| Breed:
Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff) |
Other
Breeds |
 The Fila Braileiro is a descendant of the English Mastiff, Bloodhound, Bulldog and Rafeiros breeds. It was developed in Brazil to hunt jaguars and to guard large estates. Like the bloodhound, the Fila has superior tracking abilities, which led to its use in Brazil, when slavery was legal, for returning fugitives to their slave masters unharmed. A typical mastiff, the Fila has a large, strong, compact body and is very courageous. The bulldog in this breed lends its impulsiveness. It is the Fila's nature to be loyal and protective of its family. In Portuguese, this trait is called ojeriza. The Fila is an exceptional guardian of property and by instinct it will hunt large game and herd cattle. The Fila is the national dog of Brazil, whose motto is "Faithful as a Fila."
|
| Height: |
25.5 - 29.5 inches |
| Weight: |
90 - 110 pounds (some owners have been reported Fila's weighing more than 150 pounds.) |
| Temperament: |
The Fila is, by nature, a very loyal and protective dog. It is very aware of its pack and needs to be among its family members at all times. It is docile and gentle with its family, and extremely tolerant of children. However, the Fila does not like strangers. Early socialization will teach the Fila that people and other animals are not threats, but visits to the dog park and pet store are out of the question. The Fila's protective nature causes it to become alarmed around all strangers and if the breed has not been socialized as a puppy, it will continue to dislike all strangers as an adult. People who have many friends and lots of parties should not be Fila owners. |
| Color(s): |
Typical colors are fawn, black and brindle. Brindles may have stripes of either less or with very strong intensity. A black mask may or may not be present around the eyes. |
| Grooming: |
The Fila is an average shedder and easy to groom. Brush with a short, firm bristle brush and wipe the coat dry with a towel for a shiny finish. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. |
| Coat(s): |
Short, smooth, dense and soft coat with wrinkles on the face, descending down the neck. Some Filas have wrinkled skin all over their bodies. |
| With
Children: |
Filas are excellent with the children in their own families. They will take enormous amounts of rough play and are extremely gentle. Great family pets. |
| With
Pets: |
The Fila will make friends with all other animals in the household but should be kept at a distance from strange animals. It is wary of strangers. |
| Training: |
As with all large dogs, obedience training in puppies will enable better handling when the Fila becomes an adult. The breed is loyal and obedient by nature so obedience training is not difficult. Early socializing will teach the dog that people and animals outside its own family are not threats. However, Filas are wary of all strangers, whether they have been socialized or not so caution should be taken when people visit the Fila owner's home. |
| Exercise: |
Filas need plenty of exercise and daily walks are necessary. They tend to be lazy if kept indoors and should be exercised regularly to burn excess energy. |
| Health
Issues: |
Being a large breed, the Fila is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Also prone to bloat and other gastro ailments. Feeding should be spread evenly throughout the day to prevent problems. |
| Housing: |
Not suitable for apartment living. The Fila needs a large, enclosed yard to run free. With proper shelter Filas tolerate sleeping outdoors very well. |
| Life
Span: |
9 - 11 years |
| Country
of Origin: |
Descended from English and other European breeds but was brought to Brazil by the Portuguese. |
| Conformation
Group: |
Mastiff |
