Brazilian Terrier Dog Names

Since the Brazilian Terrier is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club (UKC), it is an extremely rare breed within the United States. In fact, outside of its native Brazil, it is virtually unknown. However, Izabel or Izy for short has become a poster child of sorts for websites offering information on this elusive breed. The photograph of her at just eight months old is very typical of the Brazilian Terrier, standing proudly, staring boldly at the camera waiting for the next game to begin. She has even captured some interest on Pintrest.

There are only two native dog breeds in Brazil, the Brazilian Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro. Although the exact origins of the Brazilian Terrier are unknown, there are many theories surrounding this unique, playful terrier. It is believed the Jack Russell Terrier was brought into Brazil by Europeans during the 19^th century and was one of the influencing breeds in the development of the Brazilian Terrier. Researchers have also traced their ancestry back to the crossing of Miniature Pinschers, Fox Terriers and larger Chihuahuas. It is also possible the Portuguese Podengo is a part of their ancestry. The Podengo arrived in Brazil sometime in the 1600s when Portuguese explorers arrived. Those involved in developing the Brazilian Terrier needed a sturdy, tenacious terrier that could work independently or within packs to hunt small game within the Brazilian rainforests. The breeding of the Brazilian Terrier was probably a happy accident because the dogs seemed to breed indiscriminately for several years before someone took notice of the potential value in these dogs. They are considered to be a Landrace breed, meaning they have come into existence naturally without any orchestrated breeding practices performed. Once farmers began to see the significance of this resilient dog, they began breeding them together to solidify the temperament, hunting abilities, and look. With Brazil being an agriculturally reliant country, the Brazilian Terrier is an ideal dog since they are more than capable of protecting the crops from small rodents. Brazilians have also found the usefulness of the Brazilian Terrier in dog sports such as hunting and tracking. Even though the Brazilian Terrier has been in existence since the 1800s, it was not until 1985 that the Brazilian Kennel Club recognized them as an official breed. Fanciers of the breed had to clean up their pedigrees so the Brazilian Kennel Club could officially recognize the Brazilian Terrier as a purebred dog. This took several generations of breeding pure Brazilian Terriers together to eliminate any crossbred ancestors.