The Fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian wild dog, was bred in Brazil for use as a working dog and a large game hunter several centuries ago. The phrase "loyal as a Fila" comes from the fact that Brazilians have found these huge canines to be reliable companions despite their imposing size. The Brazilian Mastiff or Brazilian Bloodhound is another name for this breed, as is the Cao de Brasil, Cao de Fila, and the Fila.
Due to its large size, the Fila Brasileiro is not a good choice for first-time dog owners or those who live in cramped quarters. Several countries have outright banned the breed because of public perception that it breeds dangerous dogs. However, the Fila Brasileiro may be a fantastic companion and watchdog in the hands of an experienced large dog owner who is willing to commit significant time to training and socialization. Here is a detailed data set on the characteristics and background of the Fila Brasileiro dog!
Highlights
- Fila Brasileiros are known for their boundless vitality. Ideally, your dog would go on two or three long walks of 30 minutes to an hour every day, with some energetic playtime and shorter walks sprinkled in for good measure.
- The coat of a Fila Brasileiro may be brindle, fawn, or black. A Fila could wear a dark mask on occasion.
- They regularly shed their silky, short-haired coats. Allergy sufferers should avoid them because of this.
- Limits should be established for both the dog and the children since your Fila may not get along with playmates. In order to prevent injuries, you should instruct your children in the right use of your Fila Brasileiro.
- While Filas can get along with similar-sized dogs, they often see smaller animals as potential prey. However, Filas have a natural predilection for hunting small creatures like cats and smaller dogs, so it's preferable if they're the only pets in the house.
- The Fila Brasileiro was bred to be extremely loyal to its owners; therefore, early and regular socialization is essential for growing a Fila Brasileiro who won't be hostile toward strangers.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighborhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Height:
24 to 30 inches
Weight:
90 to 180 pounds
Life Span:
9 to 12 years
History
There is little information available on the history of the Fila Brasileiro, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly when the breed first appeared. The huge breed known as the Brazilian Mastiff is widely assumed to have descended from a 1600s mash-up of English Mastiffs, Bulldogs, and Bloodhounds.
Plantation owners in the colonies often kept these massive canines to protect their lands from jaguars and other dangerous cats. They were also put to service in the hunting industry, where they would sniff out prey such as cattle (and, tragically, fugitive slaves from the plantations) and then grab them by the neck to keep them from moving until their masters returned.
These security canines are very nimble for their large size. The Fila Brasileiro was bred to work on plantations for humans and was capable of speeds of up to 35 miles per hour in pursuit of prey.
Hundreds of years later, in 1946, the first Fila Brasileiro breed standards were released. The citizens of Sao Paulo, Brazil, were given the responsibility of maintaining a registry of all the city's spawn. In 1954, the breed was recognised by the Brasil Kennel Club (BKC), and by 1960, the Fédération Cynologique International had also recognised it (FCI).
Show organizations like the American Kennel Club don't recognise the stranger-aggressive breed because judges couldn't properly evaluate the vigilant and powerful animals.
Personality & Temperament
Ojeriza is a common Brazilian term for the Fila Brasileiro. Some people believe this to be a crucial aspect of the traditional Fila Brasileiro's character, and it may be roughly translated as a suspicion and aversion of strangers. While the practice of breeding dogs for 'Ojeriza' certainly raises ethical questions, the resulting canine is a vigilant and protective guard dog who will defend its trusted family with all its might. They have their own minds and will only serve their master.
Although the Fila Brasileiro can benefit from early and extensive socialization, it will always be apprehensive of strangers due to its natural inclination. Never entrust them with your kids or pets. They still have a strong desire to hunt, thus they may pursue a strange animal. They tend to bark excessively, even at seemingly inconsequential occurrences.
Care
The enormous Fila Brasileiro also has some serious maintenance needs to maintain its cheerful disposition and cooperative demeanor. They need a lot of exercise and training, but their short coats make them easy to keep clean.
Health
The Fila Brasileiro has a life expectancy of about 10 years and is susceptible to the same health issues as other very large dogs. Among these are:
Diseases of the Hip and Elbow
Mobility problems, discomfort, and osteoarthritis are all possible outcomes of improper development of these crucial leg joints. Some dogs will be considerably more severely impacted than others, and the severity of the ailment varies greatly from instance to case.
