13-year-old student Lis Íris owns a Fox Paulistinha named Ayla Emanuela, who is over 5 years old and has an Instagram account @ayla.emanuela
"Ayla is a very affectionate little dog, she barks but doesn't bite, loves to receive cuddles, and is always by my side. She enjoys going to the beach, taking walks with me and my family, and watching the sunset in the dunes of Canoa Quebrada," said Lis.
Origin of the Fox Paulistinha in Brazil The Brazilian
Terrier, or Fox Paulistinha, is a genuinely Brazilian canine breed. Their ancestors came with Portuguese and Dutch navigators and settled in Brazil. Over time, they crossed with other breeds such as Chihuahua and Pinscher, resulting in the adorable Fox Paulistinha we know today.
Physical Characteristics
The Fox Paulistinha is a small to medium-sized dog, usually slender but with a tendency to gain a little weight. Their ears are triangular and often folded forward, giving them a friendly and charming appearance. Their coat is short and thick, and it doesn't shed frequently, making maintenance easier. In summary, this little dog has a lot of energy and loves to form strong bonds with the family.
Colors and Size
The Fox Paulistinha comes in black, white, and a caramel color that resembles reddish-brown. Many associate these colors with the flag of the state of São Paulo (black, white, and red), which earned them the nickname "Fox Paulistinha." However, it's important to remember that this breed originated from all over Brazil. Some Fox Paulistinhas may have shades of gray and colored spots scattered on their bodies.
As for size, females measure between 33cm and 38cm (13-15 inches) in height, while males range from 35cm to 40cm (14-16 inches).
Temperament and Personality
The Fox Paulistinha is known for being an extremely active, energetic, and intelligent dog. They don't like to be alone for long periods and develop strong bonds with their families. They make excellent companions, loyal and affectionate. Additionally, they are highly alert and can act as guard dogs, barking to alert their owners of any suspicious movements.
Another interesting aspect of the Fox Paulistinha's temperament is their tendency to act like a larger dog, commanding respect in yards and staring down strangers while barking. But that's not all! This breed learns tricks easily, which makes them commonly used in movies and advertising campaigns. When trained from a young age, the Fox Paulistinha responds well to elaborate commands and delights everyone with their playful antics. They are a perfect fit for active families who enjoy playing and outdoor activities.
Living with Children, Strangers, and Other Animals
The Fox Paulistinha easily adapts to children and considers them part of the family. They love to play and have adventures with little ones. However, this breed tends to be wary of strangers and other animals, especially if not properly socialized. As guard dogs, Fox Paulistinhas may react aggressively towards unfamiliar people and animals, as they believe they are protecting their family. For this reason, early training is crucial to prevent behavioral problems.
Barking and Destructiveness
Yes, the Fox Paulistinha has the potential to bark quite a bit. That's one of the reasons they are used as guard dogs, as they tend to alert their owners when something is amiss at home.
Regarding destructiveness, it can occur if the dog is deprived of family companionship for extended periods or if they are confined to small spaces. Due to their high energy levels, Fox Paulistinhas do not adapt well to restricted environments. To prevent destructive behaviors, extensive training from a young age is essential.
Agitation and Exercise
Level In general, Fox Paulistinhas are highly energetic and prone to agitation. They have a substantial amount of energy that needs to be properly expended to avoid excessive restlessness and undesirable behaviors. It is recommended to provide them with at least two hours of daily physical activity. This can include an hour of walking and another hour of various playtime activities or even long walks. It's worth mentioning that Fox Paulistinhas generally don't get along well with other dogs, so having a backyard or reserved space for them to run freely is ideal.
Necessary Care The Fox Paulistinha is a dog that forms a strong bond of loyalty with its owner, requiring significant companionship. They need constant attention, so they are not recommended for people who are away from home for many hours or frequently travel. In terms of specific care requirements, this breed doesn't have many demands. Their short coat doesn't shed excessively and doesn't require regular grooming.
The price of a Fox Paulistinha puppy varies between R$ 1,000 and R$ 3,500 (approximately $190 to $660), according to research on sales websites in the country.
However, before deciding to buy a dog, it's important to remember that there are many abandoned animals on the streets or rescued by NGOs in search of a loving family. Adopting an animal is a noble and loving act!
Final Curiosities
- The Fox Paulistinha is one of the few breeds considered genuinely Brazilian, along with the Fila Brasileiro.
- The standards for the Fox Paulistinha breed were only recognized by international organizations in the mid-2000s.
- Fox Paulistinhas achieved fame as characters in Brazilian soap operas, such as "Amor à Vida" and "Balacobaco.
- " When well-trained, the Fox Paulistinha can be an excellent travel companion, as they typically adapt well to new environments and enjoy exploring new places.
- Despite having a head that appears smaller in proportion to their body, the Brazilian Terrier has an irresistible charm and a playful demeanor.
Canine Census
According to the canine census conducted by DogHero, the Fox Paulistinha ranks 32nd among the most popular breeds in Brazil. The most common names for this little dog are Bob and Nina.
