Are you considering getting a Fila Brasileiro as your next pet? Also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, this breed is known for their loyalty and protective nature. However, they are not for everyone and require a lot of training and socialization. Before making the decision to bring a Fila Brasileiro into your home, it’s important to do your research and understand the responsibilities that come with owning this powerful breed. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know before bringing a Fila Brasileiro into your life.
Breed Category: Working
Country of Origin: Brazil
Average Size:65-75 cm (at the shoulder)
Average Weight:50-82 kg
Average Life Span: 9-11 years
Grooming Requirements: Low
Exercise Requirements:High
History and Origin
The Fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, is a large and powerful breed of dog that originated in Brazil. The breed was developed in the 16th century by Portuguese settlers who brought with them their own dogs, which were then bred with native Brazilian dogs. The result was a breed that was well-suited for the harsh conditions of Brazil’s rural areas, where they were used for hunting, guarding, and even as a means of transportation.
The Fila Brasileiro is known for its loyalty and protective nature, which made it a popular choice for farmers and ranchers who needed a dog that could protect their livestock from predators. The breed’s size and strength also made it an effective guard dog, and it was often used to protect homes and businesses. However, the Fila Brasileiro’s protective nature also made it a controversial breed, as it was known to be aggressive towards strangers and other animals.
Despite its controversial reputation, the Fila Brasileiro continued to be a popular breed in Brazil throughout the 20th century. However, in the 1970s, the breed faced a crisis when it was discovered that many dogs were being bred for their aggressive tendencies, rather than their working abilities. This led to a ban on the breed in several countries, including the UK.
In recent years, efforts have been made to improve the breed’s reputation and ensure that it is bred for its working abilities, rather than its aggression. The Fila Brasileiro is now recognized by the Kennel Club in the UK, although it is still considered a rare breed. Breeders are working to produce dogs that are well-socialized and trained, and that can be trusted around people and other animals.
Today, the Fila Brasileiro remains a popular breed in Brazil, where it is still used for hunting, guarding, and as a family pet. The breed’s size and strength make it a formidable guard dog, but it is also known for its loyalty and affection towards its owners. While the Fila Brasileiro may not be the right breed for everyone, it is a fascinating and unique breed with a rich history and a bright future.
Size and Breed Category
The Fila Brasileiro is a large breed of dog that originated in Brazil. They are classified as a molosser breed, which means they have a muscular and powerful build. The Fila Brasileiro is known for its imposing size and strength, with males typically weighing between 50-82 kg and standing 65-75 cm tall at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller, weighing between 40-64 kg and standing 60-70 cm tall. Their coat is short and dense, with a range of colours including black, brindle, fawn, and red. The Fila Brasileiro has a distinctive appearance, with a large head, loose skin, and a long tail that is often docked.
As a molosser breed, the Fila Brasileiro was originally bred for hunting and guarding purposes. They are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent guard dogs. However, their size and strength require an experienced owner who can provide proper training and socialization. The Fila Brasileiro is not recommended for first-time dog owners or families with young children. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour. Overall, the Fila Brasileiro is a unique and impressive breed that requires a dedicated owner who can provide the necessary care and training.
Fur Length and Colour
The fur of this breed is typically short and dense, with a glossy appearance. The coat is usually uniform in colour, ranging from shades of fawn to black. Some individuals may have white markings on the chest and feet, but these are not common. The fur is not curly or wavy, but rather straight and smooth to the touch. The texture of the fur is quite coarse, which helps to protect the dog from the elements and from potential predators. Overall, the fur of the Fila Brasileiro is well-suited to its natural environment and provides excellent protection for the dog.
The colour of the fur can vary slightly depending on the individual dog, but most Filas have a solid coat colour. The most common colours are fawn, brindle, and black, with some individuals having a mixture of these colours. The fur is usually darker on the back and lighter on the belly, which is a common pattern in many dog breeds. The colour of the fur can also change slightly as the dog ages, with some individuals becoming lighter or darker over time. Despite the variations in colour, the fur of the Fila Brasileiro is always striking and eye-catching, making this breed a popular choice for those who appreciate a beautiful and unique dog.
