Fila Brasileiro Dog Breed Information, Images, Characteristics, Health

History - Fila Brasileiro for Sale

fila brasileiro - historyHailing from Brazil, and known also as the Brazilian Mastiff, nobody seems to be too sure of the exact origins of the large Fila Brasileiro but it is believed to be a cross between the English Mastiff, the Bulldog and the Bloodhound.

Other theories are that the dog comes from a mix of Portuguese and Spanish dogs and that they were bred to guard livestock from predators. Breeds that have no doubt contributed to the modern Fila are the Bullenbeisser, the Bloodhound, Mastiff and Rafeiro do Alentejo. All these dogs have characteristics such as excellent working dog skills, herding instincts as well as courage and tenacity.

The official Brazilian breed standard of the Fila was developed in the 1960s and the Fila Brasileiro Club of America was formed in 1984.

Basic Information - Fila Brasileiro for Sale

Group:
Working dog
Origin:
Brazil
Height Male:
60 - 75 cm23 - 30 inches
Height Female:
60 - 75 cm23 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
55 - 80 kg121 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
55 - 80 kg121 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Other Names:
Brazilian Mastiff
Colors Available:
red, black, Fawn, brindle
Coat:
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Kids Friendly:
No
New Owners Friendly:
No

Description - Fila Brasileiro for Sale

fila brasileiro puppy - descriptionWith his huge head covered in loose skin much like that of a Blooohound, and a body resembling that of a Mastiff, the large heavily built Fila Brasileiro is a mastiff breed from Brazil. He stands at 60 to 75cm in height and he weighs roughly 55 to 80kg.

The ears of the Fila are large and droop down or are folded back, depending on his mood. The tail is long and slim. The coat of the dog is short and dense with the texture being quite smooth and soft. Colours of the coat can vary from solid fawn or black to red to brindle.

Temperament:

Perhaps the huge Fila wouldn’t be a good choice as a pet for the first-time inexperienced dog owner as he is a powerful, intelligent, self-assured, headstrong animal that will certainly need to have training and socialization if you want him as an obedient pet in your home.

He is a dog known for his courage and bravery. The Fila is loving and affectionate with his human family, being protective of them and not being too friendly with strangers. He isn't a particularly good pet choice with children in the home.

Some people, after buying a cute Fila puppy, put him out in the yard when he becomes large, and then they pretty much neglect him. This is cruel and irresponsible as he is a social, playful dog who wants to be part of his human family.

These dogs have some aggression in them and this makes them good watchdogs. They generally don’t show aggression towards their family but may snap at a stranger who tries to touch as he feels threatened.

Characteristics - Fila Brasileiro for Sale

fila brasileiro dog - characteristicsThe Fila Brasileiro or Brazilian Mastiff is a powerful dog and it is believed that a large dog like this can be a danger to people if he isn’t trained and socialized.

He is therefore not recommended for first time dog owners or homes with small children. He is a dog that is particularly wary of strangers too.

When he has been properly socialized he can be loving, loyal and obedient because it is essentially how a dog is brought up as to how he turns out.

If you bring one of these big, beautiful dogs into your home, have him socialized as a puppy, treat him firmly, but kindly and you could have yourself an extraordinary pet.

Health Problems - Fila Brasileiro for Sale

fila brasileiro puppies - health problemsFilas are a dog breed who have a high rate of hip- and elbow dysplasia. This is a serious disease which can lead to lameness with your pet. Other orthopedic diseases with the breed include osteochondritis and luxating patella.

Also, as a deep-chested dog breed, your Fila also is at risk of getting the very serious gastrointestinal syndrome known as bloat. This is a common condition that can prove deadly for your pet. The Fila’s stomach will fill with gas, putting pressure on other organs and stopping blood flow to the heart and difficulty with breathing. Sometimes the stomach will twist. Get him to the vet immediately if you notice a swollen stomach, drooling or restless behaviour.

Caring The Pet - Fila Brasileiro for Sale

Exercise and Space:

fila brasileiro dogs - caringThe Filas size makes it important that he have a good amount of exercise if you want to maintain his health and happiness. He isn’t a dog suited to city life as he is too large and will irritate his owners when cooped up in a tiny space with them. He isn’t demanding when it comes to exercise and activities all the time, but he should still be exercised regularly as he is inclined to become lazy .

Grooming:

Moderate shedding. Regular brushing twice a week will be required. Check ears for infection and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week.

Diet:

Nothing is set in stone as to what to feed your Fila Brasileiro, but a large dog will require quality food with a good amount of protein and fat according to size, age and activity levels.

Because a large breed dog is prone to hip dysplasia, look out for ingredients such as chondroitin and gludosamine which are specifically good for joint health. Try and avoid commercially manufactured food with common allergens such as soy, corn and wheat, artifical flavors and fillers.

A source of cooked rice, chicken and vegetables as well as some raw meat will be excellent for your big pet. Make sure he is never deprived of fresh, cool drinking water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  2. Great Pyrenees vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  3. Presa Canario vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  4. Labrador Husky vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  5. Giant Schnauzer vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  6. Goldador vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  7. Mackenzie River Husky vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  8. German Longhaired Pointer vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  9. Pyredoodle vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  10. Lurcher vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  11. Maremma Sheepdog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  12. Sarplaninac vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  13. Himalayan Mastiff vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  14. Mountain View Cur vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  15. Native American Indian Dog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  16. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  17. Greenland Dog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  18. Komondor vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  19. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  20. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  21. Fila Brasileiro vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  22. Fila Brasileiro vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  23. Fila Brasileiro vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  24. Fila Brasileiro vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  25. Fila Brasileiro vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  26. Fila Brasileiro vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  27. Fila Brasileiro vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  28. Fila Brasileiro vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  29. Fila Brasileiro vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  30. Fila Brasileiro vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  31. Fila Brasileiro vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  32. Fila Brasileiro vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Fila Brasileiro vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  34. Fila Brasileiro vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  35. Fila Brasileiro vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  36. Fila Brasileiro vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  37. Fila Brasileiro vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  38. Fila Brasileiro vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Fila Brasileiro vs Black Russian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Fila Brasileiro vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  41. Fila Brasileiro vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Fila Brasileiro vs Central Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. Fila Brasileiro vs Bulgarian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Fila Brasileiro vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  45. Fila Brasileiro vs Chinook - Breed Comparison
  46. Fila Brasileiro vs East European Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Fila Brasileiro vs Carpatin - Breed Comparison
  48. Fila Brasileiro vs Cypro Kukur - Breed Comparison
  49. Greek Sheepdog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  50. Kangal Dog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds