The Brazilian Bulldog is an obedient and tenacious dog with great guarding instincts.
The Brazilian Bulldog, also known as Countryside Bulldog, Pampas Bulldog, and Buldogue Campeiro in Portuguese, is a rural bulldog from southern Brazil.
Although not recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) or the American Kennel Club (AKC), this Brazilian dog has official Brazilian recognition by the Brazilian Confederation of Cynophilia (CBKC).
If you want to learn more about this breed, keep reading!
Breed overview: Campeiro Bulldog, the Brazilian Bulldog Breed
- FCI recognized: No, but recognized by the CBKC
- Group: 11 – Breeds not recognized by the FCI
- Weight: Female: 68–82 lbs (31–37 kg), Male: 79–93 lbs (36–42 kg)
- Height: Female: 19–21 in (48–54 cm), Male: 20–22 in (50–56 cm)
- Coat: Short and smooth
- Color: Fawn, brown, and brindle with white markings
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Etymology
Campeiro means fielders in Brazilian Portuguese and is a term widely used in the south of the country for those who work in the rural fields, especially those who work with cattle.
History
The Bulldog Campeiro (Portuguese: Buldogue Campeiro) has its origin in the Bulldogs that came to Brazil brought by European immigrants in the 19th century.
There is not a consensus about its origins. Some say it is a mix of the Old English Bulldog and a local breed; some say it’s a mix of Terceira Mastiff, an extinct Portuguese breed.
Either way, because livestock has always been essential for the economy in the south of the country, the Brazilian Bulldog was widely used to capture wild cattle and to handling cattle in slaughterhouses, similar to the Brazilian Mastiff.
Appearance
Unlike the Brazilian Terrier, this medium-sized dog has a large and muscular body. It has a broad head and holds an imponent posture.
Its triangular ears are small-sized and floppy, and its muzzle is short and wide.
The females grow up to 21 in (54 cm) in height while an adult male stands at about 22 in (56 cm). Its fur is short and smooth, and it could be in a variety of colors. The most common are brown, fawn, and brindle with white markings.
Temperament and behavior
Despite its aggressive look, the Brazilian Bulldog stands out for its loyalty to its owner, tenacity, and courage. Its temperament is vigilant and calm, with a strong companionship sense and an accentuated spirit of a warrior.
It is a versatile dog with guarding instincts, making it an excellent guard dog. Beyond that, it is suspicious of strangers and won’t bark without a good reason.
Its submissive nature is a real benefit for its owner, who won’t have too many temperament problems if there is a clear hierarchy in the dog-master relationship.
The Brazilian Bulldog is obstinate to cross any hurdle while being controlled enough to show a high degree of obedience to the commands of its master.
Common health issues
As a rustic breed, the Brazilian Bulldog is prone to some bone diseases, but it can be avoided with proper care.
Despite the fact some Campeiro Bulldogs dogs suffer from severe hip dysplasia, overall, the condition affects only a few dogs.
Apart from this, there are no other diseases specific to the Brazilian Bulldog that affect the breed on a large scale. It is recommended to prevent external and internal parasites through vermifuge and combat infectious diseases through vaccination.
Care
The Brazilian Bulldog requires very little care as it sheds very little.
Beyond that, it has a high energy level, so if not involved in handling cattle or other types of fieldwork, it should exercise daily.
Regardless, this breed, just like any other, requires lots of love and affection.
Diet and nutrition
The amount a mature dog eats depends on its age, size, body structure, metabolism, and obviously, activity level. Each dog is unique, just like people, and they need different amounts of food.
The Campeiro Bulldog is medium in size and is highly active. So, its diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high exercise needs. You can also consult with a vet in your area for better recommendations.
Children and other pets
While the Campeiro Bulldog, just like the Brazilian Dogo, might have an aggressive appearance due to its muscular body structure, this breed is very docile with children. It is also an easily adaptable dog.
It is cautious with strangers, but the Brazilian Bulldog is relatively friendly with other people after getting acquainted.
It usually gets along very well with other pets. Still, it might be protective of its food bowl, reinforcing the breed’s guarding instincts.