Termperament and Trainability
The Fila Brasileiro is a breed of dog that is known for its strong temperament and high trainability. These dogs are highly intelligent and have a natural instinct to protect their owners and their property. They are also known for their loyalty and devotion to their families, making them excellent guard dogs and companions. However, due to their strong-willed nature, they require an experienced owner who can provide them with consistent training and socialization. With proper training and socialization, the Fila Brasileiro can be a well-behaved and obedient companion.
The Fila Brasileiro is a breed that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are highly active dogs that enjoy running, playing, and exploring their surroundings. They also require a lot of attention and affection from their owners, as they thrive on human interaction. However, due to their strong protective instincts, they can be wary of strangers and other animals. Therefore, it is important to socialize them from a young age to ensure that they are comfortable around other people and animals. With proper exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization, the Fila Brasileiro can be a happy and well-adjusted companion.
Known Health Conditions
Fila Brasileiro is a breed of dog that is known to suffer from certain health conditions. One of the most common health issues that affect this breed is hip dysplasia. This condition is characterized by an abnormal formation of the hip joint, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement. Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that can be passed down from one generation to another. Therefore, it is important for breeders to screen their dogs for this condition before breeding them. Additionally, owners of Fila Brasileiro should ensure that their dogs maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly to reduce the risk of developing hip dysplasia.
Another health condition that affects Fila Brasileiro is gastric torsion, also known as bloat. This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply to the stomach and other organs. Symptoms of bloat include restlessness, drooling, vomiting, and a distended abdomen. Immediate veterinary attention is required to save the dog’s life. To reduce the risk of bloat, owners should feed their Fila Brasileiro smaller, more frequent meals, avoid feeding them immediately before or after exercise, and discourage them from drinking large amounts of water at once.
Openness to Strangers
Fila Brasileiro is a dog breed that is known for its unique personality trait of being open to strangers. This breed is highly sociable and friendly towards people they meet for the first time. They are always eager to make new friends and are not hesitant to approach strangers. Fila Brasileiro is a breed that is highly adaptable to new environments and can easily adjust to new people and surroundings. They are known to be very affectionate towards their owners and are always eager to please them. This breed is highly intelligent and can quickly learn new commands and tricks. They are also very loyal and protective of their owners and will go to great lengths to protect them from any harm.
Fila Brasileiro is a breed that is highly sociable and loves to interact with people. They are known to be very friendly towards strangers and are always eager to make new friends. This breed is highly energetic and loves to play and run around. They are also very curious and love to explore their surroundings. Fila Brasileiro is a breed that is highly adaptable to different situations and can easily adjust to new people and environments. They are also very obedient and can quickly learn new commands and tricks. This breed is highly valued for its unique personality trait of being open to strangers, which makes them a great companion for families and individuals who love to socialize.
Playfulness Level
The Fila Brasileiro is a highly energetic and playful breed of dog. They are known for their love of play and their ability to keep their owners entertained for hours on end. Whether it’s playing fetch, chasing after a ball, or simply running around in the backyard, the Fila Brasileiro is always up for a good time. They are also highly social animals and love to interact with their owners and other dogs. This makes them an ideal pet for families with children or other pets.
Despite their playful nature, the Fila Brasileiro is also a highly intelligent breed of dog. They are quick learners and are always eager to please their owners. This makes them an ideal pet for those who are looking for a dog that is easy to train and can be taught a variety of tricks and commands. Additionally, the Fila Brasileiro is a highly loyal breed of dog and will always be there for their owners when they need them. Whether it’s providing comfort during a difficult time or simply being a loyal companion, the Fila Brasileiro is a breed of dog that is sure to bring joy and happiness to any household.
