Brazilian Terrier: the breed that owes its existence to students

Brave, loving, and full of energy: meet the Brazilian Terrier!

The Brazilian Terrier is a medium-sized, relatively young terrier breed, whose dubious origins do not alter the fact that it was, and in some cases still is, used for hunting small game and rodents. But it has also proven itself over the decades as a companion animal and as a watchdog.

History of the Brazilian terrier

There are two leading theories about how the Brazilian terrier as we know it today evolved. Some say they probably evolved from the deck dogs of 17th-19thcentury sailors. Ships needed animals to keep the rodent population under control, and cats or small dogs, terriers, were the most common choice for this task. Presumably these dogs stayed in the place where the ship docked and mixed with the local dog population. According to this theory, the English White Terrier may have been the direct ancestor of the breed and is related to the Japanese and Chilean terriers, among others. The other hypothesis, or rather legend, links the breed’s origin to students. According to this theory, the ancestors of the Brazilian terrier are believed to be Jack Russell Terriers, or very similar Jack Russell Terrier-like dogs brought home to Brazil by students studying in Europe (mainly England and France)

sometime in the late 19th, early 20th century. These terriers were mixed with local dogs, mainly in the countryside, but urbanisation did not discourage the newly emerging breed, which was able to adapt to urban life because of its small size. Some people do not associate it with students, but only with the period, but the essence remains the same. It is said that over the years, Chihuahuas and Pinschers were also introduced into the Brazilian terrier’s bloodline. According to sources, the Junqueira family played a prominent role in the evolution of terrier dogs in Brazil by beginning to select the most ideal dogs for temperament and type.

It was not easy for them

Not only one family, but also one city has played an important role in the fact that we can talk about this breed today. This city was São Paulo, where Marina Lerario, one of the founders of the Clube do Fox Paulistinha (Brazilian Terrier Club), wrote an important article about the breed in a local newspaper. The reason for this, and for the foundation of the breed club, was that the Confederação Brasileira de Cinofilia (CBKC) , Brazil’s kennel club, had suspended the publication of pedigrees in 1973. In addition to raising awareness of the situation, the article actually promoted the breed, also known as Fox Paulistinha. It led to the CBKC re-authorising the pedigrees and to the recognition of the Brazilian Terrier as a separate breed of dog. For example, they were “certified” by the FCI in 2007.

Species standard

The Brazilian Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a slender build and a muscular, but not robust, proportionate build. Its height at the withers, which is usually 33-40 cm, should be approximately equal to the length of its back. The average weight of a Brazilian Terrier is 10 kg. Its coat is short, dense and fine to the touch, but not soft. The basic colour is always white, but the pattern can be black, blue, brown or isabella (pale liver brown). The pattern must be visible on the head.

Back is strong and straight, the chest long and deep. Forelegs are straight and muscular, the hind legs are slightly wider and more muscular. Movement is elegant and free, with quick movements. Tail low set, left natural, may be long or short, in the former case the tip may be slightly curved but not bent over the back. The skull is rounded, the forehead slightly flattened, the muzzle pointed towards the nose. Eyes dark, as dark as possible in accordance with the colouring. The ears are pinned high, triangular in shape and point upwards, but the tips are bent over the ear canal. They are classified in FCI breed group 3, terriers.

Character of the Brazilian Terrier

Vigilant, intelligent and devoted breed with lots of energy (also described by the FCI as “restless”). Recommended for active people who are able and willing to exercise with him on a daily basis. There is no need to think of marathons or several hours of exercise every day, but it is worth taking him for long walks frequently and choosing one (or more) sports that suit his mental and physical needs , so that he can regularly drain his energy.

He is friendly and cautious with those he knows and is devoted to his owner. On the other hand, he is distant and suspicious of strangers. It’s not impossible to gain his trust, but it’s usually not the first time, and it may not even happen the second. He is a clever and teachable breed, willing and even eager to learn tricks if the right attitude is adopted. Gentler methods based on positive reinforcement work best with him. He is rarely particularly stubborn or difficult to motivate.

Ideal environment

As mentioned above, he’s a terrier at heart and a good watchdog, so he doesn’t necessarily restrain himself when he feels the need to bark. Obviously this can be improved with proper training, but it’s something to be aware of if you want to keep him in your home. Being “terrier” also means that it has a strong hunting instinct, especially when it comes to small animals, so it may not be the best choice for cats, for example, although with time and effort (and of course more attention) it can be habituated to family members. With proper socialisation with other dogs, he will get on quite well and will be comfortable in a multi-dog household. He is very good with children and adapts well, so he can be a very loving, devoted family dog in the right hands.

Care

Caring for a dog couldn’t be easier. It’s a good idea to comb through his short coat once a week just to be on the safe side, and during the shedding season – which occurs twice a year – it’s a good idea to comb through your dog at least 2-3 times a week, although more frequent brushing won’t hurt either. Routine bathing is not necessary, only when the dog gets dirty.

Common health problems in the Brazilian terrier

The Brazilian Terrier is a very healthy, “rustic” breed with a life expectancy of 12-14 years. There are two diseases to which it may be susceptible, but these are relatively rare.

• Knee dislocation;
• Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS): mucopolysaccharidoses are metabolic disorders or lysosomal storage diseases resulting from enzyme deficiencies, which cause the body to be unable to break down mycopolysaccharides or only partially, so that they accumulate in cells, causing damage. Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII is also known as Sly syndrome and is a disease that is very rare even in humans. In this form, the enzyme beta-glucuronidase is missing. MPS diseases are currently incurable.