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Discover everything about Brazilian Terrier
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Brazilian Terrier?
At a glance
Brazilian Terrier overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Brazilian Terrier requires an above-average number of mandatory health tests, which points to an increased genetic risk. The eyes are particularly vulnerable to conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and lens luxation, which can lead to blindness in the worst-case scenario. Additionally, screening for patellar luxation is essential to rule out chronic joint problems in puppies.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
33–40 cm
Weight
7–10 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,000 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, smooth, without undercoat
- Origin: Brazil
Typical coat colors
- White with black
- brown or blue markings
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Brazilian Terrier, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Brazilian Terrier right for you?
The Brasilianischer Terrier is a lightning-fast, tireless Erdhund (earth dog)—bred as a versatile farm dog in South America that hunts rats, alerts you to strangers, and works more closely with its human than many other terriers.
Perfect for you if:
- You enjoy fast-paced dog sports like agility—as a former farm dog, he needs a task for his mind and body, otherwise he will find one himself.
- You are looking for a cheerful companion who, with clear guidance, can cope well with the hustle and bustle of family life.
- You combine consistency with humor and can lovingly channel his typical terrier stubbornness in the right direction.
- You can teach him when it's time to rest, as this highly reactive dog will otherwise jump at every stimulus.
Less ideal if:
- You live in an apartment with thin walls and expect absolute silence—alerting you to anything unusual is his hardware as a farm guardian.
- You expect him to ignore small animals darting around—his lightning-fast hunting instinct is deeply ingrained.
- You are looking for a dog that will wait peacefully on the sofa for hours while you work full-time away from home.
- You give in easily during training, because he will immediately use his high intelligence to set his own rules.
The real vibes check
A Brasilianischer Terrier is like a bouncy ball with a built-in radar—always on the move, always alert, and up for any fun. If you channel his bubbling energy into genuine teamwork, you will get an inseparable shadow. However, if you leave the decisions to him, he will quickly mutate into a barking controller of your entire daily routine.
Breed Profile
The Brazilian Terrier, often called the Fox Paulistinha, is a small to medium-sized dog with a lively and energetic demeanor. His build is slim and well proportioned, making him a very mobile and agile dog. A striking feature of this breed is its large, upright ears, which give it an attentive and alert expression. His eyes are almond-shaped, usually dark, and reflect his intelligence and attentiveness. In the FCI classification (F"d"ration Cynologique Internationale) the Brazilian Terrier is listed in Group 3: Terriers, Section 1: Long-legged Terriers. There are no distinctions between show and performance lines, making the breed very homogeneous overall.
- Height
- 33 - 38 cm (Female), 35 - 40 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 7 - 10 kg (Female), 7 - 10 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 years
- Character
- Willing to learn, energetic, playful
- Coat
- Short, smooth, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- White with black, brown or blue markings
- Price
- 1000 - 2500 €
History
The history of the Brazilian Terrier (Terrier Brasileiro) began primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, it was common for wealthy Brazilian families to send their children to Europe, particularly France and Great Britain, for their studies. Upon their return, these students often brought small European terriers back to their family estates, most notably Fox Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers. On the Brazilian fazendas, these imported dogs interbred with local dogs already adapted to the climate, such as small Pinschers and Chihuahuas. From these pairings, a robust, agile, and versatile farm dog emerged. Its original purpose was pest control as a tireless ratter, as well as serving as a vigilant farm guardian and a courageous companion for small game hunting. Although the breed shaped the rural landscape of Brazil for decades, its official cynological recognition came late. In 1973, the Brazilian Terrier was officially recognized as a distinct breed by the national kennel club. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) granted provisional recognition in 1995 and finally gave full recognition in 2007. Today, the Terrier Brasileiro is valued both as an agile working dog and a lively companion.
Original Use
The Brazilian Terrier was bred as a versatile farm dog and is known for its alertness and lively temperament.
Origin
Brazil
Date
1800
Character & Temperament
The Brazilian Terrier is a true terrier through and through. He is known for his energetic and exuberant nature. This breed loves to be active and has a great urge to move. Whether playing, exploring or training, a Brazilian Terrier is always full of energy and drive. This makes it particularly suitable for active people who like to spend a lot of time outdoors and want to involve their dog in various activities. But this breed has much more to offer than just energy. The Brazilian Terrier is a very trainable dog that quickly picks up new commands and can also master complex tasks. This makes him a great companion dog for various dog sports such as agility or flyball. But he can also shine as a trick dog and impress with his skills. Despite his independence, the Brazilian Terrier is very people-oriented and highly values the company of his family. He is playful and outgoing, both towards people and other dogs. With his cheerful and open-minded nature, he can quickly win the hearts of dog lovers. A Brazilian Terrier can also learn to stay alone, but keep in mind that they are a breed with high activity levels. Therefore, he should not have to spend excessively long periods of time alone, otherwise he might become bored. However, a well-used Brazilian Terrier is a contented dog who can also enjoy quiet periods. The instinct to hunt is present in this terrier, but is usually less pronounced than in other terrier breeds. With consistent training and good management, this behavior can usually be well controlled. When it comes to alertness, the Brazilian Terrier is an alert dog that is always aware of its surroundings. He is not overly barking, but will alert his family to visitors or unusual noises. Overall, the Brazilian Terrier is an active, intelligent and charming breed that makes a good companion for active people. Its size makes it a practical companion for many life situations, and its adaptability and zest for life make it a wonderful family dog.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Brazilian Terrier is the only dog breed that originated in Brazil and is internationally recognized?
What Awaits You
The Brazilian Terrier is a lively and intelligent dog that requires a lot of exercise and activity. It is alert and shows a strong bond with its family. These dogs are agile and well-suited for active people looking for a loyal companion. Despite their energy, they are friendly and adaptable.
