The Brazilian Tracker was originally recognized by the FCI in 1967 and was bred to hunt wild pigs and jaguars. Unfortunately, not long after they were created, almost all members of the breed died from an outbreak of disease. Those that weren’t killed by disease instead tragically succumbed to death via excess insecticide from a negligent farm worker. How did these two events wipe out almost the entire bloodline? The Tracker was only being bred by one man at the time, meaning most dogs were on his property when these happenings occurred. Not willing to give up, fanciers of this large scenthound formed the Rastreador Brasileiro Breed Improvement Group in an effort to recreate them, and successfully did so! The breed was re-recognized by the Brazilian Kennel Club in 2013.
Like many hounds, the Tracker can be obstinate and independent (meaning difficult to train) but ultimately is good-natured and docile. Although not overly-affectionate, he forms a strong bond with his human family despite the fact that he has always been bred as a hunting dog rather than as a pet. While he can make a fine companion for the right person, prospective owners should be prepared for his extremely high prey drive, stubborn nature and high energy. He needs to be able to run and exercise excessively every day or he’ll become bored and develop problematic behaviors. Furthermore he needs a job to do. If he’s not used as a hunting dog, a similar activity must be substituted.
Brazilian Trackers are big into digging and even bigger into chasing small animals! This holds true with both wild animals such as squirrels, as well as domesticated pets. He would make a horrible companion for a cat! His high energy level also means he’s likely to bowl over toddlers and younger kids. He would be better in a home with older children or no children at all. He is friendly but has a hard time controlling his energy, which means he also isn’t a good match for senior citizens. He does get along very well with other dogs, however, and can work/hunt easily in a large pack without showing aggression.
The Tracker tends to live 11-13 years. Because the recreation of the breed is relatively new, there is not a lot of health information at this time.
The Brazilian Tracker is a beautiful dog! One of the most striking of his physical features is the wonderful array of color patterns he is allowed to come in. Patterns include blue mottled, tricolor, or bicolor (which can include white/fawn, white/black or black/fawn) – and any of these patterns can appear with additional fawn markings on the head or body. The coat itself is smooth and dense, is low-shedding, and requires very little grooming. His general appearance shows similarities to the various coonhound breeds in his ancestry, including a long muzzle and long hanging ears.
