Schnoodle vs Brazilian Terrier - Breed Comparison

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 Schnoodle was developed in the 1980s. It is believed the dog originates from the USA. This was when it was discovered that breeding the poodle with other dogs produced excellent mixes.

The idea with the Schnoodle was to develop a low-shedding dog. The Schnoodle is a mix between a Schnauzer and a Poodle,but because both the Poodle ad Schnauzer have different sizes, there is no knowing what size the Schnoodle will be.

Major kennels don’t recognize the Schnoodle as a breed.

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 Schnoodle is a cross between a poodle and a schnauzer and with the poodle parent in the mix, the dog is considered to be hypoallergenic.

Because there are three sizes of Schnauzer, the Schnoodle can be medium sized but also fairly large. Weight of this dog can be anything from 6 to 45 Kg and he can stand at between 38cm to 66cm. The coat can be either wavy, straight or curly and will need to be brushed, stripped or clipped according to the coat they have.

The most common coat colors are grey, a mix of grey, silver and white, a fawn or creamish color and black. The medium sized ears are floppy.

Temperament:

Because this is a mixed breed you won’t get a fixed personality type and you won't find fixed looks. Because the dog comes from two excellent parent breeds, you can expect your schnoodle to be friendly, alert and very active.

They may not take readily to kids so it is up to the human owners to see that their children are brought up to be kind and respectful to dogs and animals. Your Schnoodle can be gentle too and stubborn but he will bond closely with his human family.

The smallish size of these dogs makes it a good choice for city or country life, but wherever he is, he will need lots of exercise. Schnoodles are smart and respond well to training.

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.

Thanks to their parents, Schnauzer cross Poodles are smart, easy to train and fast learners.

Schnoodles are also fun-loving dogs, and they make great playmates for children. They are also a good choice for first time dog owners. A bonus part for dog owners is that these dogs are low shedding, making them great for anyone who suffers from allergies.

The Schnoodle forms strong bonds with their human family and this makes them both protector and watchdog. He is a great family dog with some excellent characteristics from each of the parent dog breeds involved.

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

The Schnoodle is a robust, healthy breed, but unfortunately he can also succumb to any one of the many dog illnesses there are -

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This refers to an eye disease which results in the deterioration of the retina. Your dog develops night blindness and this can lead to total blindness. Unfortunately there is no cure.

Epilepsy:

It can be horrible seeing your pet jerking and twisting out of control with seizures. You will need to get your pet to the vet as epilepsy can be a symptom of a bigger issue.

Bloat:

This is a life threatening disease where your dog’s stomach fills with gas and becomes hard and swollen. The stomach can twist. Symptoms of bloat include restlessness, drooling and trying to vomit.

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.

Exercise:

The Schnoodle is a dog that will need a good dose of exercise. Provide him with daily walks, walks in the park, hikes, runs along the beach as well as ball and rope games.

Diet:

Always try to feed your dog a high quality food. Many people give their dogs one of the commercially manufactured foods there are because they are wonderfully convenient, and you get some good ones.

You don’t want to give this food to your dog day after day after day. Feed him some home-made food occasionally which can be added to his dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet.

You can boil it, chop it all up and add smaller portions to the dry kibble twice a week as a wonderful, tasty treat for your dogs.

Try and include some raw meat into the diet as this can help to fight of skin diseases. Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water for him.

Vaccines:

Make sure all the necessary vaccines are up to date to avoid some of the deadly canine diseases there are.