Brazilian Terrier Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pictures, Care & More!

A relatively rare breed, the Brazilian Terrier is one of only two dog breeds developed in Brazil. He is a typical terrier breed and is active and alert. This means that your Brazilian Terrier will require tons of exercise and a yard where he can run and play. This dog, also known as the Fox Paulistinha, is best suited for experienced owners who know how to take the lead when it comes to training.

Breed Overview

With long, slender legs, a delicate body structure, and large, pointed ears, the Brazilian Terrier is a stunning dog. If you’re thinking about adding this little guy to your home, here is your complete guide to buying, training, and caring for your new pooch.

Brazilian Terrier Characteristics

Brazilian Terrier Puppies

The Brazilian Terrier is an agile, athletic, and active dog who needs at least an hour or two of exercise every day. If you work long hours or aren’t that active, this breed may not be ideal for you. Additionally, if you live in an apartment or a home that doesn’t have a yard, consider getting a low-energy dog.

A tad headstrong, the Brazilian Terrier is not a starter dog. He would do best in the care of an experienced dog parent who can dedicate enough time to properly train and socialize this dog. Without consistent training, the Brazilian Terrier can develop bad habits. It’s important to understand that this isn’t a low-maintenance breed that will simply snuggle with you on the couch all day long. The Brazilian Terrier needs constant mental and physical stimulation to keep boredom and bad behavior at bay.

If you know that you can invest a lot of time and energy into this dog, the Brazilian Terrier could be the perfect pup for you. When you’re on the hunt for a Brazilian Terrier puppy, always buy one from a reputable and high-quality breeder. Due to the rarity of this breed, a lot of bad breeders will sell Brazilian Terrier puppies to make a quick buck. Oftentimes, puppies that come from these irresponsible breeders suffer from a myriad of physical and behavioral issues, such as mites, mange, respiratory problems, shyness, aggression, and sensitivity to light.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Brazilian Terrier

The Brazilian Terrier is a people-centric breed that loves to please. Like most terriers, he is a spunky creature that needs to be worn out by constant exercise and engagement. Without the right amounts of both mental and physical stimulation, this dog can become destructive.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The Brazilian Terrier makes an excellent dog for active families. This pooch loves to accompany you on your morning jog, play fetch in the backyard, or try and solve a challenging puppy puzzle. If the house is empty and your dog is left alone for long periods of time, he can resort to bad behavior, including excessive barking and chewing.

As far as kids go, the Brazilian Terrier needs to be socialized with your little ones from the get-go. Once you bring your new puppy home, slowly introduce him to your kids. Always keep a vigilant eye on your children when they play with the dog.

It’s also essential to teach your children how to treat your new Brazilian Terrier. They should never roughhouse with the dog or try to take away his food or bones.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Brazilian Terriers are great with other dogs if they are properly socialized from a young age. Due to his high prey drive, the Brazilian Terrier may want to chase and nip smaller animals, such as the family cat. Never leave smaller pets alone with your Brazilian Terrier.

Things to Know When Owning a Brazilian Terrier:

Now that you’re more familiar with this breed, let’s take a deep dive into everything you need to know about caring for your new Brazilian Terrier, including feeding, training, and grooming requirements.

Food & Diet Requirements

This small, high-energy dog needs to be fed kibble specially formulated for his specific needs. Brazilian Terriers have fast metabolisms due to their high energy, so high-quality, protein- and fat-packed food works best. Feed your Brazilian Terrier about 1 ½ to two cups of food divided into two meals each day.

Exercise 🐕

The Brazilian Terrier is a small dog with a lot of energy, He requires a lot of exercise each and every day. Long, brisk walks and plenty of playtime are essential for this breed. This dog is not recommended for apartment dwellers for sedentary people.

Training 🎾

The Brazilian Terrier can be stubborn and needs consistent training throughout his entire life. Highly intelligent, this breed can easily learn basic commands and more complicated tricks. It’s important to teach your Brazilian Terrier that you’re the “top dog” from the start so he doesn’t try to take advantage of you. Positive reinforcement training works best for this breed.

Grooming ✂️

The Brazilian Terrier has a short coat and doesn’t require a lot of grooming. Brush him during the summer months when he’s shedding to remove dead hair. Clip his nails and clean his ears regularly. Brushing your dog’s teeth is also recommended.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The Brazilian Terrier is a hearty little dog that can live up to 14 years. However, this breed is prone to certain health conditions later on in life. To ensure your pet stays healthy, routine wellness visits are a must.

Male vs Female

The male Brazilian Terrier is slightly larger than the female and can be more aggressive.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Brazilian Terrier

1. They Have a Colorful Ancestry

While the exact origin of the Brazilian Terrier is still a mystery, many experts believe that this dog was developed from the Jack Russell and Fox Terrier.

2. They Protected Crops

Brazilian plantation owners used the Brazilian Terrier to safeguard their crops from pests like mice and rabbits.

3. Brazilian Terriers Aren’t Popular Outside of Brazil

Though popular in his native land, the Brazilian Terrier is virtually unknown outside of Brazil. In fact, this breed isn’t even recognized by the American or UK Kennel Clubs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an active dog that can join you on your jogs or walks, the Brazilian Terrier might be right for you. This friendly pup is best suited for experienced pet parents and needs tons of mental and physical stimulation. He is not suited for apartments or homes without yards.

For active families seeking an athletic dog, the Brazilian Terrier could be right for you!

Related Reads and Breeds:

• Terrier Dog Breeds (with Pictures)
• Welsh Terrier
• Boston Terrier

Featured Image Credit: Jne Valokuvaus, Shutterstock