How Does A Fila Brasileiro Look Like?

What Is A Fila Brasileiro?

The Brazilian Mastiff, or Fila Brasileiro, is a huge working dog breed bred in Brazil. It is renowned for its exceptional tracking abilities, aggression, and implacable, impulsive nature. Instead of fighting its prey, the Fila traps it and waits for the arrival of the hunter.

Due to these characteristics, the Fila Brasileiro is utilized as a guard dog, a dog fighting dog, a cow dog for livestock, and a hunting dog for tracking and regulating large game. In the 18th century, when slavery was allowed in Brazil, the Fila Brasileiro was used to return runaway slaves to their masters.

How Does A Fila Brasileiro Look Like?

The Fila Brasileiro is one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world. It is an incredibly powerful, large dog due to its exceptionally strong build and large shoulders. Even though Fila Brasileiro are large and have a rectangular build, their innate agility is evident.

The head is large and weighty, with a deep snout. Depending on the dog’s disposition, the ears are enormous, thick, tapering, and either droop or fold back to expose the interior. The chest is broad and deep, and the neck and back are well-muscled.

The croup is higher than the withers, unlike the great majority of canines. The legs are skeletally dense. The skin is thick and slack all over the body, especially in the neck region, which is extremely characteristic of this breed. The thick skin has developed prominent dewlaps.

In many people, the dewlap extends to the chest and abdomen. Some dogs have a crease on the side of the head and also at the withers, which slopes down to the shoulders. The coat is often short and dense, with a smooth, silky texture.

What Is The History Of Fila Brasileiro?

The Fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, is a large working breed of dog. The breed was created in the early 19th century by combining various European mastiff-type dogs, including the English Mastiff, with native Brazilian dogs. The resulting breed was used for hunting, guard work, and as a cattle dog.

The verb “filar” in Portuguese literally means “to hold, arrest, grip”. So “cão de fila” (fila dog) or “cão de filar” denotes that it is a catch dog, a dog that “bites and does not relinquish its grip”. A similar name is also found in two Portuguese dog breeds: the Cão de Fila de São Miguel and the extinct Cão de Fila da Terceira.

The Fila Brasileiro is believed to descend from European dogs introduced to Brazil during the Colonial period, with little or no impact from indigenous South American canines from the Pre-Cabraline era.

The Fila Brasileiro were grown and raised mostly on big plantations and cattle farms where they originated. In addition to livestock, jaguars, and other animals, these canines were taught to chase down escaped slaves.

What Color Is Fila Brasileiro?

Fila Brasileiro can come in many different colors. Their colors range from black and brown to solid, brindle, mouse-grey, patched, and speckled.

They are very rarely white. Common colors include fawn, black, and brindle. The severity of the stripes on a brindle of a given base color can range from minimal to extreme. Occasionally, a black mask is present.

The CAFIB standard does not accept dogs with black, mouse-grey, black and tan, blue, or speckled coats since they are considered to be a sign of crossbreeding; however, it does allow dogs with significant white markings on any part of the body.

How Big Is A Fila Brasileiro?

The Fila Brasileiro is a mastiff with loose skin and huge bones. Males according to the FCI standard measure between 65 and 75 cm (25.5 and 29.5 inches) at the withers and weigh between 50 and 82 kg110 to 181 lb). Females are supposed to stand 60 to 70 centimeters (23.5 to 27.5 inches) at the withers and weigh at least 41 kilograms (90 lbs).

Are Fila Brasileiros Recognized?

The Fila Brasileiro is recognized by the FCI and the “Associação Brasileira de Mastins de Fila” (Brazilian Mastiff Association). In Brazil, the Fila Brasileiro can be bred in accordance with three distinct criteria given by three distinct clubs.

The standard enforced by the CBKC (an FCI-affiliated club) is the most popular in the world, yet it is by far the most divergent from the appearance of older dogs forty years ago.

CAFIB (Fila Brasileiro’s Enhancement Club) and AMFIBRA (World Association of Dog Breeders of Fila Brasileiro) are responsible for the other two standards.

Both are based on the original breed standard developed by Paulo Santos Cruz, who is regarded as the “father of the breed.” The CAFIB standard is the more prevalent of the two. But both clubs (CAFIB and AMFIBRA) are dedicated to preserving the pure Fila with the closest appearance to the original dogs.

How Much Is A Fila Brasileiro?

Fila Brasileiro are expensive. Typically, you should anticipate paying between $1,000 and $1,500 for a Fila Brasileiro. The assumption here is that you are purchasing the dog from a breeder. Because they are seldom seen in animal shelters or rescues, this is often your only option.

reputable breeder will give health tests and vet documents for their dogs and puppies. Before being adopted, the majority of puppies receive veterinary care.

Due of the rarity of this breed in the United States, you may have to get them from a kennel in Brazil. Transportation costs must be accounted for, and they might range from $500 to $1,000, so plan appropriately.

What Is A Fila Brasileiro Used For?

Originally, the Fila Brasileiro was largely bred and kept on big plantations and cattle farms. In addition to livestock, jaguars, and other animals, these canines were also trained to pursue fugitive slaves.

The Fila Brasileiro has been used as a guard dog, a dog fighting dog, a livestock dog, and a hunting dog for locating and controlling large game. In the 18th century, when slavery was allowed in Brazil, the Fila Brasileiro was employed to return runaway slaves to their masters.

Are Fila Brasileiros Aggressive?

A Fila Brasileiro has the most aggressive disposition of any dog breed. Once he is provoked, regaining control of him can be challenging. It is optimal to keep potential stressors out of his line of sight.

His fury surpasses that of any other canine breeds. He also has a high prey drive, which will make him a problem in locations with dense animal populations.

With the right owner, though, this aggression may be contained and released only when necessary. Whether for hunting or defense, this aggressive disposition would be highly beneficial. You need to display your alpha status for him to respect you.

Are Fila Brasileiros Hypoallergenic?

Fila Brasileiros do poorly with allergy sufferers because they cause allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are thought to increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction. Most people are sensitive to dog dander (skin flakes) or saliva, not dog hair.

What Is The Temperament Of A Fila Brasileiro?

The temperament of a Fila Brasileiro is unsurpassed in the dog society for its aggression. Once he is provoked, regaining control of him can be challenging. It is optimal to keep potential stressors out of his line of sight.

Most of the time, the Fila Brasileiro will be a loving, extremely devoted family dog. Even a famous term, “as loyal as a Fila,” illustrates their devotion to their families.

This attachment will manifest itself in numerous ways, including playing, hugging, drooling on your pant leg, and licking your face. A Fila will ensure that his owners are aware of their affection. This devotion extends to family members’ children as well.

Unlike most dogs of his size, the Fila Brasileiro demands a great deal of exercise. He is not a dog designed for apartment living. To be the best version of himself, he requires ample space and physical/mental stimulation.

If you do not meet this condition, he will begin to accumulate surplus energy. In return, he will begin to use this energy to shred your furniture and other belongings. This circumstance explains why he performs best when assigned tasks such as farm work.

Are Fila Brasileiros Good With Kids?

Fila Brasileiros are very good with children. They easily befriend people and become very loyal companions.

Filas are known to be great with kids and will often build a bond with them; however, you still should oversee any interactions between children and the Fila. It’s also never a good idea to leave a Fila alone with children who are playing.

He can perceive the playing as a threat to the kid he’s built a bond with and try defending them. Given you may think, this reaction could wind up being terribly sad as he’s stronger than your ordinary toddler.

It is important you socialize him early to help him bring out his gentle and affectionate nature more often than not. If you do it correctly, this socialization should take hold and help him become a fantastic friend.