Chilean Terrier

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

An energetic, watchful little terrier that is affectionate with its family and a bit reserved with strangers.

Size	Small
Weight	4 to 8 kg (9 to 18 lb)males 5 to 8 kg, females 4 to 7 kg1 2 3
Height	28 to 38 cm (11 to 15 in)males 32 to 38 cm, females 28 to 35 cm1 3
Coat	Short, smooth coat
Origin	Chile (central-southern farmlands)1 3
Last checked	2026-09-30

Rare breedShort profile

alert and lively

loyal and affectionate

adapts to town or country life

1 3 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 3 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Chilean Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

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

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 2

Colourswhite with black and tan head markingswhite with brown and tanwhite with blue and tanwhite with solid black or tan head markings1 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.2 3

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.2 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 3 2

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.3
4
Its official Chilean standard was only published in 2020.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after its country of origin, Chile, and its terrier heritage, reflecting its development from European terriers brought to Chile.3

Famous ones stars of the breed

Washington Fictional dog from the Chilean comic strip Condorito, credited with popularizing the breed in Chile.4

Name ideas for your new friend

PipioloChispaCachorroRatónLadridoTitoFoxyRustyPebeteChicoPimientoZorro

A day in the life told by a Chilean Terrier

I wake up and tap my human's hand with my paw, time for our morning patrol! I check every corner of the yard, sniffing for intruders like the brave watchdog I am. After a good bark at a passing squirrel, we head inside for belly rubs. Later, I chase a ball until my legs are wobbly, then curl up on my human's lap. The best part? When the kids come home and I get to be the center of their laughter. Another perfect day for a Chilean Terrier.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

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.3
Alianz Canine Worldwide: Classified in Group 3 since 2011.3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
a little water (as needed)

How

Preheat your oven to 175°C.
Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Chilean Terrier, and at what times?

Feed your Chilean Terrier at least twice a day for adults, and more often for puppies. Consistent meal times help digestion. Check the food label for portion sizes and ask your vet for a personalized plan.5

What should a Chilean Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality commercial dog food is a great base. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always consult your vet for the best diet for your dog.6

How often should I bathe a Chilean Terrier?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty. The ASPCA recommends at least every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Chilean Terrier need brushing?

Weekly brushing keeps its short, smooth coat shiny and healthy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. That's all this low-maintenance coat needs.1 7 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Chilean Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 3 weeks or when you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, your vet or groomer can show you.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Chilean Terrier need?

This very active terrier needs daily walks and playtime. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of exercise, plus mental stimulation like puzzle toys. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily exercise.2 3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Chilean Terrier's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth daily if possible, at least a few times a week with dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for redness or odor, and clean with a vet-recommended solution. Never insert anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Chilean Terrier live?

Lifespan varies by individual health and care. Pet Wiki's plan notes that senior years typically start around age 10. For a more precise estimate, ask your vet. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Chilean Terrier good with children and other pets?

This breed is affectionate with its family, so it can be wonderful with children it knows. It may be reserved with strangers, so early socialization is important. With proper introductions, it can get along with other pets.1 3 2

Can a Chilean Terrier be left alone?

This people-oriented terrier loves being close to its family and may not enjoy long periods alone. Provide interactive toys and a consistent routine if you must leave it. Consider a dog walker or pet sitter for longer absences.2 1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.