Among South American countries, Brazil stands out not only for its continental dimensions and multifaceted culture, but also for itsenormous natural diversity l. From North to South of the Brazilian territory, we find various ecosystems that make up a privileged biodiversity.
Although this tropical country is usually associated with more exotic species, such as those found in the Amazon jungle, some breeds of dogs that are very representative of Brazilian history and culture also originated on its soil. In this article on our site, we invite you to learn about the dog breeds in Brazil and discover some curiosities about their appearance and behavior.
Brazilian Fila: the first”among the dog breeds of Brazil
The Fila brazilian is a large dog with a privileged muscular mass, which exhibits a aspect powerful and imposing Its body has a slightly sloping, rectangular profile, as the back is slightly higher than the front. His skin is thick and loosely attached to his body, giving this genuinely Brazilian breed a few jowls.
Beyond its striking body build, a very peculiar characteristic of the row is its way of moving. They are one of the few dogs that, when walking, simultaneously move the front and rear legs on the same side. This very particular way of walking is popularly known as " camel walk", due to its clear similarity with the movements of this animal.
The Brazilian fila has a strong personalityand his temperament is somewhat complex. In their family nucleus, the filas are very affectionate and devoted to loved ones, also showing remarkable patience in living with children. However, they are usually reserved and can be surly or distrustful of unknown people and animals. Therefore, this breed needs experienced and patient guardians who have the dedication and ability to educate them positively. In addition, a fila must be socialized early to learn to interact with people, other animals and their own toys.
Regarding its history, we know that the Fila Brasileiro results from crosses between dogs native to Brazil and some breeds that were introduced by the Portuguese settlers, such as the Bulldog, the Mastiff and the BloodhoundCurrently, there are still some disagreements about how these crosses were produced. Some historians say that they happened naturally, while others claim that they were done intentionally to create a very strong and hardy race, with remarkable hunting and guarding skills.
First, the breed was used as a "multifunctional" rural worker: protecting settler lands, herding herds, and hunting the slaves who tried to run away (slavery was legal in Brazil until 1888). At this same time, the rows were also used to hunt large animals (mainly pumas and other felines). Later, these furry ones were trained as police dogs and have also earned their place among the best guard dogs, being adopted as the favorite pet and protector of many families.
In 1940, the Fila Brasileiro is recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club), becoming the first breed of dog in Brazil to be officially registered by international canine societies.
Brazilian Terrier: the popular Fox Paulistinha
The Brazilian terrier, better known as the fox paulistinha in his country of origin, "competes" as equals with the row when the Criterion is the most popular Brazilian breed in the world. But unlike its "big" countryman, the Fox Paulistinha is a small to medium-sized dog, whose exact size is determined by its genetic heritage. Its body has a square profile and exhibits soft lines, which give a very elegant appearance to this charming member of the Terrier family.
One of the most outstanding physical characteristics of this breed is its short and smooth hairs that are so close together and attached to the body of the dog that they do not let their skin show through. This very dense and attractive type of fur is called " rat fur".
The Brazilian terrier is a dog hyperactive, intelligent and curious, with a very cheerful and insightful temperament. When they receive a good education, these furry ones can easily learn a large number of tasks, tricks and dog sports Despite being very affectionate and loyal to their families, the Fox Paulistinha is an independent dog that shows a strong personality and can become stubborn and territorial when its guardians do not have adequate experience to train and socialize it as a puppy.
Experts tell us that the paulistinha fox would have been born from crosses between dogs native to Brazil with specimens fromfox terrier and jack russel terrier that would have reached the Brazilian coast on Portuguese and Dutch ships. It is said that the settlers used to travel with small terrier dogs to avoid the proliferation of rats on their ships. However, it is estimated that the appearance and behavior of the current Brazilian terrier could have been influenced by some later crosses with pinschers and chihuahuas
Before being adopted as the favorite pet of many families, the paulistinha fox was used for hunting (small rodents, mainly) and save.
Bulldog campeiro
This breed was born during the 19th century in the southern region of Brazil, from crosses between the English bulldog and thebull terrier As can be presumed, it is a medium-sized dog, with privileged muscles and a great vocation for work. Despite not having "crossed borders", the Bulldog campeiro (also known as Bordoga) was very popular in Brazil until the 1970s.
In principle, these dogs were used to monitor and control cattle in the southern region of Brazil, mainly in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. Due to their strength, resistance, speed and predisposition for work, they were taken to the central region of the country, where they used to be used to kill pigs and other animals created for human consumption.
When the sanitary measures in slaughterhouses were regulated and reinforced, during the 70's, the Campeiro Bulldog was almost extinct from Brazil. However, some breeders have dedicated themselves to "rescuing" the breed, generating new "pure" lineages and creating a better defined aesthetic pattern to achieve official recognition.