Suitability as a Pet for Children
Fila Brasileiro is a muscular and powerful breed that originated in Brazil. They are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them a good choice for families with children. However, their size and strength require an experienced owner who can provide proper training and socialization. Fila Brasileiro can be territorial and aggressive towards strangers, so it is important to supervise interactions with unfamiliar people and animals. They also require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Overall, Fila Brasileiro can make a great pet for the right family, but careful consideration and preparation are necessary.
Exercise Needs
Fila Brasileiro dogs require a significant amount of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. These dogs are highly energetic and need to be taken on long walks or runs every day. They also enjoy playing games such as fetch or tug-of-war, which can help to keep them mentally stimulated. It is important to note that Fila Brasileiro dogs have a strong prey drive and should always be kept on a leash or in a secure area when outside.
In addition to physical exercise, Fila Brasileiro dogs also benefit from mental stimulation. These dogs are intelligent and enjoy learning new things, so training sessions can be a great way to keep them engaged. Puzzle toys and interactive games can also help to keep their minds active. It is important to provide Fila Brasileiro dogs with plenty of opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Suitability for a Multi-Pet Family
Fila Brasileiros have a reputation for being territorial and protective of their owners. This can sometimes lead to conflicts with other pets in the household. However, with proper socialization and training, they can learn to coexist peacefully with other animals. It is important to introduce them to other pets slowly and under supervision to ensure a positive outcome. Additionally, providing each pet with their own space and resources can help prevent any potential conflicts.
Housing Requirements
The Fila Brasileiro is a breed that requires a spacious and secure living environment. With a height of up to 75cm and a weight of up to 90kg, this breed needs plenty of room to move around and exercise. A large, fenced yard is essential for the Fila Brasileiro to run and play safely. Additionally, this breed is known for its protective nature, so a secure fence is necessary to prevent them from escaping and potentially causing harm to others. A comfortable and well-ventilated shelter is also important for this breed, especially during extreme weather conditions. A spacious and secure living environment is crucial for the Fila Brasileiro to thrive.
The Fila Brasileiro is a breed that requires a lot of socialization and interaction with their owners. This breed is known for its loyalty and affection towards their family, and they thrive on human companionship. Therefore, it is important for owners to provide their Fila Brasileiro with a comfortable living space inside the home. A large, comfortable bed or crate is necessary for this breed to rest and relax. Additionally, owners should provide their Fila Brasileiro with plenty of toys and activities to keep them mentally stimulated and prevent boredom. A comfortable and interactive living environment is essential for the Fila Brasileiro to feel happy and content.
Summary
The Fila Brasileiro has a reputation for being a loyal and protective dog, making them a popular choice for those seeking a guard dog. However, their strong-willed nature and tendency towards aggression means they require experienced owners who can provide them with proper training and socialization. Due to their size and strength, they also require a large amount of space and exercise. Overall, the Fila Brasileiro may be suitable for some households, but only if the owner is prepared to put in the time and effort required to properly train and care for them.
Fila Brasileiro Dog FAQS
Fila Brasileiros can be difficult to train due to their independent nature. They require a firm and consistent hand in training.
Yes, Fila Brasileiros are excellent guard dogs. They are protective of their family and property and have a deep bark that can be intimidating to strangers.
Fila Brasileiros can be good with children if they are socialized properly from a young age. However, they are a large and powerful breed, so supervision is necessary.
Fila Brasileiros are prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart issues. Regular vet check-ups are important to catch any potential health issues early.
No, Fila Brasileiros are not suitable for apartment living. They require a large yard to run and play in.
Yes, Fila Brasileiros require a lot of exercise. They need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day to stay healthy and happy.
Yes, Fila Brasileiros shed a lot. They have a short, dense coat that requires regular brushing to minimize shedding.
The cost of a Fila Brasileiro can vary depending on the breeder and location, but on average, they can cost between 2000-5000 AUD.
A Fila Brasileiro can grow up to 75-85 cm in height.
The average weight of a Fila Brasileiro is between 50-80 kg.
