Dogue Brasileiro
Also known as Bull Boxer · Brazilian Dogue
Brazil, Mastiffs and guardian dogs
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 50–60 cm
- Weight
- 23–43 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–13 yrs
- Watchful
- Affectionate
- Agile
- Confident
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Dogue Brasileiro is a compact, muscular guard dog created in southern Brazil from Bull Terrier and Boxer crosses. It is athletic rather than bulky, with a short or medium-length harsh coat that can come in any colour. Its supporters call it an urban guardian, and it is still rarely seen outside Brazil.
Size
- Size
- Large
- Height at shoulder
- 50–60 cm
- Adult weight
- 23–43 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Bigger breeds keep filling out until 18–24 months.
Lifespan
10–13 years
Most Dogue Brasileiros live 10–13 years. Like other large dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 7, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
Breeders describe it as affectionate, obedient and devoted with its own family, but watchful and serious with strangers. The standard asks for a dog that does not show aggression without real provocation, and a character test forms part of its show requirements in Brazil. A strong guarding instinct means it needs an owner who will manage introductions sensibly.
- Watchful
- Affectionate
- Agile
- Confident
Food
For a typical 33 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 1,540 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 1.3 L–2 L
- a day, from all sources
- Most adults do well on two measured meals a day rather than one large one.
- Puppies of large breeds need a diet made for large-breed growth, so they grow steadily rather than fast.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
90–120 min a dayThis is an active, agile dog that needs a good daily walk plus play, and many enjoy protection sports or structured training. Expect around an hour of activity a day.
Grooming & shedding
The harsh coat is easy to care for; a weekly brush and the occasional bath are usually enough.
Health
Early socialisation with people, dogs and new places is essential for a guardian breed, as is calm, reward-based training. Because it is bred from bull-type ancestors and kept as a protection dog, check any local rules on guarding breeds or dog control before getting one. Very little breed-specific health information has been published, so ask breeders about the health of parents and relatives.
The breed can be prone to
- Little breed-specific health data published
- Hip dysplasia (a general risk in dogs of this size)
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip scoring
Not every Dogue Brasileiro is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
The breed began in 1978 in Caxias do Sul, when Bull Terrier breeder Pedro Pessoa Ribeiro Dantas mated one of his males to a neighbour's Boxer. A bitch from that litter impressed him enough to repeat the cross, and a closed line known at first as the Bull Boxer followed, with a brief addition of American Staffordshire Terrier. A breed club was founded in 1986 and the CBKC accepted the breed in 1999.
- Country of origin
- Brazil
- Type
- Mastiffs and guardian dogs
- Recognition
- Recognised by the Brazilian Confederation of Cynophilia (CBKC); not recognised by the FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Dogue Brasileiro right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
- You need a dog you can easily lift or carry
Cost to keep
Higher than average- Food, insurance and medicines cost more for a big dog
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 10–13 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Dogue Brasileiro FAQ
How big does a Dogue Brasileiro get?
Adult Dogue Brasileiros typically stand about 50–60 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 23–43 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Dogue Brasileiros live?
Typically 10–13 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Dogue Brasileiro need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Dogue Brasileiro need?
An occasional brush is plenty. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Dogue Brasileiros easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Dogue Brasileiros shed?
A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Dogue Brasileiros good with children?
Many get on well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Dogue Brasileiro live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Dogue Brasileiros have?
The breed can be prone to little breed-specific health data published, hip dysplasia (a general risk in dogs of this size). Not every Dogue Brasileiro is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.