Old Danish Pointer vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison

Hailing from Denmark, the Old Danish Pointer originates back to 1710 and has been used as a pointing breed for finding game.

Today they are essentially used as pet companions. Morten Bak mated local farm dogs with gypsy breeds, leading to the development of piebald purebred dogs. These were named Old Danish Pointers.

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.

The Old Danish Pointer is a medium-sized, purebred dog standing at between 50 and 60cm in height and weighing between 26 and 35kg.

This beautiful dog is muscular and lean with a broad head, floppy ears and a long thin tail. The coat is smooth and short haired and is white with large reddish brown patches as well as some freckling.He is an average shedding dog.

He has dark brown eyes. He is amicable and gets on well with children in the home as well as with other dogs. Even so, it is best to have him trained and socialized as he becomes obedient and more amicable than he already is. If you decide to go in for breeding your dog, you can expect 4 to 6 puppies.

Temperament:

Quiet, calm and steady, the Danish Pointer is also stubborn, and this is why training and socialization is so important for him.

Outdoors and perhaps on a hunt he becomes highly animated and alive, but back home with his family he is a calm, loving, devoted family pet and loves spending time with his human family. He forms a close bond with his human owner and when he is well trained, he likes to please his owner.

He is intelligent too and finds learning new things easy.

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.

Not only is the Old Danish Pointing Dog an excellent hunter, he is also friendly and loving when he is just being a pet.

These dogs are quiet, amicable pets enjoying the time they spend with their human family. He is low maintenance, he gets on well with children and other pets and he doesn’t spend his time barking endlessly at nothing.

When you take this well mannered, quiet, loving dog into your home, you can be prepared to have up to 14 brilliant years of companionship from him.

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.

The Old Danish Pointer is a healthy dog and you’re not likely to be spending too much time at the vet with him.

However there are always dog illnesses that you need to look out for, and hip dysplasia is always on the top of the list.

Hip Dysplasia:

While this disease is more prevalent in larger dogs, it can strike smaller dogs too, and in fact dogs of any age. This is a condition where the hip joint doesn’t form properly, so that arthritis and inflammation sets in. It is very sad as you notice your once active dog becoming increasingly immobilized with pain and discomfort.

Eye and Ear Infections:

Eye infections can include entropion and ectropion – conditions where the eyelids irritate the surface of the eye.

Ear infections too, can cause your pet a lot of distress and he will shake his head and scratch his ears. Inside the ears, it will be red and possibly there will be a discharge. This is also more prevalent among dogs with floppy ears. The idea is to try and keep the inside of the ears clean and dry.

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

Grooming:

With his short coat, the Old Danish Pointer is looked upon as a low maintenance breed. You can brush him twice a week and at the same time check him over for fleas and ticks, ear and eye infections as well as dental infections.

Check his nails too, as many dogs have been injured when their long nails have hooked onto things and ripped open the flesh. When he gets used to it, your pet will find these grooming sessions therapeutic and relaxing, loving the bonding time you spend with him.

Exercise:

Your beautiful Old Danish Pointer loves to spend time outdoors and he is far better suited to life in the countryside and in the suburbs as opposed to life in the city. Give him the chance to take part in a hunt, and he’ll relish it. He also loves long walks where he can even perhaps be let off the leash as well as the chance to go swimming. He is at his happiest when he is tired at the end of the day from hiking, running, swimming and camping.

Diet:

You can conveniently feed your Old Danish Pointer from the top quality commercially manufactured foods. Just be sure to check the labeling as you want to be sure he gets in the right amount of vitamins and minerals and avoids those foods high in colorants, preservatives and useless fillers.

Keep your dog’s diet simple and nutritious and try to add in some homemade food to his kibble from time to time. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots will keep him healthy and active. You can also try to include some raw meat occasionally.

Make sure he always has access to cool, fresh drinking water.

Feeding

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.

Health issues

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.

Exercise and games

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.