Brazilian Terrier Facts

True to its name, the Brazilian Terrier is a Brazilian dog breed that was initially bred for chasing down rats and other vermin. And there is a lot you’ll want to know about these amazing little dogs. So keep reading to find out more amazing Brazilian Terrier facts and information!

The Brazilian Terrier Has Mysterious Origins

The Brazilian Terrier was, of course, first developed in Brazil. However, it’s unclear exactly how breeders developed this dog. The most popular theory is that they were developed from a combination of Jack Russell Terriers, Fox Terriers, and Parson Russell Terriers, who were brought to Brazil by Europeans in the 1800s.

They Have An Independent Streak

While the Brazilian Terrier is a generally friendly breed, they do have a tendency to be quite independent. They aren’t known for being clingy and are okay left to their own devices for longer periods of time than other dog breeds. These intelligent dogs are good at finding ways to keep themselves entertained, which may not be so fun for their owners.

They Have A Tricolor Coat

Another fun fact about Brazilian Terriers is that their coat is always tricolor. They can either be white with splotches of black and tan, or white with brown and blue. Their coat is short and fine, and very easy to care for. A quick brush once a week is usually enough, although they may need a little extra care during shedding season.

The Brazilian Terrier Is Always On The Go

While relatively small in size, the Brazilian Terrier is highly active and isn’t well suited to life in an apartment. They need a yard to run around in, as well as regular walks and runs. They also need some form of mental stimulation, such as training or more complicated toys to keep themselves entertained. Otherwise, they can resort to destructive activities

They Have A High Prey Drive

Like other ratter breeds, the Brazilian Terrier is alert and active, always ready to hunt down prey the moment they see, hear, or smell it. Their high prey drive means they aren’t suited for households with small pets like rabbits, rodents, or birds. They also need a fenced-in backyard to prevent any wandering. These dogs should also be kept on a leash during walks because they have a tendency to bolt after squirrels, rabbits, and other kinds of prey.

The Brazilian Terrier Makes A Great Watchdog

One of the most interesting facts about Brazilian Terriers is that they can do a lot more than just catch rats. Another amazing skill they have is as a watchdog. They have a distinctive loud bark, and will always warn their owners of any danger or suspicion. However, their small size means that they are not effective as a guard dogs, and their barks only serve as a warning for you to take care of the problem.

They’re Popular In Competitions

Another amazing skill of the Brazilian Terrier is in competitive activities. Their intelligent nature and eagerness to learn new things make them an excellent choice for competing in agility courses or obedience training. Their athleticism also puts them ahead of many other dog breeds. Training for competition is also a great way to keep these dogs mentally stimulated.

The Brazilian Terrier Can Be Wary Towards Strangers

While a generally friendly dog towards its own owners, the Brazilian Terrier requires early socialization. They have a tendency to become wary towards strangers, which is part of why they make such great watchdogs. Make sure to get them used to meeting new people at a young age to avoid any aggression later in life.

They Need Firm Owners

While these intelligent dogs love to learn new things, they can be a bit bossy if their owners don’t establish who’s in charge right away. Brazilian Terriers do best with firm, experienced owners who can provide mental challenges, as well as keep them in line if they become a little too independent.

They Made Popular Circus Dogs

One of the coolest Brazilian Terrier facts is that they’ve historically made popular circus dogs. Not only are these highly intelligent dogs easy to train, but they have a love of learning new and interesting tricks. This made them an incredibly popular choice to perform all sorts of daring feats in circuses.

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