Characteristics Of The Brazilian Terrier Breed
As its name suggests, the Brazilian terrier is a breed native to Brazil. Small in size and with many typical terrier characteristics, it is a very playful dog that adapts to small spaces. Find out about him below.
History of the Brazilian terrier
To know the origins of this breed we must go back to the 19th century and hundreds of kilometers from Brazil. At that time, many young South Americans traveled to Europe – especially France and England – to complete their studies, and many of them were married abroad. Then they returned to their homeland not only with his wife, but also with their pets, mainly terriers.
These dogs were crossed with native dogs, which adapted to life in the countryside. Later, with the migration to the cities, the breed was influenced by others, such as the pinscher and the chihuahua. It is also believed to be a relative of the Jack Russell due to its temperament.
Characteristics of the Brazilian terrier
Also known as the Paulista fox, this medium-sized dog can reach 45 centimeters in height and weigh a maximum of 10 kilos. It is a dog with a robust build, almost ‘square’, although there are more stylized specimens.
The head of the Brazilian terrier is triangular, like its ears, which are well separated from each other and fall to the sides of the face, and it has a large, dark muzzle. The eyes are very large and round, black in color.
As for its coat, which is short but fine (soft to the touch), the color white predominates. The spots appear randomly and can be both black and brown. The head is completely dark, in different shades of black or brown.
Although naturally the tail of the Brazilian terrier is medium and set low, most of the specimens go through the amputation of their tail, especially when they are taken to beauty contests.
Temperament
Along with the fila, the Brazilian terrier is the most famous breed in this country, although the former is calmer. The São Paulo fox, 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 towards his owners, he is also reserved with strangers. It is important to socialize it with unfamiliar people from an early age so that it does not become dangerous. It can be aggressive with other pets, especially if they are smaller than it, since its hunting instinct is quite strong.
Brazilian terrier care
One of the main care that the Brazilian terrier needs has to do with physical activity. It is essential that you walk every day and much better if you run freely for several minutes.
If you want to have a dog of this breed, you must be a fairly active person, who likes to run, train in the park or even exercise together with your pet, such as canicross ).
This does not mean that it is not an ideal dog for flats and small houses, since it adapts well to the lack of space. But keep in mind that he needs to expend energy outside the home or he will become a bit destructive with furniture or his toys, especially if he is alone for long hours.
We also recommend that you train him from puppyhood to avoid excessive barking, one of the typical problems of Brazilian terriers, and their need to dig anywhere they find dirt.
Regarding health, it is a fairly healthy pet, without typical genetic diseases; likewise, it requires consultation with the veterinarian every year. And with regard to hygiene, a weekly brushing is recommended to remove dirt and dead hair, and only bathe it when it is very dirty, no more than once a month.
The Brazilian terrier is an excellent pet in a house where there are children, since they will become allies and companions of adventures (and also of mischief).
