainable, especially when positive reinforcement methods are used. However, their independent nature means training requires consistency and patience from an early age.
How much exercise does a Brazilian Terrier need?
At least 45-60 minutes of vigorous activity is recommended for Brazilian Terriers each day. They particularly enjoy interactive games, agility, and having a job to do. Without adequate exercise, they can become destructive and neurotic.
What health issues are common in Brazilian Terriers?
The breed is generally healthy, but potential concerns include luxating patellas, Legg-Perthes disease, cardiac issues, and eye problems. Reputable breeders will screen for these conditions before breeding.
Do Brazilian Terriers do well with other pets?
When properly socialized from puppyhood, Brazilian Terriers can get along very well with other household pets like dogs and cats. Supervision is still recommended due to their high prey drive.
How often should you groom a Brazilian Terrier?
Thanks to their short, dense coat Brazilian Terriers require only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Bathing is only needed every few months. Trim nails regularly and clean ears when needed.
