Brazilian Terrier
A lively, smooth-coated tricolour terrier from Brazil: alert, agile and an energetic watchdog.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at the withers
- Males 35–40 cm · Females 33–38 cm
- Weight
- Males 7–10 kg · Females 7–9 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Smooth, short
- Colours
- Tricolour, White
- Bred for
- Terrier work, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Brazil
- FCI
- Group 3, no. 341 · Terriers
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Energy | 5/5 – Very high |
| Playfulness | 4/5 – High |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 5/5 – Very high |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 4/5 – High |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 1/5 – Very low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 2/5 – Low |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with cold | 2/5 – Low |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a small, athletic dog for an active life
- like training and dog sports
- want an alert watchdog
Think twice if you …
- want a quiet dog for close neighbours
- have small pets
- prefer a low-energy companion
Care
Temperament
Brazilian Terriers are alert, energetic and affectionate with their own people, often wary of strangers. They are watchful and quick to bark.
Exercise
They need an hour or more of daily activity. Agility, ball games, running alongside a bike when mature and scent games suit them.
Grooming
The short, smooth coat needs only a weekly rub-down or brush. Shedding is light.
Training
Intelligent and responsive to rewards, but independent and easily distracted by movement. Short sessions and early socialisation work best.
Health
The breed is generally healthy, though patellar luxation and hip problems are seen occasionally. Ask the breeder for knee, hip and eye results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Kneecaps (patella)
- Hips (HD)
- Eye examination
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Brazilian Terrier developed on Brazilian farms from small European terriers, likely including fox and Jack Russell types, crossed with local dogs. Known at home as the Fox Paulistinha, it was used to hunt rats and small game and to warn of visitors. The FCI recognised it in 2006.
It is a quick, athletic dog that bonds closely with its family and keeps an eye on everything happening around the house. It suits active owners who enjoy training and outdoor time. Under-exercised Brazilian Terriers can become noisy and restless, and their hunting instinct is strong.
Did you know?
In Brazil the breed is popularly called Fox Paulistinha, a nod to its fox terrier ancestry and the state of São Paulo.