The Brazilian Terrier is a small dog with a big heart. She loves movement and fun, especially jumping. It used to be a typical hunting dog. Today, however, it is used less and less during hunting. They are more often used in homes and apartments as a guard or companion dog. It is not a particularly popular breed in Poland. Is it right? If you want to get to know these dogs better, be sure to read on!
Brazilian Terrier – what is this breed?
The Brazilian Terrier is a small, lively dog. She loves outdoor activities and close contact with people. It belongs to group 3 (terriers), section 1 (large and medium terriers). According to the official breed standard issued by the FCI, adult dogs reach 35-40 cm in height. Females are slightly smaller, about 33-38 cm high at the withers. Terriers should rather not weigh more than 10 kg. They live about 12-14 years.
Brazilian terrier – external appearance
At first glance, it is a tiny and quite inconspicuous dog. Its small size is by no means unreasonable. Its small body and slender legs allow it to move with great agility and speed.
According to the official standard, the Brazilian Terrier is a slender, well-proportioned dog with a strong but light build. The shape of his body is closed in a square with rounded edges. This distinguishes it from other types of terriers. The other features of his appearance are as follows:
- head – triangular shape, tapering towards the muzzle;
- the stop and the groove of the frontal furrow are clearly marked;
- the distance between the outer corner of the eye and the base of the ear is the same as between the outer angles of both eyes;
- the nose is dark and the nostrils are quite open;
- the lips fit snugly and are quite thin;
- the dentition is regular and evenly spaced in the scissor bite;
- the cheeks are well developed but slender;
- eyes – located halfway between the nose and the occipital tumor. They are quite large, medium convex, rounded and very dark in color. In dogs with blue patches, they may be gray-blue. In other colors, brown, green and blue shades are also allowed – always with a sharp, intelligent expression;
- ears – set at a considerable distance from each other, at eye level. They are triangular and slightly raised;
- neck – quite long, but in proportion to the head and body, slightly curved in its upper part.
- the withers – distinct and convex, the topline of the body strong and straight, the croup slightly sloping;
- back and loins – short and strong, and the croup slightly sloping;
- chest – medium wide, does not interfere with the free and vigorous movement of the limbs;
- tail – natural tail may be short or long, but should not extend lower than the hock joint. In Brazil it was usually shortened at the second or third vertebrae, but this is not a mandatory requirement;
- the limbs are straight and muscular and the shoulder blades are long and sloping;
- paws – tight, hare. The rear ones are larger than the front ones. Their design allows elegant, fast and easy gait with a small step;
- the skin is tight and close to the body;
- coat – short, slippery and thin, close to the body. It is not particularly soft and the skin does not show through. Brazilian Terrier hair is more delicate on the head and lower inner limbs;
- color – mostly white, with patches of black, reddish-brown or blue. Tan markings are often found above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks and around the ears. Symmetrical white markings on both sides of the muzzle and along the forehead are also allowed.
The whole creates the image of a cute, slender, small dog. The Brazilian Terrier is rather not prone to gaining weight – he is not allowed to do so by enormous, endless amounts of energy. If you provide him with a proper diet, he will live a long life in perfect health.
Brazilian Terrier – character and disposition
The Brazilian Terrier is very mobile and energetic. He loves physical activity in the fresh air and is always full of it. He especially loves high jumps – this is what he is best known for. This doggy is very friendly and nice to people. Rather not showing aggressive behavior, but can be quick-tempered. Therefore, it will be very important to properly socialize and take care of training from the first months of life.
The disposition of the Brazilian Terrier
This breed has a terrier temperament – determined, courageous, with a fairly strong predatory hunter instinct. Sometimes distrustful of strangers, but very faithful to its owner. He becomes attached to his family, but is not intrusive in showing affection. The Brazilian variety can also be a bit less nervous than other types of terriers. If you get your dog used to loneliness at a young age, he will have no problems staying alone for a few hours later.
The energy of the Brazilian Terrier has many faces
Brazilian Terriers can be barked. This can be a trait that makes living with him in the block a pain for your neighbors. It should be a big advantage when it comes to a farm – a quadruped will always warn you whenever it senses something disturbing. His character can be described as hyperactive. If you leave him alone, and without any toys, he can start destroying the environment.
How to train a Brazilian Terrier?
At puppy age, the Brazilian Terrier is often stubborn. It is best to start training as soon as possible. He will need some but gentle training. The best results are brought by discipline and a consistent approach combined with a lot of tenderness and patience. Aggression only breeds more aggression and can translate into anxiety or distrust. If you follow the basic rules, training should not be too much of a problem. The Brazilian Terrier is eager to learn and is fond of mental stimulation.
Brazilian Terrier – a short history of the breed
It is not a particularly old breed. Its history dates back to the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Brazilian Terrier is made of a mixture of European terriers and local breeds. Experts believe that his ancestors include, among others jack russell terrier, miniature pinscher and chihuahua.
Brazilian terriers developed in just a few more generations. Initially, they lived on farms, where they had huge areas at their disposal. Over time, local farmers began to migrate to rapidly developing cities. The Brazilian Terrier turned out to be very flexible – it easily adapted to urban realities. Today it works just as well in an apartment as in a country house.
Brazilian Terrier – the fate of this breed in the country of origin
In the 1970s, the breed was entered into the Brazilian Kennel Club. Unfortunately, its popularity and numbers began to decline rapidly. It was only a step away from total extinction, but bitter lovers successfully rebuilt it. In 1995, the International Cynological Federation officially recognized the breed. Today he is the second most popular dog in all of Brazil.
Brazilian Terrier in Europe and Poland
There aren’t many Brazilian Terriers in Europe. The first individuals appeared in France in 1980. From there, they spread to the rest of the continent, but in small numbers. Currently, there are only three kennels of these dogs in Poland.
How much is a Brazilian Terrier?
You can find various offers on the Internet. However, remember that special bargains and low prices should arouse your suspicions. Only buy from a registered kennel with a good reputation. Pseudo-kennels do not always meet the required standards and may not care about the safety and health of dogs. A Brazilian terrier puppy costs about PLN 3500-4500. You can pay much less for an older individual. In this case, however, you will put more effort into his education and getting used to himself.
This Brazilian dog has a real Latin temperament. He should be energetic and cheerful, just like his compatriots. The Brazilian Terrier is rather rare in Poland, but if you are ready to pay for it, the pet will perform well in European conditions. Resilient and enduring, friendly and self-confident – it is a great companion for active people. Are you buying such a puppy? Get ready for a lot of work that will reward you with even more fun!