Rastreador Brasileiro
A Brazilian scenthound bred from coonhound and foxhound stock to track big game over rough terrain. Hardy, sociable and tireless, but a dedicated working hound with a strong nose and powerful exercise needs.
Rastreador Brasileiro scorecard
Overview
The Rastreador Brasileiro, sometimes called the Brazilian Tracker, is a large Brazilian scenthound developed to track and pursue big game such as jaguar and peccary over rugged terrain. It typically stands around 62–72 cm and weighs roughly 25–35 kg, with an athletic, sturdy build, a short easy-care coat and the powerful nose and stamina of a dedicated working hound. It was bred for endurance, drive and a relentless tracking ability rather than for life as a household pet.
This is very much a working scenthound, and prospective owners should understand that heritage. The Rastreador Brasileiro is hardy, sociable and good-natured within a pack, but it carries a strong scenting and hunting drive, considerable energy and a tendency to be vocal. It is best suited to rural, active or working homes with secure space, and it is a rare breed with a notably turbulent history, so reliable information and stock can be hard to come by.
Good to know — a Rastreador Brasileiro needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Rastreador Brasileiro was created in the mid-20th century, largely credited to the Brazilian breeder Oswaldo Aranha Filho, who crossed imported scenthound stock, including American coonhound and foxhound types, to produce a hardy tracker suited to Brazilian hunting conditions and resistant to local parasites and disease. The aim was a tireless big-game tracking hound adapted to demanding terrain and climate.
The breed was recognised by the FCI in 1967, but its history then took a dramatic turn: an outbreak of disease together with the effects of insecticide use is widely reported to have devastated the population, and the FCI later declared the breed extinct, withdrawing recognition. Brazilian enthusiasts subsequently worked to recover and reconstruct it from remaining and related stock, and recognition was eventually restored. Because of this fragmented history, the breed remains very rare, and much of the available information is general rather than backed by extensive modern data.
Temperament & family fit
Within its working context the Rastreador Brasileiro is described as sociable, even-tempered and cooperative, traits that suited it to working in packs and alongside hunters. It tends to be friendly and good-natured with people and other dogs, and reports suggest it is generally tolerant and affectionate with family, including children it has grown up with.
That said, it is first and foremost a driven scenthound. It has a powerful nose, a strong urge to follow trails and a tendency to become single-minded once on a scent, which can make recall difficult and off-lead freedom risky in unsecured areas. It is also a vocal breed, given to baying as part of its tracking work. Owners should expect a dog whose instincts run deep and who needs an outlet for its nose and energy to be content.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
As an independent working hound, the Rastreador Brasileiro can be more challenging to train than a biddable companion breed, particularly where its scenting instinct competes with the handler. Early, consistent, reward-based training and thorough socialisation are important, and using the dog's love of scent and food as motivation tends to work far better than pressure.
Recall is the single biggest challenge, because a hound locked onto a trail will often ignore commands; secure fencing and lead work are therefore essential. Owners should focus on impulse control, lead manners and channelling the dog's drive into structured scentwork or appropriate working activities. Patience and an understanding of hound nature go a long way; expecting obedience-breed precision will lead to frustration.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Rastreador Brasileiro typically needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do a day (roughly 120–180 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Rastreador Brasileiro has a short, dense, low-maintenance coat that needs only occasional brushing to remove loose hair and keep it healthy; it sheds moderately. Routine care includes checking the ears, which on a drop-eared hound benefit from regular inspection, along with nail trimming and dental hygiene. Overall grooming demands are minimal.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Rastreador Brasileiro
Feed a complete, good-quality diet appropriate to a large, active working dog, divided into measured meals. Working or highly active individuals may need more calories than a less active pet, so portions should be adjusted to keep the dog lean and well-conditioned. As a deeper-chested large breed, sensible feeding routines around exercise are wise. Keep fresh water available and seek veterinary advice on quantities where needed.
A large breed
An adult Rastreador Brasileiro typically weighs 25–35 kg, so a healthy Rastreador Brasileiro eats a fair amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A large breed is usually done growing at 15–18 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 11–13 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Rastreador Brasileiros sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through a couple of hours of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
How much should a Rastreador Brasileiro weigh?
Adult 25–35 kgfully grown at 15–18 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 2.9–4 kg | 11% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 4.6–6.5 kg | 19% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 9.3–13 kg | 37% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 18.6–26 kg | 74% |
| 15–18 months | Fully grown | 25–35 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a large breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Rastreador Brasileiro
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Rastreador Brasileiro's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Vitalin Adult Dog Pork with Apple
Complete dry food for adult dogs of any age, led by pork, with citrus extract for dental support
From£11.99
Rastreador Brasileiro health & costs
Before bringing a Rastreador Brasileiro home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Rastreador Brasileiro is generally regarded as a hardy, functional breed, in keeping with its working origins, with a typical lifespan of around 11–13 years. Its dramatic population history means the gene pool has been through severe bottlenecks, so responsible, health-conscious breeding is especially important to maintain soundness.
