Chilean Terrier

Also called Terrier Chileno, Chilean Fox Terrier, Chilean Rat Terrier

Rare breedShort profile

From Chile (central-southern farmlands)1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male5 to 8 kg1 3 2

Weight, female4 to 7 kg1 3 2

Height, male32 to 38 cm1 2

Height, female28 to 35 cm1 2

Sizesmall

Kennel Club de Chile ideal weights: 6.5 kg for males, 5.5 kg for females. Spanish Wikipedia gives males 6-8 kg and females 5-7 kg.

alert and lively

loyal and affectionate

adapts to town or country life

1 2 3

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat

A small, lively terrier with a short, close-lying, glossy coat that is especially fine on the ears and legs.1 3

Colourswhite with black and tan head markingswhite with brown and tanwhite with blue and tanwhite with solid black or tan head markings1 2

Personality what they are like

An energetic, watchful little terrier that is affectionate with its family and a bit reserved with strangers. It mixes a terrier's bounce and chattiness with courage and loyalty.1 2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very active and energetic; enjoys daily walks, play and jobs to do, a legacy of its ratting past.3 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, smooth coat needs only an occasional brush to keep its shine.1

Home where they are happiest

Adapts well to both rural and urban homes as long as it gets enough activity.1

Company who they like around

A people-oriented companion that likes to be close to its family.3 1

The story where it all began

Chile's first home-grown dog breed, shaped on central and southern farms from European fox terriers and Andalusian ratters brought by settlers. It kept barns free of rodents, then moved into towns with migrating workers. Organised breeding began in 2004 and a national club was formed in 2007.1 2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Condorito's dog Washington, from the famous Chilean comic strip, is a Chilean Terrier.1
2
Many puppies are born with no tail or only a very short one.1
3
It is considered the first dog breed developed in Chile.2
4
Its official Chilean standard was only published in 2020.1

Recognised by the official bits

Kennel Club de Chile: Recognised national breed; official standard published 2 July 2020, placed in Group XI (breeds not recognised by the FCI).1
FCI: Not recognised.2
Alianz Canine Worldwide: Classified in Group 3 since 2011.2

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Chilean Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
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 10every year

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Andalusian Terrier

Smooth Fox Terrier

Brazilian Terrier

Rat Terrier

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Where this comes from

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Terrier Chileno - Kennel Club de Chile kennelclub.clused for history, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, fun facts
Chilean Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, recognition, size, temperament
Terrier chileno - Wikipedia (es) es.wikipedia.orgused for weight, coat, temperament, history

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