At a glance the quick version
FCI and Wikipedia give about 10 kg without splitting by sex.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, smooth
A tight, close-lying short coat that feels fine rather than soft, with even finer hair on the head, ears and underside. The body is lean and square with semi-erect folded ears.12
Personality what they are like
Lively, watchful and always busy. It is warm and gentle with the people it knows and tends to keep a polite distance from strangers, which makes it a keen little watchdog.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An energetic terrier bred to hunt small game on farms, so it does best with daily walks plus play or scent games that let it use its energy.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, close coat needs little more than an occasional brush or wipe-down to stay tidy.12
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with its family and enjoys being involved in daily life; early, friendly introductions to new people help it relax around visitors.1
The story where it all began
Brazilians returning from studies in Europe in the 19th and early 20th centuries brought small terriers with them. On Brazilian farms these dogs mixed with local dogs and settled into a distinct type that later moved into towns and cities with their owners. Some writers also point to Iberian ratting terriers as part of the background.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is one of only two native Brazilian breeds recognised internationally.2
- 2
At home in Brazil it is often called the Fox Paulistinha.2
- 3
Its FCI standard lists three jobs for it: small game hunter, guard dog and companion.1
- 4
Tan markings above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle and on the ears are a required part of its look.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 341, Group 3 (Terriers), Section 1 Large and medium-sized Terriers; official valid standard dated 14.05.2022, country of origin Brazil.1
- CBKC (Confederação Brasileira de Cinofilia)
- Recognised by the Brazilian national kennel club.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Brazilian Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 341 Terrier Brasileiro fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Brazilian Terrier (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for names, recognition, history, facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.