What makes the Fila Brasileiro Unique?
More commonly known as the Brazilian Mastiff, the Fila Brasileiro is large dog breed with a lengthy history. Although they are not certainly suitable for all households, members of this breed make good farm dogs because it is instinctive for them to protect their home and everyone in it.
Breed Groups
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| Size: | Males – 65 to 75 cm (26 to 30 inches) Females – 60 to 70 cm (24 to 28 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 63.5 to 81.6 kg (140 to 178 pounds) Females – 56.7 to 72.6 kg (125 to 160 pounds) |
| Origin: | Brazil, North America, Europe |
| Life Span: | 9 – 11 Years |
| Colour: | Black, Red, Yellow, Brindle |
| Litter Size: | 2 to 5 puppies |
Is the Fila Brasileiro Right For You?
As far as their owners’ families are concerned, Fila Brasileiros are incredibly friendly dogs with a placid disposition. Most members of this breed have no problems getting along with animals that they know well. However, dog aggressive behaviors have been noted in a number of modern bloodlines so prospective owners should keep that fact in mind if they already have other pets in their household.
Most Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with strangers of any type. Even pets that have been socialized from a very young age may still be standoffish around unfamiliar people. These dogs are also incredibly territorial and do not hesitate to defend their home from intruders.
In 5 Words
- Courageous
- Loyal
- Obedient
- Docile
- Brave
Characteristics
Learn About the Fila Brasileiro
Description
General Description
One glance at the Fila Brasileiros reveals the dogs’ Bloodhound ancestry, which is evident in the breed’s long muzzles, large bones, and loose skin. These sizeable dogs have well-built, powerful bodies. Although their heads hang lower than their backs, a dog’s face should possess a confident, dignified expression that contains just a hint of melancholia. Those individuals that attract the attention of a Fila Brasileiro will no doubt remark upon the intensity of the dog’s gaze. Members of this breed also have a camel-like gait, with the front and back leg of each side moving in together in tandem.
Size
Members of this breed should stand between 23.5 and 29.5 inches (60 to 75 centimeters) tall, with the females being somewhat smaller than their male contemporaries. It is typical for male Fila Brasileiros to weigh over 110 pounds (50 kilograms) but females of this breed can weigh as little as 90 pounds (41 kilograms).
Coat
These dogs have a short coat with a glossy texture. Acceptable colors for members of this breed include black, red, apricot, and dark fawn. Black, brown, or fawn brindle hues are likewise permitted. Fila Brasileiros should not have coats that are grey, solid white, blue, or black and tan. However, a small amount of white markings are allowed to be present on a dog’s tail, chest, and feet according to FCI standards.
Short History of the Fila Brasileiro
Fila Brasileiros are the result of crossbreeding between the Bloodhounds, Bulldogs, Rafeiros and English Mastiffs. Members of this breed were created to be able to track and hold their prey until their owners arrive. This trait made these hunting dogs particularly useful at catching runaway slaves when the practice was still legal in Brazil. Fila Brasileiros have likewise proved their worth as estate and family guardian. They are also good at managing livestock. However, the breed’s enormous stature and protective instincts have worked against it and Fila Brasileiros have been banned in several countries. The breed is not currently recognized by either the United Kennel Club (UKC) or the American Kennel Club (AKC), but it has been acknowledged by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) since 1960.
Temperament
As far as their owners’ families are concerned, Fila Brasileiros are incredibly friendly dogs with a placid disposition. Most members of this breed have no problems getting along with animals that they know well. However, dog aggressive behaviors have been noted in a number of modern bloodlines so prospective owners should keep that fact in mind if they already have other pets in their household.
Most Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with strangers of any type. Even pets that have been socialized from a very young age may still be standoffish around unfamiliar people. These dogs are also incredibly territorial and do not hesitate to defend their home from intruders.
Due to the fact that Fila Brasileiros are a working breed, these energetic dogs must have a job to do or their active natures could encourage them to create their own forms of entertainment, such as tearing up sofas.. This is not a breed that will be happy with city life. In fact,, it is perfectly fine for Fila Brasileiros to sleep outdoors provided they have a shelter, such as a doghouse, where they can go when the weather gets bad.
Caring for Your Fila Brasileiro
General Health
Although these dogs can easily live more than 9 years, bloat can be problematic for members of this breed. Therefore, owners should feed their pets several small meals per day to help prevent this condition. Fila Brasileiros are also prone to hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy. Annual vet visits are generally recommended to help owners spot health problems before they become life threatening.
Care
Daily
Members of this breed should get plenty of exercise on a daily basis. When they are spending time outdoors, Fila Brasileiros should be kept in a secure enclosures that measures about 6 feet high so that the dogs do not escape or chase other animals that might cross their path. Electronic fences are not recommended for this breed.
Weekly
All pets need their teeth cleaned on a regular basis in order to promote good oral health.
Monthly
To keep fleas, ticks, and other pest at bay, owners should give preventative medicines to their pet at least once a month.
Grooming & Bathing
Members of this breed should be brushed and wiped down every so often to keep thier fur from getting everywhere. However, it is only necessary to wash Fila Brasileiros when they get dirty. Owners will also want to trim their dog’s toenails and clean out its’ ears on a regular basis to keep health problems from arising. It is a good idea to get the dog in question accustomed to these practices when he or she is young so that they will sit still when they get older and bigger. Fila Brasileiros are additionally prone to getting into fights with other dogs and owners should keep a first aid kit on hand for any minor injuries that may arise as a result.
Exercise & Training
Due to their large stature and independent temperaments, Fila Brasileiros are not recommended for inexperienced or weak willed owners. It also takes a lot of work to manage these dogs and even the most extensive training will not produce an overly friendly pet that gets along with every visitor. Members of this breed see themselves as family and estate guardians before anything else. Therefore, owners are advised not to leave strangers alone with their Fila Brasileiros. These dogs are probably not a good pet choice for people that like lots of company.
Consistency is the key when training Fila Brasileiros. When they are young, these dog should also receive plenty of positive exposure to people so that they will behave correctly in public. Members of this breed who are not well-socialized at a young age are more likely to be suspicious of strangers. Owners should still keep in mind that these dogs will always see it as their duty to protect family members and temper their expectations accordingly.
Fila Brasileiro Picture Gallery
