Rastreador-brasileiro: The rare national hunting dog

Imagine a dog that carries with it centuries of history, tradition, and unique skills. An animal that not only accompanied the first colonizers of Brazil but also helped shape the culture and survival of many communities. This dog exists, and its name is the Rastreador-brasileiro.

Have you heard of it? If the answer is no, don’t worry. This breed is so rare that many Brazilians don’t even know of its existence. But here’s the good news: you’re about to discover why the Rastreador-brasileiro is one of the most precious gems in the canine world.

Get ready to be enchanted by the history, curiosities, and challenges of this incredible breed. And by the end, you’ll understand why this dog deserves not only our admiration but also our protection.

What is the Rastreador-brasileiro?

The Rastreador-brasileiro, also known as the Urrador, is a hunting dog breed native to Brazil. It was developed in the 20th century, but its roots trace back to the dogs brought by Portuguese and Spanish colonizers.

With a keen sense of smell and an impressive ability to track prey, this dog became indispensable to hunters and farmers. It is especially known for its ability to follow trails of animals like wild boars, deer, and jaguars, even in difficult and dense terrains.

Fun fact: The Rastreador-brasileiro was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1967, but unfortunately, the breed nearly disappeared due to a lack of care and mixing with other breeds.

A dog that rose from the ashes

Imagine a dog so special that it had to be recreated after its extinction. This happened with the Rastreador-brasileiro. Originally developed in the 1950s by Oswaldo Aranha Filho, this dog was designed to withstand the tropical climate and efficiently hunt wild boars and other animals. However, in 1973, the breed was declared extinct after an epidemic and a devastating fire.

But the story didn’t end there. Passionate breeders, with genealogical records and fond memories, dedicated themselves to rebuilding the Rastreador-brasileiro lineage. And they succeeded! Today, this dog is back and increasingly popular among those who value national culture and wildlife.

Physical and temperamental characteristics

The Rastreador-brasileiro is a medium to large-sized dog, muscular and agile. Its main characteristics are:

• Height: Between 60 and 67 cm at the withers
• Weight: From 25 to 35 kg
• Coat: Short and dense, usually with white and brown spots
• Ears: Long and drooping, with irresistible charm
• Eyes: Expressive and always alert to the environment

In terms of behavior, it is an extremely loyal, sociable, and affectionate dog. Despite its origins as a hunting dog, it adapts well to families, as long as it has space and activities to expend energy.

Surprising curiosities about the Rastreador-brasileiro

1. A nearly extinct dog: In the 1970s, the breed was considered extinct. Fortunately, efforts by enthusiasts and breeders managed to recover some specimens, but it remains one of the rarest breeds in the world.
2. Exceptional sense of smell: The Rastreador-brasileiro can follow a trail for days, even in adverse weather conditions. Its scenting ability is comparable to famous breeds like the Bloodhound.
3. Unique personality: In addition to being an excellent hunter, this dog is known for being gentle, loyal, and highly intelligent. It gets along well with children and other animals, as long as it is properly socialized.
4. Striking appearance: With a short and dense coat, usually in fawn, black, or white tones, the Rastreador-brasileiro has a robust and athletic appearance. Its expressive eyes and drooping ears complete its unique charm.
5. The only hunting dog developed in Brazil: It was specifically created to thrive in our biome, handling the heat and dense vegetation.
6. Master tracker: Its keen sense of smell makes it one of the best natural trackers in the world.
7. Internationally recognized breed: The Rastreador-brasileiro is registered with the CBKC (Brazilian Confederation of Cynophilia) and seeks full recognition by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale).
8. Loves to play and explore: If you want an active and curious dog, this is the ideal pet.
9. Needs mental challenges: Intelligent, it benefits from training that stimulates its reasoning.

Why is the Rastreador-brasileiro so special?

In addition to its impressive skills, the Rastreador-brasileiro is a symbol of Brazilian culture and history. It represents resilience and adaptability, traits that also define the Brazilian people.

Just imagine: A dog that has survived the ravages of time, environmental changes, and near extinction. It is not just a pet; it is a living legacy that deserves to be preserved.

For dog lovers, having a Rastreador-brasileiro is like having a piece of Brazil’s history at home. And for those thinking of getting a pet, this breed offers a rare combination of intelligence, loyalty, and versatility.

Conservation challenges and how to help

Unfortunately, the Rastreador-brasileiro still faces serious challenges. The lack of awareness about the breed and the difficulty in finding responsible breeders are some of the main obstacles.

But there is hope! Here are some ways to help:

1. Adopt, don’t shop: If you’re interested in having a Rastreador-brasileiro, look for shelters or organizations working to preserve the breed.
2. Spread the word: Share information about the breed on social media and with friends. The more people know about the Rastreador-brasileiro, the greater the chance of preserving it.
3. Support responsible breeders: If you choose to buy, make sure the breeder follows ethical practices and prioritizes the health and well-being of the animals.
4. Participate in events: Many organizations promote events and fairs dedicated to rare breeds. Participating in these events helps increase the visibility of the Rastreador-brasileiro.

Tips for dog lovers who want a Rastreador-brasileiro

If you’re thinking of adding a Rastreador-brasileiro to your family, here are some tips to ensure it has a happy and healthy life:

1. Space is essential: This breed is active and needs space to run and explore. A large yard or open areas are ideal.
2. Daily exercise: The Rastreador-brasileiro loves physical activities. Long walks, fetch games, and agility training are great options.
3. Early socialization: Expose your dog to different environments, people, and animals from a young age to ensure it grows into a well-balanced adult.
4. Health care: Although it is a hardy breed, it’s important to maintain regular vet visits and follow a vaccination schedule.
5. Positive training: Use positive reinforcement to train your Rastreador-brasileiro. It responds well to praise and rewards.

A Brazilian treasure that deserves to be preserved

The Rastreador-brasileiro is more than a dog; it is a symbol of resilience, history, and culture. Its rarity and unique skills make it a special breed, but they also highlight the importance of protecting it for future generations.

Now it’s up to you! Share this article with your friends, family, and on social media. Let’s work together to raise awareness about this incredible breed and ensure the Rastreador-brasileiro continues to enchant the world for many years to come.

Leave a comment below sharing what surprised you most about the Rastreador-brasileiro. And if you’ve been lucky enough to live with one, share your experience!