Because the breed is so rare and its modern population is small, breed-specific health data are very limited, and guidance is necessarily general and drawn from large scenthound knowledge. Prospective owners should seek transparent breeders and focus on keeping the dog fit, lean and well cared for, with routine veterinary checks, good dental care and prompt attention to the ear issues common in drop-eared hounds.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a developmental joint condition possible in larger working breeds; screening is sensible where available.
- Ear infections — drop-eared hounds are prone to ear problems and benefit from regular checking and cleaning.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a risk in larger, deeper-chested dogs; owners should learn the warning signs.
- Injuries from working terrain — active tracking hounds are prone to cuts, strains and footpad damage in rough country.
- Reduced genetic diversity — the breed's history of severe population bottlenecks makes careful, health-focused breeding important.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Rastreador Brasileiro; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Rastreador Brasileiro puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Rastreador Brasileiro
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Hardy, sociable pack hound
- Easy-care short coat
Things to consider
- Very high exercise and scenting drive
- Vocal and best suited to rural working homes
Compare the Rastreador Brasileiro
See how the Rastreador Brasileiro measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Greyhound
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Similar temperament
American Foxhound
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Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
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Ariégeois
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Beagle-Harrier
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Similar size, different type
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Rastreador Brasileiro?
The Rastreador Brasileiro, or Brazilian Tracker, is a large Brazilian scenthound developed to track and pursue big game such as jaguar and peccary over rugged terrain. Standing around 62–72 cm and weighing roughly 25–35 kg, it has an athletic build, a short easy-care coat and the powerful nose and stamina of a dedicated working hound.
How big does a Rastreador Brasileiro get?
It is a large, sturdy scenthound, typically standing around 62–72 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 25–35 kg. Bred for endurance and a relentless tracking ability, it has an athletic frame suited to covering rugged ground, with a lifespan of around 11–13 years.
Is the Rastreador Brasileiro good with families and other dogs?
Within its working context it is described as sociable, even-tempered and cooperative, traits that suited it to working in packs. It tends to be friendly with people and other dogs, and is generally tolerant and affectionate with family, including children it has grown up with. It is, however, first and foremost a driven working scenthound.
Why is recall so difficult with a Rastreador Brasileiro?
It has a powerful nose and a strong urge to follow trails, becoming single-minded once on a scent, which can make it deaf to commands. A hound locked onto a trail will often ignore recall, so secure fencing and lead work are essential, and off-lead freedom is risky in unsecured areas. Training should focus on impulse control and channelling its drive into scentwork.
How much exercise does a Rastreador Brasileiro need?
A lot. This is a high-energy, high-stamina breed that needs substantial daily exercise plus an outlet for its nose. Long walks, secure off-lead running where safe, and dedicated scentwork or tracking all help satisfy its drive. An under-exercised individual is likely to become restless, vocal and frustrated, so it is best suited to active, rural homes.
Do Rastreador Brasileiro dogs bark a lot?
They can be vocal. Like many scenthounds the breed is given to baying as part of its tracking work, and an under-exercised individual may become more vocal still. Prospective owners should expect a noisy hound and be sure that neighbours and living arrangements can accommodate it.
Is the Rastreador Brasileiro easy to groom?
Yes. It has a short, dense, low-maintenance coat that needs only occasional brushing to remove loose hair; it sheds moderately. Routine care includes checking the drop ears, which benefit from regular inspection, along with nail trimming and dental hygiene. Overall grooming demands are minimal.
Is the Rastreador Brasileiro a healthy breed?
It is generally regarded as a hardy, functional breed, in keeping with its working origins, with a typical lifespan of around 11–13 years. Its dramatic population history means the gene pool has been through severe bottlenecks, so health-conscious breeding matters. Breed-specific data is very limited, so seek transparent breeders and keep the dog fit, lean and well cared for.
Are Rastreador Brasileiros good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Rastreador Brasileiros tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Rastreador Brasileiro need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Rastreador Brasileiro needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do of exercise a day (120–180 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Rastreador Brasileiros shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Rastreador Brasileiros easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Rastreador Brasileiros are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Rastreador Brasileiros bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Rastreador Brasileiros good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Rastreador Brasileiros suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Rastreador Brasileiro really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — breed nomenclature and standards: https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/
- American Kennel Club — Foundation Stock Service and rare breed information: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/
- PDSA — Looking after your dog: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet
- Blue Cross — Dog advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
Recommended for your Rastreador Brasileiro
Matched to a Rastreador Brasileiro's size and their typical need for enrichment & mental stimulation, no-pull walking kit, a cosy bed.
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls: 100g bag, with declared composition and analysis
£3.49
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
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L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
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Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
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Plush Bee Cat Harness and Lead Set
A soft plush cat harness with a 3D bee charm and a matching lead, adjustable at neck and chest, made for kittens, cats and very small dogs on gentle outings.
£7.99
Corduroy Dog Harness with Bow
A soft corduroy step-in dog harness with breathable mesh lining and gold-tone alloy buckles. The adjustable fit and pretty bow detail make walks comfortable and stylish for small and medium dogs.
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Orthopaedic Memory Foam Dog Sofa Bed
An orthopaedic memory-foam dog bed with supportive bolster sides for head and neck resting. The egg-crate foam core cushions joints and distributes weight, ideal for older or larger dogs needing extra support.
From£39.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.