Overview
The Rastreador Brasileiro, or Brazilian Tracker, is a mid- to large-sized scenthound from Brazil. It is also called the Urrador, a name that refers to the loud baying and howling it gives when it is on a trail.
The breed has an unusual story. It was declared extinct in 1973, then rebuilt through careful breeding and officially recognised again in Brazil in 2013.
History
The breed was first recognised by the FCI in 1967. Only a few years later, disease and an overdose of insecticides destroyed almost the whole population, and both the FCI and the Brazilian kennel club listed the breed as extinct in 1973.
Breeders then worked to bring it back by crossing several other hound breeds under controlled projects. The Brazilian Kennel Club re-recognised the breed in 2013, and an updated FCI standard followed in 2019. Its bloodlines include American coonhounds, which gave rise to the name Urrador Americano.
Appearance
This is a sturdy, athletic hound with a short, smooth coat. It looks much like an American coonhound. Males stand about 60 to 65 cm at the withers and females about 56 to 63 cm.
Accepted colours include blue-speckled on white, black and tan, white with brown or black patches, and tricolour.
Temperament
Bred to follow a trail and give voice, the Rastreador is energetic, determined and very vocal. Like most hunting hounds it is driven by scent and works with real stamina.
Care and exercise
It needs plenty of daily exercise and a secure fence, since it will follow a scent a long way. The short coat needs only occasional brushing. Early training and patient recall work help channel its hunting drive.
