Brazilian Terriers

Overall impression

Medium size. A graceful and balanced dog with a solid but not too heavy build. The square body has curved lines.

Looks

Size: Males 35–40 cm, Bitches 33–38 cm

Coat: Smooth and short.

Colour: The predominant ground colour is white with black, blue, brown or isabella markings. The following typical and breed-specific colour markings should always be present: reddish-brown markings above the eyes, on each side of the muzzle and on the edges and inside of the ears. These reddish-brown markings may also be present elsewhere on the body between the white and the coloured areas. The head and ears should always be black, blue, brown or isabella; there may be a white blaze on the head and white markings as symmetrical as possible, preferably on the forehead and sides of the muzzle.

Head: Triangular when viewed from above, wide at the back of the skull and tapering clearly from the eyes towards the nose. The ears are set far apart. When viewed from the side, the topline of the muzzle rises slightly from the tip of the nose towards the forehead, more clearly between the eyes, and the skull curves slightly towards the occiput.

Eyes: Set midway between the occiput and the nose, wide apart, the distance between the outer corners of the eyes being the same as the distance from the outer corner of the eye

Ears: Set on the sides of the skull in line with the eyes and set wide apart, emphasizing the width of the skull. The ears are triangular, pointed and carried semi-erect, with the tip folded towards the outer corner of the eye.

Tail: Naturally stumpy or full, not reaching below the hock. Strong and set low. A full tail is carried slightly upward and obliquely, but does not curl over the back.

Character

Lively, attentive, active and enthusiastic; friendly and gentle towards acquaintances, reserved towards strangers.

History and purpose

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many young Brazilians studied at European universities, especially in France and England. Often these young people married abroad, and when they returned with their families to their home farms, their wives brought with them small terrier-type dogs. The small dogs adapted to farm life and crossed with local dogs. This created a new type of dog, whose appearance became established over a few generations. As urbanization progressed, large growth centers began to attract farmers with their families and workers. These dogs then had to experience another environmental change.

In Brazil, Brazilian Terriers were used for hunting small game and as guard and companion dogs.