Brazilian Terrier
bruh-ZIL-ee-un TEH-ree-er
Brazil· Rural Brazil
The Brazilian Terrier is a small, tricoloured terrier developed on rural Brazilian estates.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Small
Exercise needs
1 hour per day
Home size suited to
Any
Grooming frequency
Minimal
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Moderate
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Either
Garden size needed
Small or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Brazilian Terrier
Brought to Brazilian farms by European immigrants, small terrier-type dogs such as the Fox Terrier and Jack Russell Terrier were crossed with local Pinscher-type dogs to create an agile ratter suited to rural estates. The breed, known locally as the Terrier Brasileiro, became a familiar all-purpose farm and companion dog.
- Region
- Rural Brazil
- Climate it was bred for
- Warm subtropical farmland
- Original job
- Ratting, farm vermin control and companionship
The long read
About the breed
Its ratting and farm background shaped a lively, alert and fearless little dog with sharp instincts and boundless energy.
It makes an entertaining, affectionate companion for active owners, though it needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven mischief.
Today it is popular across Brazil as a family and farm dog, and is gradually gaining recognition and small numbers of enthusiasts internationally.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Brazilian Terrier greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Brazilian Terrier is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Brazilian Terrier's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
European imports
Immigrants brought terrier breeds such as the Fox Terrier and Jack Russell Terrier to Brazil.
Early 1900s
Local development
These terriers were crossed with local Pinscher-type dogs to suit farm life.
1973
First standard
A breed standard was established for the Terrier Brasileiro.
1995
FCI recognition
The Brazilian Terrier received provisional recognition from the FCI.
2007
Full FCI recognition
The breed achieved definitive FCI recognition.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Slim, muscular body with a slightly arched loin.
- coat
- Short, fine and smooth.
- ears
- Semi-erect, folded at the tip.
- eyes
- Dark, medium-sized, lively expression.
- head
- Slim, moderately long head with a defined stop.
- size
- 33-40cm at the withers
- colour
- White with black and tan markings, in various combinations.
- temperament
- Alert, energetic and fearless, affectionate with family.
- general appearance
- A small, lightly built, elegant terrier with a tricolour coat.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Brazilian Terriers added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Brazilian Terrier
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Brazilian Terrier illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Brazilian Terrier Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Brazilian Terrier illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Brazilian Terrier Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Brazilian Terrier illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Brazilian Terrier Mug
Ceramic mug with the Brazilian Terrier illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Travel Water Bottle & Bowl
550ml bottle with a fold-out drinking trough.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Brazilian Terrier video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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