Russian Harlequin Hound vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison

The origins of the Russian Harlequin Hound are somewhat vague as there are many Russian hunting hounds and many of them have a similar ancestry.

The Russian Harlequin Hound is an indigenous hound whose origins go back to the 18th century. The first breed standard was published in 1925.

The breed was then developed during the early 1900s – being a mix of Russian Hound and English Foxhound. The Russian Harlequin Hound is a rare dog breed and you will find it almost exclusively in Russia.

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 Russian Harlequin Hound is a medium to large sized dog that stands between 55 – 68cm in height and weighs between 18 – 31kg.

He has a solid build with long, straight legs with a long tail that can be slightly curved. The head is broad and square with medium sized ears which are floppy. The short coat is essentially white with tri-colored markings of white, tan and black.

Temperament:

The Russian Harlequin Hound has an amicable expression to his face and is a friendly social dog breed. He is lively and energetic, and with his hunting background will required a good deal of exercise.

They make great family pets, getting on well with children in the home and making friends with any other pets in the family. He is a gentle dog and with training and socialization is well mannered and obedient.

He loves his human family and wants to spend time with them in their company. He isn't suited to life in the city and a small property, but will require a home with bigger grounds.

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 Russian Harlequin Hound has always been a hunting dog, known for his excellent hunting skills. He isn’t only a good hunting dog, but he makes a good family pet too.

If you’re looking for an unusual dog breed that is also intelligent, loyal and loving, then you might want to consider this Russian Harlequin Hound.

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.

Your Russian Harlequin Hound is a rare dog breed that can reach 12 years of age if well cared for. There are some dog ailments that must be watched for. Cancer, ear infections and skin allergies can be problems to look out for. Other troublesome ailments can be -

Bloat:

This is a more common disease with deep-chested dogs, and the deep chested Russian Harlequin Hound is prone to bloat. Gas is trapped in the stomach and the stomach can actually twist. It can be life threatening. Your pet will have a hard, swollen belly and will be restless and salivating. Get him to the vet immediately. He may well require immediate surgery.

Hip Dysplasia:

This condition is all about problems with the hip joints. It is sad for any dog with this disease as it can be painful for your pet to walk. Inflammation and arthritis can mean your pet being in pain. He can become lame too.

There are anti-inflammatory medications and your vet will suggest other treatments to make sure your pet is as comfortable as can be.

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

Exercise:

The Russian Harlequin Hound needs both mental and physical stimulation. He is a curious dog and wants to be out and about sniffing around and exploring. He will need to have a walk every day as well as lots of ball- and rope games. He will suit being the pet of a busy, outdoorsy family as opposed to a family of couch potatoes.

Grooming:

The Russian Harlequin Hound is looked upon as a low maintenance dog breed, and with his short, dense coat you can get by with just brushing him twice a week. Because he is such a lover of the outdoors check him over for ticks and fleas when you brush him.

Check inside his ears for redness and infection.

Open his mouth and look for bad, rotting teeth.

Check him over for any unusual lumps.

Make sure his eyes are clear and free of discharge.

Trim his nails.

Diet:

Every dog should be fed excellent food as this encourages good health. Commercially manufactured dog foods can be wonderfully convenient and nutritious if you get the better quality ones.

Try and include some simple, tasty home-made food to his diet . High-quality dry dog food will provide a balanced diet, but you want to make it a little more tasty for him by giving him some chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. This can be added into the dry kibble twice a week.

Try and include some raw meat occasionally. Fresh, cool water should always be available around the clock.

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.