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Breed Information: Fila Brasileiro
Fila Brasileiro
Cao de Fila
Brazilian Mastiff
The modern Fila Brasileiro exists today as a result of an evolution of dogs crossed with English Mastiffs, ancient Bulldogs and Bloodhounds, and the basic influence of Portuguese herders brought to Brazil at colonial times. They acquired their aggressive temperament, stubbornness, colors, typical rose-ear, higher hind legs and higher croup than the withers from the ancient fighting dogs (the Engelsen Doggen or ancient Bulldogs). From the Mastiff, they inherited the large heavy head, strong maxilars, short neck, the substance, the slightly curved croup, moderated tail set, their courage, the black mask and the basic Mastiff colors. The abundant loose skin, the pronounced occipital peak, pendulous lips, hanging flews and dewlaps, the moderated tuck up, the fabulous scent, and the way of barking in a crescendo tune all come from the Bloodhound. The origin of the Fila is still very obscure, but it is generally believed that it is the result of crossing English Mastiffs, Bloodhounds, ancient Bulldogs, Fila Terceirense, as well as many other breeds.
In archaic Portuguese, the word Fila means, "to hold." From each of his ancestors, the Fila acquired characteristics that established a large, muscular built working dog capable of using his strength, scent, perseverance and courage to perform his duties. He has been used extensively as a guard dog, in police work as a tracker and sniffer, a hunter of jaguars, and even as a guide for the blind. Filas are considered to be the most reliable and loyal guard dogs due to their natural desire to protect their family and territory.
The natural protective instinct that has been lost through the ages in most guard dogs is very much alive in the Fila. Their natural aggressiveness towards strangers is surprising for a dog that is very humble and docile towards its owners. The Fila is very intelligent and sensitive as well. He is the first one to know when you are in a bad mood or ill. He will follow you in his gentle and smooth way, placing his big head on your lap or poke you with his nose. No one can tell by looking at this gentle and large dog that he will react with great aggressiveness if he feels that someone or something in a menace to his owner or his territory.
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Is the Fila Brasileiro the Right Breed for You?
Filas are very protective and are stranger aggressive. They will not hesitate to attack someone if they feel that person is a threat. This can include children who walk past your fence on their way to school every day. This can also include family members whom your Fila does not live with. If you have guests over on a regular basis, your probably should NOT have a Fila. A Fila in full temperament because a potentially dangerous situation. Still interested in owning a Fila, ask yourself these questions:
Why do I want a Fila?
If the answer is, "because they are big," there are several other breeds in the Mastiff family that could offer you the size you want. The Fila is not the biggest by far. If the answer is, "because they are mean," (or something similar), then you don't need a dog at all.
Do I want the responsibility of owning a Fila?
The answer is probably "no". They don't like or trust strangers. This is not a breed that you will be able to let run around with you in the park, or your children can take to school for show-and-tell. They are a risk to have around any time strangers are involved, like trips to the vet, and visitors in your home.
Am I willing to take the time necessary for training and socializing?
It is highly recommended that you take your Fila to obedience classes. This is a VERY important step to take in a healthy relationship with you and your Fila. And there is no such thing as "over socializing" a Fila.
What about Filas and children?
Filas are good with, and can be extremely tolerant of "their" children. NOT ALL Filas are good with children. Some, like in every other breed, are very poor with children. They are NOT, however, good with other people's children. They will not tolerate your child's playmates, as the Fila sees them as strangers. They will perceive rough-housing as a threat to your child, and WILL react accordingly to protect his family. Even the best Fila does not know what is too rough for a small child, nor does a small child know what is too rough for a Fila. They must be supervised at ALL times.
Fila Brasileiro Facts:
| Life Expectancy: |
10-12 years |
| Colors: |
Brindles and all solid colors, except white or mouse gray |
| Coat Type: |
Short, smooth |
| Grooming Needs: |
Groom with a hound glove |
| Exercise Needs: |
Needs about 30-60 minutes per day |
| Temperament: |
Courage, determination and outstanding braveness are part of the breed's characteristics. He is docile to his owners and family and extremely tolerant with children. Very faithful breed. Distrusting of strangers. Shows calm disposition, self assurance and self confidence, not being disturbed by strange noises or when facing a new environment. A excellent guardian of property. Well dedicated hunter. Not recommended for first time dog owners. |
Good with Children: |
Affectionate, tolerant and protective with its family's children. |
| Avg Size: |
24-30 inches for both males and females |
| Avg Weight (lbs.): |
140-180 (males) and 125-160 (females)
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| Health Issues: |
Hip Dysplasia, Bloat-Canine Gastric Dilation-Volvulous |
| Living Conditions: |
Prefers to be close to family, whether that is outside or in the house |
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