Monday, January 25, 2010

Brazilian Terrier small dog breed



The Brazilian Terrier, commonly called Fox Paulistinha, is a breed of dog developed in Brazil. It is one of several terriers probably descended from the combining of the Fox Terrier with other small breeds.

Appearance


This terrier stands between 14-16 in (35.5-40.5cm) at the withers. Its appearance is typical of dogs descended from fox terrier types: the short coat is tri-colour (white with markings in two other colours; permissible colours are black, tan, brown and blue). The skull is flat and wedge-shaped, with folded ears. The tail may be docked or natural. It weight can be between 14-20lbs (6.5-9kg)

Temperament 1

Brazilian Terriers are alert, intelligent and playful with stronger than average hunting instincts. They should not be left alone with small animals. They must be kept active and occupied, becoming destructive or restless if bored.

Description


The Brazilian Terrier's coat is always tri-color; white and tan with black; blue or brown are also accepted.  The tail may be docked or kept natural.  It has a flat triangular skull.  The chest is narrow, compact with a well balanced body.

Temperament 2

The temperament of the Brazilian Terrier is best described as a big Jack Russell Terrier.  They are very perky, alert, intelligent and frisky.  This breed loves to play and will do so the whole time they are with their owners.  They love to bark and dig and make good watchdogs.  Tell this dog after they bark to warn you of something, that is enough and you will take care of things from there. They are great ratters, excellent at tracking and dispatching the rodents that inhabit rural ranches in Brazil.  This devoted loving dog needs an owner who is familiar with the terrier personality;


 one who can be a strong pack leader.  Spirited and obedient, yet absolutely fearless.  Friendly and generally kind to children. Children need to be taught how to be kind to the dog, but also how to be the dogs leader. This intelligent breed needs firm, experienced training, along with a firm, consistent, confident pack leader, or they will become willful and determined. To avoid behavior problems, the Brazilian Terrier needs rules it must follow and limits to what it is and is not allowed to do, in order to prevent Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors, where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. They have strong hunting instincts (stronger than your average terrier) and should not be trusted with other small animals.  They like to chase and explore.  Be careful not to let them off the lead unless they are very well-trained.

Height, Weight

Height: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm.)
Weight: 15-20 pounds (7-9 kg.)

Health Problems


Living Conditions

This breed is not recommended for apartment life. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.

 
Exercise

The Brazilian Terrier needs mental and physical activity to be happy.  They tend to get restless and destructive if not kept fruitfully occupied and well exercised. They need to be taken on a long daily walk.

Life Expectancy

About 12-14 years


 Grooming

Their short coat requires little grooming.

Origin

The Brazilian Terrier is one of only two native breeds, with the Fila Brasileiro being the other.  Jack Russell Terriers, brought to Brazil from Europe in the 19th century, served as the nearest probable ancestor of the Brazilian Terrier. Other breeds used for this dogs development were the crossing of the Miniature Pinschers and perhaps large Chihuahuas.  The Brazilian Terrier is said to be popular in Brazil, but almost unknown outside that country.  Although this breed has been in existence for 100 years, the breed has just been registered since 1973.  They are used for both pack and single hunting.  When working in packs, they surround their prey from all directions until the animal is exhausted.