MyDogBreedsBrazilian Terrier is originated from Brazil but Australian Cattle Dog is originated from Australia. Brazilian Terrier may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Australian Cattle Dog. Brazilian Terrier may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than Australian Cattle Dog. Both Brazilian Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same life span. Both Brazilian Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog has same litter size. Both Brazilian Terrier and Australian Cattle Dog requires Low maintenance.
Though its exact origins are questioned it is known that the Brazillian Terrier was developed in Brazil and along with the Fila Brasileiro, are the only authentic Brazillian breeds. In the early 1800’s the Jack Russel Terrier, Fox Terrier, Chihuahuas and Miniature Pinschers were mixed to create the Brazillian Terrier. The Terrier breed was brought to Brazil by Europeans and there were probably both the Jack Russel and the Fox Terrier in the mix. Very popular within its own country the Brazillian Terrier is barely known outside Brazil. They were registered in 1973 even though they have been around in Brazil since the 1800’s. They are both single and pack hunting dogs. They chase and surround prey until the prey becomes too exhausted to run or fight. The Brazillian Terrier is larger than any European or North American Terrier. They are also less aggressive than other terrier types so that pack hunting became possible. They were built to work in the heat for long periods of time. Their stamina far surpassed other terriers as did their resistance to parasites and diseases.
Many farmers and plantation owners came to values them for their ability to hunt down and eliminate vermin on the land and thus help with increased production of livestock and crops. They were so loved by the farmers and plantation owners that they began known as the “dog of the common people”. Yet it was not only the rural folks who valued this breed, but the people of the cities did as well. Because they were good ratters, a reasonable size, affectionate and loyal, many urban households sported a Brazillian Terrier. The breed spread throughout the country.
The Brazillian Terrier was kept mostly pure bred throughout its history but due to lack of pedigrees and paperwork it was not recognized by any kennel club unit 1973 when Brazillian breeders formed the Clube de Fox Paulistinha or CPF. They had a standard developed and created a stud book. By 1991 they were still not officially recognized but the CFP and the CBKC (Confederacio Brasilera de Cinofilia) began the process of establishing acceptable pedigrees and recognition of the breed. The FCI recognized the breed in 2007.
During the 19th century, in the New South Wales, lived a cattle farmer Thomas Hall. He wanted to have a perfect cattle dog so he mixed two breeds: dogs used by stockman with the dingo. The new breed was given an interesting name - Halls Heelers. Heelers was a part of the dog breed because this new breed of the dog inherited the nipping instinct. As time passed, one breed was developing in two breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.
The Australian Cattle dog can be found in two available colours: red and blue. This is how they got their nicknames: Red Heeler and Blue Heeler.
The Brazillian Terrier is a small to medium sized dog with a white – tricolor (tan and black) coat. It has a narrow chest, a triangular rather flat skull, the tail is docked, folded, half pricked hears, and the body is well-balanced. Its legs are long and athletic, and the coat is very short and very fine. He has round eyes that can be green, blue, brown or gray. They are very much like the Jack Russel in temperament. His expression should reflect that temperament in its eagerness and alertness.
The Australian Cattle Dog originally mixed with Australian herding dog that was kept near the cattle to guide them. Medium-sized, with the short coat, this dog is generally easy to groom and maintain. It does require more brushing during the shedding period, but it is still not an everyday need. He is easy to train because he likes challenging games and activities which are. It gets very attached to its owner, and he is always protective of them and their possessions. The most common health problems happen with their ears and eyes, but they are usually very healthy and they have a long life – up to 15 years.
The Brazillian Terrier is very much like his ancestor the Jack Russell. Like the JR Terrier he is friendly, intelligent, alert, playful, and loves to dig. They are courageous and fearless. They will obey but only if they know and believe you are really in charge. Otherwise they are intelligent enough to be very independent, determined and willful. At the same time, they are utterly loyal to their people. He needs a lot of toys but don’t let him live with other small animals. His hunting instincts may be the strongest of all terriers and he may harm small animals in the home. You have to teach him when to stop barking. Their love of play would consume your entire day if you let them. You should understand the terrier personality before you acquire a Brazillian Terrier.
Children and Australian Cattle Dogs can grow up together in harmony. They will have a loyal and protective companion. After you properly train your dog and teach your child how to play with the dog, you will bring the friendship on the safe side. Some of them will have the instinct to nip at heels, so you should pay attention to this while training your pet.
Special talents: cattle dog, service dog, therapy dog, police dogs, drug detection dogs.
Australian Cattle Dogs can survive cool, hot and temperate conditions. They can live in a shelter outdoors, and they do well living indoors. But, be aware – without enough physical activity, this dog will end up being frustrated and unhappy.
They will absorb every new trick so quick that you will be amazed. They love to learn, and if you start with some good trick you will raise a great friend and maybe a great competitor in fetch, swim, bring-a-stick, or run-the-show dog sports.
The breed is mostly healthy except for hunting accidents and a few generic issues they are susceptible to. This includes things like Dental and eye issues, the usual ear issues, liver issues, allergies, epilepsy and patellar luxation. However, they are more likely to have issues related to hunting than another of these predisposed conditions
Health Problems: are mostly inherited. You can avoid this by searching for a good breeder that can clear out the hereditary diseases.
The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the breeds that can be born with progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive rod-cone degeneration is a disease that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to degenerate. It might lead to blindness.
The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the rare breeds with recessive piebald alleles. This gene is the reason why they have white colour on their coat. But, unfortunately, this gene can be the reason why congenital hereditary deafness develops.
This is still a working dog and a terrier at that. They are high energy, athletic dogs. Feed a high-quality food at the rate of 1 to 2 cups per day, split into 2 meals. Treat are good for training but if your Brazillian Terrier is not hunting or working in some way, stay away from too much food and treats as he can easily become obese.
As mentioned previously, the biggest concern with this breed is hunting accidents or injuries. Look out for ear and skin infections or allergies. For the most part this is a hardy, healthy breed.
A very energetic dog, the Brazillian Terrier like its ancestors has a need to work off that energy. Yes, he is an urban dog and can live in an apartment, but you better have a dog park or a competition or some place to hunt because his need for exercise cannot be answered by daily walks and running around an apartment. IF your Brazillian Terrier is not stimulated physically and mentally on a daily basis he will become destructive, hyperactive and very, very unhappy. Don’t just stick him in a yard and leave him either as terriers are known to dig and escape and he will too.
They excel at agility, flyball, obedience and confirmation. They love to chase things and they love to explore. Barn Hunt would also be a good game for them. They are very smart, so their physical exercise should be paired with mental stimulation.
Herding dog have a history of the joint diseases. That’s why some of the pet suggest feeding a herding dog with meat like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and fish. Dry dog food, even premium quality, may not be enough for this energetic dogs and their bone structure. But it depends on the dog. The best advice is to always take an advice from your breeder or your wet.
You won’t be very busy with grooming your Australian cattle dog. You don’t have to take everyday care of it. Occasional brushing will be more than enough. Bath the dog only when you notice odour problem.
The Australian Cattle Dog needs a high level of activity. Like many other herding dog breeds, they love walks, spending time with people, running or doing any athletic sports with them, teaching them tricks since they have above average intelligence. Fetching will be super fun for everyone, agility, competitions or any other challenging activity. They love water and they swim very well so you can take the dog with you to the nearest pool and have a great time.