Fila Brasileiro
Breed Information |
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| Popularity |
2022: # 2021: # 2020: # 2019: # 2018: # 2017: # 2016: # 2015: # |
| Name | Fila Brasileiro |
| Other names | Brazilian Mastiff, Brazilian Molosser, Cão de Fila |
| Origin |  Brazil |
| Breed Group |
Guardian Dogs (UKC) |
| Size | Large to Giant |
| Type | Purebred |
| Life span | 9-11 years |
| Temperament |
Brave Courageous Determined Docile Loyal Obedient |
| Height |
Male: 26–30 inches (65–75 cm) Female: 24–28 inches (60–70 cm) |
| Weight | 90-110 pounds (41-50 kg) |
| Colors |
Black Brindle Red Yellow |
| Litter Size | 4-10 puppies |
| Puppy Prices |
Average $1500 - $2000 USD If you do locate a Brazilian Mastiff, you can expect to pay at least $1,500 for a new pup, and possibly more than that. |
Breed Characteristics |
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| Adaptability |
3 stars |
| Apartment Friendly |
1 stars This breed is not suited to city life, as its vigorous body must work off energy in the freedom of the country. It needs a fenced-in yard with room to run. The Fila can sleep outdoors with proper shelter. |
| Barking Tendencies |
2 stars Occassional |
| Cat Friendly |
1 stars |
| Child Friendly |
2 stars Not Good with Kids: In isolation, this dog breed might not be the best option for kids. However, to mitigate the risks, have the puppy grow up with kids and provide it with plenty of pleasant and relaxed experiences with them. |
| Dog Friendly |
1 stars |
| Exercise Needs |
3 stars The Fila needs plenty of chance to exercise. While some can appear to be very lazy, big couch potatoes, like all dogs, they should be taken on daily walks. |
| Grooming |
2 stars The Fila Brasileiro requires very little grooming. Brush the short smooth coat with a firm bristle brush occasionally. Wiping the coat of the Fila Brasileiro with a piece of towel or chamois will give the coat a healthy glow. Bathe the Fila Brasileiro only when necessary. |
| Health Issues |
2 stars Hypoallergenic: NoProne to most large-breed ailments. Beware of hip dysplasia. As these dogs are prone to bloat, feed two or three small meals a day, instead of one large one. Also prone to CHD, gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia and PRA. |
| Intelligence |
3 stars Ranking: (N/A) Full Ranking List |
| Playfulness |
3 stars |
| Shedding Level |
3 stars Moderate Shedding: Routine brushing will help. Be prepared to vacuum often! |
| Stranger Friendly |
1 stars |
| Trainability |
3 stars Moderately Easy Training: The Fila Brasileiro need early socialization with new situations and require basic obedience. They can be very hard headed and stubborn. The Fila Brasileiro is usually very easy to housebreak. |
| Watchdog Ability |
5 stars |
Fila Brasileiro Names |
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| Rank | Boy Names | Girl Names |
| 01 | Buddy | Molly |
| 02 | Max | Bella |
| 03 | Charlie | Sasha |
| 04 | Jack | Luna |
| 05 | Jackson | Abbie |
| 06 | Tucker | Emma |
| 07 | Lucky | Zoey |
| 08 | Oscar | Honey |
| 09 | Buster | Dixie |
| 10 | Jax | Penny |
| 100 Cute Puppy Names › | ||
Overview |
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Though large in size, the Fila does not appear static. Rather it is harmonious, cat-like and above all powerful. The expression is noble, solemn, dignified but somewhat melancholic. The Fila Brasileiro appears self-assured and calm but is never absent in expression. When at attention, the gaze of the Fila Brasileiro is firm, alert and unwavering. Another typical characteristic of the breed is its gait, which is similar to that of a camel, moving two legs of one side at a time. The gait gives it a typical rolling lateral movement on the throat and the hindquarters which is accentuated when the dog's tail is raised. The head is typically lower than the backline. The characteristic carriage and gait has earned it great success in dog shows. The Brazilian Mastiffs are known to be naturally protective. It is also known for its extreme wariness of strangers and agility when protecting or defending its master. The dedication and obedience of the Fila Brasileiro has found its way into Brazilian saying "As faithful as a Fila". The Fila Brasileiro temperament is what characterizes the dog. The Portuguese word for their temperament is Ojeriza, which directly translated into English means dislike and distrust. The socialization period (about the first year with the first 6-8 months being the most important) of the dog's life is crucial to the temperament of the individual dog. If the pup is exposed to a lot of people in a positive manner (known as 'socializing'), the pup (keeping in mind the dog's natural protective instincts) can be encouraged to behave in a calm manner in public, but emphasis should be placed on the fact that socialization is done differently from other breeds. Despite extensive socialization, the fila is instinctively protective and will naturally guard and protect its owner, their family members and the family pets; this is not something that needs to be trained, it is an innate trait. Strangers should not be left unattended with a Fila and, like all other guardian breeds, it may not be the best choice for those who have frequent visitors to their homes. Lack of all socialization with strangers at a young age will result in a dog which is very anti-social. |
History |
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The Fila Brasileiro was created to work on large plantations and ranches in Brazil. He guarded against thieves, helped wrangle cattle, protected livestock from jaguars and other predators, and hunted down escapees during slavery times. His MO is to grab his quarry by the neck and hold it until his owner arrives. The English Mastiff, the Bulldog, and the Bloodhound were likely used to develop the Fila. The breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club. |
References
- [1] ^ Your Purebred Puppy: Fila Brasileiro: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em
- [2] ^ YouTube: FILA BRASILEIRO Dog Breed Characteristics, Care and MORE
