Pet Wiki

Dogue Brasileiro

Also called Brazilian Dogue, Bull Boxer

A lively yet steady dog that is watchful and confident.

SizeMedium
Weight23 to 43 kg (51 to 95 lb)males 29 to 43 kg, females 23 to 39 kg1
Height50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in)males 54 to 60 cm, females 50 to 58 cm1
CoatShort
OriginBrazil, in Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul.1
Rare breedShort profile
gentle with its family
alert guardian
active and balanced
1

Personality what they are like

A lively yet steady dog that is watchful and confident. It is affectionate and biddable with its own people and takes its guarding role seriously around strangers.1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short

A sturdy, muscular dog with a dense, hard and glossy coat that is either short (under about 2.5 cm) or a little longer.1

Coloursany solid colourpiebaldtricolourbrindlebrindle and whiteblack and tan1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Dogue Brasileiro. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An active breed that enjoys regular exercise and has been used in protection sports.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, hard coat is easy to keep with an occasional brush.1

Home where they are happiest

Promoted in Brazil as an urban guardian, adapting to town life with regular exercise.1

The story where it all began

The breed began in 1978 when Bull Terrier breeder Pedro Pessoa Ribeiro Dantas crossed one of his dogs with a neighbour's Boxer. He kept breeding from the promising offspring, a breed club followed in 1986, and the Brazilian kennel club accepted the breed in 1999.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The whole breed traces back to a neighbour's request to mate a Bull Terrier with a Boxer.1

  2. 2

    One of the first standout dogs was a female named Tigresa, remembered for being both agile and gentle.1

  3. 3

    It has been nicknamed 'The Urban Guardian' in Brazil.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

Initially named 'Bull Boxer' (Bull Terrier + Boxer), the creator Pedro Ribeiro Dantas later renamed it 'Dogue Brasileiro' to clarify that it is a mastiff-type (Dogue) breed of Brazilian origin.2

Name ideas for your new friend

TicoBossaZicoSambaChicoFeraLunaBoltNinaTangoRexMaya

A day in the life told by a Dogue Brasileiro

I wake up with the sun and stretch my strong legs. My human laughs as I do my happy wiggle by the door. We go out for a run in the park, and I keep an eye on everything, just in case. I love when we play tug with my rope; I let them win sometimes, but not too often. Back home, I curl up near their feet while they work. When a stranger comes to the door, I give a low, serious bark, but my tail wags when my human says it's okay. At night, I guard the house, but really, I just wait for morning so we can do it all again.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

CBKC (Confederação Brasileira de Cinofilia)
Accepted in 1999; current standard published 2007.1
FCI
Not recognised.1
AKC
Not recognised.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Dogue Brasileiro, and at what times?

Feed your Dogue Brasileiro at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Regular meal times help digestion. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.3

What should a Dogue Brasileiro eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as these can be harmful. Always consult your vet for a balanced diet.4

How often should I bathe a Dogue Brasileiro?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but at least once every three months is fine. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Dogue Brasileiro need brushing?

The short coat needs only weekly brushing to keep it shiny and remove loose hair. Pet Wiki recommends brushing every 7 days. A rubber curry brush works well.15 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Dogue Brasileiro's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the pink quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Dogue Brasileiro need?

This active breed needs daily exercise, such as walks and playtime. They enjoy protection sports and adapt well to town life with regular activity. A tired dog is a happy dog.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Dogue Brasileiro's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth several times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Dogue Brasileiro live?

Lifespan varies by individual. For a typical range, ask your breeder or vet. They can give you the best estimate based on the dog's lineage and health.

Is a Dogue Brasileiro good with children and other pets?

They are affectionate and loyal with their family, but take guarding seriously around strangers. Early socialization with children and other pets is key. For specific advice, talk to a good breeder.1

Can a Dogue Brasileiro be left alone?

They can be left alone for reasonable periods if well exercised and mentally stimulated. However, they are a guardian breed and may prefer company. Start with short absences and see how your dog responds.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Wikipedia: Dogue Brasileiro en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields (secondary; no primary CBKC standard page was retrievable)
  2. pt.wikipedia.org pt.wikipedia.org
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.