Characteristics Of The Brazilian Terrier Breed
As its name suggests, the Brazilian terrier is a native breed of Brazil. Small in size and with many characteristics typical of terriers, it is a very playful dog that adapts very well to small spaces. Find out more below.
Brazilian terrier history
To know the origins of this breed, we need to go back to the 19th century, hundreds of kilometers from Brazil. At that time, many young South Americans traveled to Europe – mainly to France and England – to complete their studies, and many of them were married abroad.
Afterwards, they returned to their homeland, not only with their wife, but also with their pets, especially terriers.
These dogs were bred with native dogs, adapted to country life. Later, with the migration to the cities, the breed was influenced by others, such as the pinscher and chihuahua. It is also believed that he may be a relative of Jack Russell due to his temperament.
Brazilian terrier characteristics
Also known as fox paulistinha, this medium-sized dog can reach 45 centimeters in height and weigh a maximum of 10 kilos. It is a robustly built dog, almost ‘square’, although there are more stylized examples.
The Brazilian terrier’s head is triangular, as are the ears, which are well separated from each other and fall to the sides. They also have a large, dark muzzle. The eyes are very large and round, black in color.
As for its fur, which is short but fine (soft to the touch), white predominates. Spots appear randomly and can be either black or brown. The head is completely dark, in different shades of black or brown.
Although the tail of the Brazilian terrier is naturally medium-sized and down, most specimens undergo tail amputation, especially when they are taken to beauty contests. We remind you that, currently, the practice of amputation of the tail has become illegal in the country.
Temperament
Along with the Brazilian Fila, the Brazilian terrier is the most famous breed in that country, although the former is quieter. The fox paulistinha, on the other hand, has a lively, curious and cheerful personality. He is always alert and loves to play, even when he is no longer a puppy.
While he is kind and affectionate to his owners, he is also reserved with strangers. It is important to socialize him with people he has never known since he is a puppy, so that he does not become dangerous. He can be aggressive with other pets, especially if they are smaller than him, as his hunting instinct is quite strong.
Care of the brazilian terrier
One of the main precautions that the Brazilian terrier needs has to do with physical activity. It is essential that he walk every day and it will be even better if he can run freely for several minutes.
If you want to have a dog of this breed, it must be a very active person, who likes to run, train in the park or even exercise with your pet, such as canicross .
This does not mean that it is not an ideal dog for apartments and small houses, as it adapts well to lack of space. But remember that this breed needs to expend energy outside the house, otherwise the animal can become a little destructive in relation to furniture, especially if left alone for many hours.
We also recommend that you train him from a puppy to avoid excessive barking, one of the typical problems of Brazilian terriers, as well as controlling his need to dig anywhere you find soil.
As for health, it is a very healthy pet, with no typical genetic diseases. Even so, you need to take him to a vet appointment every year.
Regarding hygiene, a weekly brushing is recommended to remove dirt and dead hair and bathe it only when they are very dirty, no more than once a month.
The Brazilian terrier is an excellent pet in homes where there are children, as they will become allies and companions in adventures (and pranks as well).