Bloat
This potentially fatal illness, also known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), arises when a dog's stomach twists on its axis, trapping food inside. The dog needs immediate surgery to save its life.
Anecdotal data suggests that the Fila Brasileiro has a higher risk of developing ocular conditions such as ectropion, progressive retinal atrophy, and cherry eye. An ophthalmologist should check the eyes of breeding animals first.
Nutrition
They need to consume a lot of food because a Fila can weigh over 100 pounds. Your Fila's dietary requirements will increase in direct proportion to its activity level. Overfeeding should be avoided, though. Hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as diabetes and other conditions, can be caused or exacerbated by excessive body weight.
Avoiding weight gain by overfeeding can be accomplished by following a strict eating plan. In order to prevent bloat in dogs of this breed, it is recommended that you serve smaller meals more frequently (at least twice daily). Consult your dog's vet for advice on creating a balanced diet that takes into account your dog's age, weight, and level of exercise.
Grooming
The short, sleek coat of a Fila Brasileiro requires minimal grooming. This is a breed that sheds considerably all year long, but may be controlled with consistent brushing (a couple times a week) to remove dead and loose hair. When Filas' coats get soiled from being outside, give them a bath.
This breed, like all others, requires routine care such as brushing its teeth, trimming its nails, and cleaning its ears. Ear infections can be avoided if you keep your dog's ears clean with a product designed for that purpose.
Exercise
Due to its size, the Fila Brasileiro requires a lot of daily exercise. It is recommended that you exercise your dog for at least an hour every day if you have an athletic, powerful dog like this. Filas are active creatures who require both physical and mental challenges to feel fulfilled. They thrive when given a job to complete, making them perfect working and farm dogs. This breed is best exercised in rural locations, where they may run and walk freely without fear of encountering creatures they aren't used to. Toys that make it easy to hide tasty treats are a big hit with Filas, but they also appreciate games that require them to use their brains, such as catch and release and puzzle toys.
Training
Because of its strength and determination, the Fila needs a leader who can exert firm control at all times. Although Fila Brasileiros have a high IQ and can be taught complex tasks, they can be difficult to teach due to their independent spirits. Puppies should start learning the basics of obedience around the age of eight weeks.
Effective training techniques must be implemented. It is impossible to coerce a Fila into doing anything. Training sessions that are short and focused on positive reinforcement can be effective, but your Fila may lose interest if they are too long or involve too much repetition.
Early and extensive socialization is crucial to avoid rearing a dog that doesn't tolerate strangers because of the breed's strong wariness of strangers. If not properly socialized from an early age, Filas rarely tolerate outsiders well. To properly care for a guardian breed, you need to be a strong, but fair, pack leader. However, in the right hands, the Fila may be a courageous protector and a faithful companion.
Children And Other Pets
Despite its powerful nature, the Fila Brasileiro may be a fantastic family pet if properly socialized and trained from a young age. It's crucial to establish rules and teach your children how to behave appropriately with your Fila Brasileiro to avoid any mishaps that could occur if your Fila is exposed to other youngsters, such as playmates.
Filas can get along with other dogs of the same size, but they typically perceive animals smaller than themselves as prey. Since Filas are predisposed to chase after small animals like cats and smaller dogs, even with constant training, they are best kept as an only pet.
Puppies
Puppies of the Fila Brasileiro breed require little formal exercise beyond their natural inclination to play. If you divide your age in months by five, that's all the time you need.
Prices for Fila Brasileiros typically range from $1,000 to $1,500. If you're planning on getting your dog from a breeder, consider this. Because they are so uncommon, that is often your only other alternative.
A reputable breeder will have proof of health tests for their dogs and will keep medical records for their offspring. Before they are adopted, most puppies have had some rudimentary veterinary care.
Dogs similar to a Fila Brasileiro
Other dog breeds that share some characteristics with the Fila Brasileiro include the Neapolitan mastiff, the bulldog, and the Great Dane.
English Mastiff:
It is the original version of the Fila Brasileiro that originated in England.
Bloodhound:
Another ancestor of the Fila Brasileiro, this one is well-known for its skill as a scenthound and tracker.
Great Dane:
In the past, the Fila Brasileiro was sometimes hybridized with Great Danes to produce larger offspring. Sometimes referred to as the "German Mastiff,".