The Brazilian Terrier is one of the youngest breeds not only in the group of terriers, but also among dogs in general. At the beginning of the twentieth century, these funny and cute animals interested dog handlers and amateurs. They are not too overall, therefore they are universal and in demand by different categories of people. They were bred in Brazil, but Aboriginal blood remained in charming dogs with an elegant appearance and a perky character. Adroit and active "Brazilians" immediately won the hearts of dog breeders.
Origin history
She is quite modest, Brazilian breeders bred the breed from the beginning of the twentieth century. At the same time, the breed has many European ancestors. Dog breeders from Brazil used podengos from Portugal, which often sailed on ships and caught rodents on board while swimming. So podengo spread in many countries, including Brazil. There, breeders crossed podengo with different breeds, resulting in a “Brazilian”, which was attributed to a group of terriers.
Breed description
The dog turned out to be quite compact, attractive and completely universal. From the "Brazilian" you get an excellent watchdog, hunter, companion. He can be entrusted with a herd of cattle. The size of the dog is small, while it has a proportional harmonious physique, a slender silhouette. The body of the dog is massive, strong, but not bulky, not coarse. The shape of the case has the outlines of a square, the lines are clear, strict.
The Brazilian Terrier is similar to a fox terrier, but the latter is more rectangular than square in shape. The Brazilian inherited courage, dexterity, physical harmony and activity from the fox terrier.
Aboriginal blood added to him unpretentiousness in the conditions of stay, endurance and easy tolerance of hot weather.
Appearance is characterized by the following features:
- brown spots are located in the area of the ears and head - this is the most recognizable external feature of the “Brazilian”;
- addition proportional, organic;
- the head has the shape of a regular triangle, expanding from nose to ears;
- muzzle is very strong, eyes are dark in color, roundish, large size;
- the neck is elongated and lean, the chest is broad;
- the tail is short, legs with well-developed muscles;
- adult growth ranges from 35 to 40 cm, depending on gender;
- body weight does not exceed 10 kg;
- the coat is shortish, thin type, smooth, not too soft to the touch, perfectly adheres to the skin;
- the skin does not shine through the coat, on the front legs, ears, head is the thinnest;
- the suit is predominantly white, this is the main background, complemented by spots of brown, blue, black;
- spots are located in the area of the muzzle, ears, above the eyes, on other parts of the body.
Character
The “Brazilian” of the whole group of terriers is perhaps the most unassuming. Future owners will have to come to terms with his sonorous barking, this breed is not too quiet. But you don’t have to worry that a stranger will creep up on you or someone will get into the house - the dog will definitely warn the owner. "Brazilians" are very active, lively, funny, optimistic dogs. They are endowed with real fearlessness, incredibly brave. They fit perfectly into the family, will be good to all its members.
These are very dedicated creatures that love man. They love games, they need to frolic, jump, run.
The Brazilian Terrier is very curious, curious, attentive. No trifle will slip away from him, so he will make an excellent watchman. These pets get along well with other dogs, but small animals can be attacked. hunting instinct will make itself felt. therefore You can not leave the dog unattended and walk only on a leash.
The “Brazilian” is rather cautious and suspicious; he does not recognize strangers. But his family members will always see a gentle and gentle animal. The terrier gets along well with not too young children, though they should not be allowed to freely treat the dog.
It is better if parents will control their communication.
Maintenance and care
Having decided to get a puppy of this breed, choose a trusted seller: a kennel or a breeder with good reviews. In no case do not buy dogs in the markets, so you risk buying not only a purebred, but also a sick puppy. If the dog has a veterinary passport, and you can see the documents of the parents, then you will get confidence that with proper care, the dog will develop well and be ill little.
In leaving the “Brazilians” are not too demanding. They belong to the shorthair type, so comb them out enough once a week.
To do this, you need to purchase a special brush or glove. Water procedures also should not be too frequent. Brazilians are washed as necessary, otherwise the natural protective layer of the skin and coat is broken. If you provide the pet with a sufficient range, the claws can wear off naturally. But most often they need to be cut with a claw cutter as they grow. Never use regular scissors.
Inspect the auricles, oral cavity, eyes of the dog weekly. They also need to be cleaned in a timely manner.
Eyes - with special lotions and a cotton pad, ears - with cotton buds, teeth with brushes and special toys with fluoride. When choosing cleaning products, try to buy those that contain a minimum of perfumes, in order to avoid allergic reactions. For any suspicious rashes, inflammation, pus, irritation on the mucous membranes and skin, you should show the dog to the veterinarian.
Feeding
You can choose two types of food - ready-made feed and natural feeding. In the case of the latter, it is necessary to take care of a balanced healthy diet. First of all, the basis of the menu is protein, that is, meat and cereals in the form of cereals. Also in the diet must be fermented milk products and vegetables by season. Babies are given a weekly egg yolk; upon reaching 3 months of age, the number of egg supplements is increased to 3 times a week.
Gradually, the menu can be expanded with boiled offal. At 5 months, the puppy is already able to eat solid food, before that the consistency should be soft.
An adult dog is fed twice a day, babies from five to three, gradually reducing the number of meals.
Health
In general, dogs of this breed are quite strong, their immunity is excellent. Genetic diseases are few, but they are. It is very important to timely vaccinate, treatment against parasites - external and internal.
Every year, the pet should be shown to the veterinarian for a routine examination. Timely detection of diseases makes treatment more successful.
A dog may experience these health problems:
- ear diseases;
- demodicosis;
- hearing impairment;
- joint dysplasia;
- epilepsy.
Parenting, training
Dogs of this breed are pretty smart, smart, but they need to be raised from a very early age. In addition, without consistency and rigor, it is unlikely that much can be achieved in training. "Brazilians" are active, playful, and therefore often naughty. One of the most necessary skills is learning to bark on a command, because by nature they are very loud. If you do not start learning this from the first days of the baby’s appearance in the house, they will interfere with their constant barking.
The first thing you must achieve is to assert your unconditional leadership. Consistency and exactingness will ensure this for you.
The owner must be an absolute leader from the very beginning, otherwise then the dog will not perceive him in this capacity. Remember that with a good upbringing, the “Brazilians” are extremely cute creatures that will bring a lot of joy to the family. In his absence, they turn into egoists and despots.
The Brazilian terrier is best trained in a playful way, as he loves to play very much. thus, more can be achieved from them than with the method of punishment. The promotion method works great for them. Dogs can become excellent athletes, circus artists, acrobats - this requires regular training.
In general, the breed is distinguished by its unusual endurance, strength, therefore it is efficient and hardworking.
If you want to succeed in training, spend at least an hour daily. This will allow the dog to be in shape and learn more and more new teams, learn skills. It is very important to develop a dog not only physically, but also mentally. Teach him to bring a newspaper, slippers, to do different tricks.
Who is it for?
First of all, people who lead an inactive lifestyle, especially in urban apartments, should refuse to buy a Brazilian terrier. This breed is not suitable for lovers to lie on the couch, avoiding walking. Such a pet is ideal for owners of country houses where the dog can move more or less freely.
It must be periodically taken out to the forest, groves, wherever she would run freely.
In doing so, remember that "Brazilians" are thermophilic; they cannot be kept in street enclosures and booths in winter.
These dogs are attached to members of the family in which they live, but still are quite independent in nature. Therefore, as companions to older people, they also will not work. They get along well with children only if they behave correctly towards the dog.
See what the Brazilian Terrier looks like.