Housing & Care
The Brazilian Terrier is an active and energetic dog and therefore needs enough exercise and mental stimulation. He is well suited to city life as long as he gets enough exercise and is not left alone for too long. A garden for playing and running around is an advantage, but regular walks and activities can also be sufficient in an apartment. The Brazilian Terrier is generally good with children and can be a great family dog. However, all interactions between dogs and small children should always take place under supervision to protect both the child and the dog. He can also usually learn how to get along with other pets well, especially if he is socialized with them as a puppy.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all.
Ideal city dog
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Brazilian Terrier is an intelligent and eager-to-learn animal, which makes training him a pleasure. With positive training methods and lots of praise, you can get the best out of this clever dog. This breed of dog has a lot of energy and loves to be challenged physically and mentally. Therefore, dog sports such as agility or flyball are ideal for the Brazilian Terrier. But mental work, such as search games or trick training, can also be a lot of fun and keep him busy. Even though the Brazilian Terrier needs a lot of activity, it is important to make sure that you do not "over-occupy" him. Like all dogs, he needs rest periods to recover and relax. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are also important skills that the Brazilian Terrier should learn. This way he can learn to wait patiently until he gets what he wants and to remain calm even in exciting situations.
Nutrition & Care
The Brazilian Terrier's diet should be balanced and high quality. As with all dog breeds, it is important to provide the right amount of nutrients to ensure good health. Fresh meat, vegetables and high-quality dry food can form the basis of a healthy diet. Regular weight monitoring is also important as being overweight can cause various health problems. Caring for the Brazilian Terrier is generally straightforward. His short coat has no undercoat and sheds little. He only needs occasional brushing to remove dead hair and promote skin health. Bathe him only when absolutely necessary so as not to strip the natural oils in his fur. The Brazilian Terrier is well adapted to the climate in Brazil and can handle heat well. However, in colder climates, such as Germany, it may require additional protection, especially in the winter months.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
C
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Brazilian Terrier requires an above-average number of mandatory health tests, which points to an increased genetic risk. The eyes are particularly vulnerable to conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and lens luxation, which can lead to blindness in the worst-case scenario. Additionally, screening for patellar luxation is essential to rule out chronic joint problems in puppies.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure that your dog is raised in a way that is gentle on his joints and put a coat on him in cold, wet weather, as he lacks a warming undercoat.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the knees, eyes, and hearing of the parent animals checked and use targeted genetic testing to avoid serious metabolic diseases in the line.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Brazilian Terrier
Anna G., Züchterin aus Niederösterreich (mehrere Hunde, seit 2008)
Ich bin im Jahr 2008 eher durch Zufall an meinen ersten Brasilianischen Terrier gekommen und war von Anfang an überrascht, wie perfekt diese seltene Rasse in unser Familienleben passt. Mittlerweile kann ich mir ein Leben ohne die 'Fox Paulistinhas' gar nicht mehr vorstellen. Sie sind unglaublich sozial, anhänglich und integrieren sich wunderbar in den Alltag.
Was mir besonders gefällt: Sie sind zwar extrem lebensfroh und aktiv, aber im Haus keineswegs hyperaktiv oder nervös, solange sie ihre Beschäftigung bekommen. Mit einer konsequenten, aber liebevollen Erziehung lernen sie extrem schnell. Zudem ist das kurze Fell ohne Unterwolle unglaublich pflegeleicht – man muss sich also auf keine stundenlangen Bürsten-Sessions einstellen.
Christian M., Halter aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2021)
Wer einen Couchpotato-Hund sucht, ist beim Brasilianischen Terrier definitiv an der falschen Adresse. Mein Rüde ist ein echtes Energiebündel und fordert mich täglich. Wir machen viel Agility und Hundesport – durch seine Wendigkeit, Ausdauer und die feine Nase ist er dabei voll in seinem Element. Er lernt neue Tricks oft innerhalb von Minuten, was Fluch und Segen zugleich ist, denn mentale Auslastung ist bei dieser Intelligenz Pflicht.
Eine rassetypische Herausforderung ist das Wetter: Da die Rasse aus Brasilien stammt und das kurze Fell keinerlei schützende Unterwolle besitzt, friert mein Rüde im nasskalten deutschen Winter extrem schnell. Ohne Hundemantel geht bei Regen und Kälte gar nichts, und er weigert sich dann manchmal regelrecht, einen Fuß vor die Tür zu setzen.
Sabine K., Halterin aus Hessen (Hündin, seit 2019)
Wir haben uns für einen Brasilianischen Terrier entschieden, weil wir das aufgeweckte Wesen von Terriern lieben, uns aber vor der typischen Sturheit und Rauflust eines Jack Russells oder Fox Terriers gescheut haben. Und tatsächlich: Unsere Hündin zeigt sich im Alltag deutlich führiger und verträglicher mit anderen Hunden. Sie ist extrem menschenbezogen und liebt es, sich nach einem aktiven Tag warm eingekuschelt im Körbchen auszuruhen.
Man darf jedoch ihre Wachsamkeit nicht unterschätzen. Fremden gegenüber ist sie anfangs sehr misstrauisch und schlägt sofort an, wenn sich jemand dem Grundstück nähert oder ungewohnte Geräusche zu hören sind. Das Bellen muss man von Anfang an konsequent in geordnete Bahnen lenken, sonst neigen sie dazu, jeden Besucher lautstark zu melden.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Brazilian Terrier
Is a Brazilian Terrier the right dog for me?
The Brazilian Terrier is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Brazilian Terrier live?
The average life expectancy of a Brazilian Terrier is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Brazilian Terrier need?
Brazilian Terrier grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Brazilian Terrier good for families with children?
The Brazilian Terrier can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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