At a glance the quick version
Kennel Club de Chile ideal weights: 6.5 kg for males, 5.5 kg for females. Spanish Wikipedia gives males 6-8 kg and females 5-7 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, smooth coat
A small, lively terrier with a short, close-lying, glossy coat that is especially fine on the ears and legs.13
Personality what they are like
An energetic, watchful little terrier that is affectionate with its family and a bit reserved with strangers. It mixes a terrier's bounce and chattiness with courage and loyalty.123
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very active and energetic; enjoys daily walks, play and jobs to do, a legacy of its ratting past.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, smooth coat needs only an occasional brush to keep its shine.1
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to both rural and urban homes as long as it gets enough activity.1
Company who they like around
A people-oriented companion that likes to be close to its family.31
The story where it all began
Chile's first home-grown dog breed, shaped on central and southern farms from European fox terriers and Andalusian ratters brought by settlers. It kept barns free of rodents, then moved into towns with migrating workers. Organised breeding began in 2004 and a national club was formed in 2007.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Kennel Club de Chile
- Recognised national breed; official standard published 2 July 2020, placed in Group XI (breeds not recognised by the FCI).1
- FCI
- Not recognised.2
- Alianz Canine Worldwide
- Classified in Group 3 since 2011.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chilean 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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Chilean Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your Chilean Terrier at least twice a day for adults, and more often for puppies. Consistent meal times help digestion. Check the food label for portion sizes and ask your vet for a personalized plan.4
What should a Chilean Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality commercial dog food is a great base. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always consult your vet for the best diet for your dog.5
How often should I bathe a Chilean Terrier?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty. The ASPCA recommends at least every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo.6 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Chilean Terrier need brushing?
Weekly brushing keeps its short, smooth coat shiny and healthy. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. That's all this low-maintenance coat needs.16 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Chilean Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 3 weeks or when you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, your vet or groomer can show you.6 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Chilean Terrier need?
This very active terrier needs daily walks and playtime. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of exercise, plus mental stimulation like puzzle toys. Furry Diary's plan includes daily exercise.32 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Chilean Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, at least a few times a week with dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for redness or odor, and clean with a vet-recommended solution. Never insert anything into the ear canal.6 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Chilean Terrier live?
Lifespan varies by individual health and care. Furry Diary's plan notes that senior years typically start around age 10. For a more precise estimate, ask your vet. Furry Diary plan
Is a Chilean Terrier good with children and other pets?
This breed is affectionate with its family, so it can be wonderful with children it knows. It may be reserved with strangers, so early socialization is important. With proper introductions, it can get along with other pets.123
Can a Chilean Terrier be left alone?
This people-oriented terrier loves being close to its family and may not enjoy long periods alone. Provide interactive toys and a consistent routine if you must leave it. Consider a dog walker or pet sitter for longer absences.31
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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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.
- Terrier Chileno - Kennel Club de Chile kennelclub.clused for history, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, fun facts
- Chilean Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, size, temperament
- Terrier chileno - Wikipedia (es) es.wikipedia.orgused for weight, coat, temperament, history
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.