| Country of origin: | Brazil |
| Registries: | CKC |
| Occupation: | Versatile working dog, guardian |
| Size: | 23.5 to 29.5 in tall; 125 to 175 lbs |
| Longevity: | 10 to 12 years |
| Exercise: | Low to moderate activity |
| Training: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Easy |
| Colors: | Variety of colours |
Bloodhound ancestry is apparent in this dog’s pendulous skin and ears and its superb tracking ability. One of two recognized Brazilian breeds (the other is the rare Brazilian Tracker), the Brazilian Mastiff descends from Portuguese and Spanish mastiffs taken to the Americas. It is used as a guard dog and large game tracker. Because it is used as a fighting dog in its native country, the breed is banned in Britain and elsewhere.
Breed name synonyms: Brazilian Mastiff, Cao de Brasil, Fila
HISTORY
The Fila Brasileiro is a Mastif type of dog, native to Brasil. Their original purpose was tracking down and overpowering escaped slaves in the tropical forests of colonial Brazil. Later on Brazilian ranchers used the Fila’s fearless nature and enormous strength and stamina to hunt large and dangerous game and to protect their flocks from jaguars and other predators.
Although most data related to Fila Brasileiro’s origin are lost to history, it is believed that its ancestors include Mastiffs, Bulldogs and Bloodhounds.
Being specifically bred for a trait known as ojeriza (xenophobia) even today Fila Brasileiros are famous for their distrust of strangers, intense devotion to familiar people and extreme courage. They are used as guard dogs and in military services.
PERSONALITY
It is in the Fila Brasileiro’s nature to be suspicious and always on alert. The severe aggression towards strangers is an inborn trait in this breed. Filas are immensely possessive, territorial and fiercely protective.
On the other side, when it comes to people and children they know and trust, Filas are loving, affectionate and attached. Their loyalty can be seen in the old Brazilian proverb – ‘’faithful as a Fila’’. FilaBrasileiros are obedient, docile, brave and determined. However, even today this breed’s temperament is classified as highly controversial.
Because of their strong prey drive, Fila Brasileiros are dangerous for cats and other smaller dogs or pets, but can learn to get along with big dogs, if raised together.
TRAITS
The Fila Brasileiro is a massive dog with a Bloodhound-type head on a rectangular Mastiff-type body. The excess skin hangs loosely from the body. Filas have long and dark muzzles, powerful jaws and large, dark, almond shaped eyes. The hallmark of the breed is the gait, often referred as camel’s gait. Fila’s expression reflects determination.
The coat is smooth but hard. All coat colors are acceptable, but brindle or fawn, with or without white markings are most common.
Male Filas should ideally stand 25.5-29.5’’ (65-75cm) at the withers and weight around 110Ib (50kg). Females should stand 23.5-27.5’’ (60-70cm) and weigh approximately 90Ib (40kg).
HANDLING
Fila Brazileiros tend to exhibit extreme dominance and firm leadership needs to be established as early as possible. They respond well to food treats and praises. Since they do not hesitate to bite if threatened, Filas must not be treated harshly.
Socialization plays an important part in the development of Fila Brasileiros. If raised and trained by a single person they tend to become one person dogs. Therefore they must be taught to form bonds with all family members.
HEALTH
Because of their size, Fila Brasileiros have extremely high rates of hip and elbow dysplasia. Other common orthopedic diseases in the breed include osteochondritis, panosteitis and luxating patella. Like other, deep-chested breeds, Filas are at higher than normal risk for the gastrointestinal syndrome – gastric dilatation and volvulus or bloat.
Fila Brasileiros are prone to certain skin conditions (allergies, elbow hygroma, demodectic mange, pyodermia) and eye conditions (cherry eye, entropion and ectropion, progressive retinal atrophy). Hereditary health issues worth mentioning are cancers, heart diseases and hypothyroidism.
However, compared to other giant breed, Fila Brasileiros are in substantially better health. They suffer from fewer conditions and usually later in life than most other Mastiffs.
The average lifespan of the Fila Brasileiro is estimated to be 9-11 years.