COUNTRY: Brazil
WEIGHT: 15-20 pounds
COAT: Short, smooth
COLOR: Tricolor
OTHER NAMES: Fox Paulistinha, Terrier
Brasileiro
REGISTRY: None
GROUP: Terrier
The terrier from Brazil 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 Fox Paulistinha. These dogs were crossed with the Pinscher and Chihuahua. Although the Terrier Brasileiro has been in existence for 100 years, the breed has just been registered since 1973.
Despite their size, they are tough, eager hunters and superb ratters. These terriers hunt in packs, surrounding and worrying the prey from all directions until the animal is exhausted.
The native terrier is most common on the outlying ranches and estates. With his alert bearing and bark, he warns of strangers. Lest intruders think they have only to deal with a noisy 20-pound terrier, the barking serves to wake up the tough 100-pound Filas which answer the alarm and handle any threat. The Fox Paulistinha can live in city or country, big or small homes; he "is happy to live with the person he likes."
The Brazilian Terriers are small, game and quick. They are excellent companions, with one fancier professing that "they spring and play all the time they are with the owner." Very intelligent, they "win the owner's heart" and are easily taught. Grooming is a simple chore, taken care of with a few flicks of the brush. Serving as great company for children and the elderly, the little terriers make good family pets. They quickly learn tricks and love to perform.
These smart little terriers of Brazil are unknown in other parts of the world. In their native land, however, they are second only to the Filas in registrations