In 2001, the Brazilian Confederation of Cinology officially recognized the bulldog campeiro. However, admirers of this genuinely Brazilian breed continue to dedicate themselves to obtaining international recognition from the FCI (International Cinological Federation).
Brazilian Tracker
While the fila was the first Brazilian dog to be recognized by an international canine society, the Brazilian tracker was the first breed of dog from Brazil to be officially registered by the FCI, in 1967. Unfortunately, the Brazilian Tracker was declared extinct a few years later, in 1973, by both the FCI and the CBKC. The increasing use of pesticides in rural plantations, added to the outbreak of some diseases, has practically eradicated the entire population of Brazilian trackers during the 1970s.
The Brazilian scenthound, also known as the American scenthound, was a hunting dog of the type scenthoundIt was a medium-sized dog, whose height at the withers used to vary between 62cm and 67cm, with an energetic and sociable temperament, but which could become something " stubborn" when he did not receive an adequate education from his tutors. Currently, some Brazilian breeders try to "re-breed" the original breed, but have not yet had significant success.
Serrano Bulldog
The history of the bulldog serrano is mixed and confused, on many occasions, with that of the country bulldog. The Brazilian Confederation of Dog Breeds affirms that, in reality, the two breeds have always existed, but their physical similarities and the fact that they share some ancestors generated some confusion.
The first serrano bulldogs would have arisen from crosses between the native dogs of southern Brazil with some specimens of English bulldog and of old english bulldog (the old English bullgod, now extinct), which accompanied the first European immigrants settled in the southern region of Brazil. However, it is estimated that the appearance and behavior of the current serrano bulldog have also been determined by some crosses with the Alano español and with the " fila de terceira " (a breed of Portuguese origin that has also been extinguished).
Historically, the serrano bulldog has been used to protect productive fields in southern Brazil and graze cattle. Currently, the breed is recognized by the Brazilian Cinological Confederation, but not by international canine societies.
Dogue Brasileiro or Dogo de Brasil
The Dogue brasileiro (or Dogo de Brasil) originates from a cross between a Bull terrier male and a female boxer Its creation is attributed to Pedro Pessoa Ribeiro Danta, a renowned Brazilian creator of the bull terrier breed between the 60s and 80s. However, the popular story tells that, in reality, it was a neighbor of Danta who has asked him to cross one of his male bull terriers with a female boxer from the neighborhood. Thus, in mid-1978, the first copies of Dogue brasileiro were born, the first breed of dog in Brazil created in an urban environment
Out of curiosity, Danta kept one of the puppies born from this cross. Noticing that the little boy was growing very he althy, he gained a strong, agile and elegant body at the same time, and was also obedient and predisposed to training, Danta decided give continuity to this new Brazilian breed. Initially, the breeder baptized the breed with the name " Bull Boxer", as a tribute to his parents.
During the 20th century, the Dogo do Brasil has been recognized by the Brazilian Confederation of Dogs (CBKC). Currently, the breed is getting closer to being recognized by the FCI, lacking only to verify the existence of 8 homogeneous lineages that do not share parents, grandparents or great-grandparents and that have originated from at least 2 males and 6 females.
Ovelheiro Gaúcho (the Gaucho Sheepdog of Brazil)
The ovejero gaucho is another breed of dog from Brazil that has been registered by the Brazilian Confederation of Canines, but is still awaiting recognition of international canine societies. It is a medium-sized dog, with great intelligence, notable agility and an active, alert and very loyal temperament At first glance, we can recognize its resemblance to the dogs border collie, but it is not yet known how many breeds were involved in the birth of the gaucho sheepdog. Like all sheepdogs, this breed has been used mainly to herd cattle and protect the lands of their guardians.
The pampas veadeiro
The pampas veadeiros are dogs of medium size, with a rectangular body and rustic appearance As a good hunting dog, the veadeiro has very sharpened and is always alert to stimuli in its environment. His temperament is balanced and obedient, which facilitates his training. In their family nucleus, the Veadeiros are extremely loyal to their guardians and are very patient with the children. However, they can be distrustful or surly in the presence of strangers. Therefore, it is a breed that requires special attention to its early socialization
According to the Brazilian Confederation of Canines, the Veadeiros were already present in the South region of Brazil since the 19th century, but the breed has not yet gained recognition from the FCI.
Unrecognized Brazilian dog breeds
In addition to the dogs already mentioned, Brazil has other breeds that have not yet been recognized by the Brazilian Canine Confederation or by international canine societies. Beyond not having an official recognition, these dogs have accompanied the Brazilian people for centuries and are considered as historical-cultural patronage of some regions of Brazil
Therefore, we do not want to forget to mention the following breeds:
- "Boca-Preta Sertanejo" or "Cão-sertanejo"
- Bearded Griffon
- Mantiqueira Shepherd
