Fila Brasileiro vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison

Fila Brasileiro vs American Mastiff - Breed ComparisonFila Brasileiro is originated from Brazil but American Mastiff is originated from United States. Fila Brasileiro may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than American Mastiff. Fila Brasileiro may weigh 10 kg / 22 pounds lesser than American Mastiff. Both Fila Brasileiro and American Mastiff has same life span. Fila Brasileiro may have more litter size than American Mastiff. Fila Brasileiro requires Moderate maintenance. But American Mastiff requires Low maintenance

History

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.

american mastiff - historyThe history of the American Mastiff is entirely tied to the old European Mastiffs but in particular the English Mastiff. The developers of the American Mastiff crossed the English Mastiff with the Anatolian Mastiff at the Ohio kennel, Flying W Farms. The founder of this breed is Fredricka Wagner. Because of this the English Mastiff and the American Mastiff look very much alike. The difference between the two is that the American Mastiff was bred to have less health concerns than the English Mastiff and without the drooling. In 2000 the CKC acknowledged that the American Mastiff and the English Mastiff were separate breeds.

Description

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.

american mastiff puppy - descriptionThis crossing of the English Mastiff and the Anatolian Mastiff resulted in a Mastiff with a much drier, less drooling mouth than the other Mastiffs. This is a giant, massive dog – powerful and muscular. With a wide head that is rectangular rather than square. Their eyes are dark amber, and their ears are high on their head and rounded. With a medium size muzzle, black mask and heavy head, the American Mastiff is a handsome dog.

Their chest is broad, deep with ribs that extended backward. He has strong legs that are parallel and wide set. He also has a long tail. Puppies of the American Mastiff are born almost black and as they grow their coat color lightens. In addition, it is important that they have a wrinkled forehead as well and a scissors bite is preferred.

Characteristics

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.

american mastiff dog - characteristicsA love of children and devotion to his pack (family) is bred into the American Mastiff. He is non-aggressive unless you threaten his family or his children. Then he becomes courageous, protective and defensive. This is a gentle giant most of the time, however due to size and the need for strong leadership, the American Mastiff should be socialized and trained early. If they are socialized and trained they will be calm, gentle dogs. They will remain protective and alert, but they will be friendly with strangers. They love to please their people and being highly intelligent they learn fast.

Health Problems

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.

american mastiff puppies - health problemsAmerican Mastiffs seem to have fewer health issues than other larger giant breed dogs. However, they can experience allergies as many large, wrinkled dogs do. They also might have a tendency toward eye issues, hip dysplasia, cancer and heart disease. Bloat might be the most life-threatening issue many American Mastiffs experience.

Caring The Pet

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.

american mastiff dogs - caringGiant breeds like the American Mastiff are known for growing rapidly as a puppy and therefore proper feeding and nutrition is essential. The slower your American Mastiff grows, the better. Make sure your puppies get enough phosphorous and calcium in their high calorie diet. Free feeding is not recommended. Feed puppies up to 4 small meals per day and feed adults twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed is a fairly healthy one, There, are however, certain evaluations you should do with your American Mastiff puppy to be sure she is in good health. These tests would include an elbow and hip evaluation to check for dysplasia. He should have an ophthalmologist and cardiologist examine him as well. Most American Mastiffs will not have any problems, but these evaluations will help to prepare you if they do. The wrinkles in your dogs; face, around the eyes and muzzle must be kept clean as they can become infected if you don’t.

Exercise and games

Unlike the way he looks, the American Mastiff is not a couch potato, but neither are they a high energy, exercise machine. They do well living in apartments or homes, with or without a fenced in yard. They need a long walk every day. They need mental stimulation through exercise and games. Make sure they learn to love to play so that they don’t become lazy as they age.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
Brazil
United States
Height Male:
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
65 - 91 cm
25 - 36 inches
Height Female:
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
65 - 89 cm
25 - 36 inches
Weight Male:
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
72 - 90 kg
158 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
63 - 81 kg
138 - 179 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
2 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Brazilian Mastiff
AM Mastiff
Colors Available:
red, black, Fawn, brindle
Fawn, Apricot, Brindle
Coat:
Short and dense
Smooth, shorthair
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  2. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  3. American Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  4. Gaddi Kutta vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  5. Nebolish Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  6. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  7. Broholmer vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. Great Dane vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  9. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  10. Newfoundland Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  11. Anatolian Shepherd vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  12. Leonberger vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  13. Alaunt vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. Bully Kutta vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  15. Irish Wolfhound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  16. Alangu Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  17. Francais Blanc et Orange vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  18. Mountain Burmese vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  19. Billy vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  20. Pyrenean Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  21. Bisben vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  22. Samoyed vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  23. Great Pyrenees vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  24. Presa Canario vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  25. Labrador Husky vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  26. Giant Schnauzer vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  27. Goldador vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  28. Mackenzie River Husky vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  29. German Longhaired Pointer vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  30. Pyredoodle vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  31. Lurcher vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  32. Maremma Sheepdog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  33. Sarplaninac vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  34. Himalayan Mastiff vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  35. Mountain View Cur vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  36. Native American Indian Dog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  37. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  38. Greenland Dog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  39. Komondor vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  40. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  41. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  42. Fila Brasileiro vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  43. Fila Brasileiro vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  44. Fila Brasileiro vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  45. Fila Brasileiro vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  46. Fila Brasileiro vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds