Fila Brasileiro vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison

Hailing 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.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog dates way back to more than 4,000 years ago. This Arctic breed of dog was developed to pull sleds, and wasn’t considered as a pet but as a working dog – an important means to an end – a tool for use.

By the 1960s the dog breed had declined to such an extent that they were removed from UKC and AKC registries. It is believed that the breed would have in all likelihood become extinct if it weren’t for the efforts of Brian Ladoon, William Carpenter and John McGrath who formed the Eskimo Dog Research Foundation in 1972.

After breeding for 30 years, the dog has the biggest genetic stock colony of Canadian Eskimo Dogs and in May 2000, Nunavut, a Canadian territory, adopted the dog as the animal symbol for this region.

With 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.

Looks of the Canadian Eskimo Dog

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a well-built, medium- to large sized dog looking much like a husky. The male Eskimo dog is somewhat bigger than the female, standing 58 – 70cm at the shoulder and weighing 30 - 40kg.

The male often has some thick fur around the neck, giving him the appearance of looking larger than he actually is. He is slightly larger than the female. Other people say he has a similar appearance to a wolf.

He has a thick double coat which can be white, gray, fawn or even black and white. He has short, erect ears, dark brown eyes and a bushy, feathered tail which curls over the back. Sometimes you find blue eyes with the Canadian Eskimo Dog, and its only when you want to show him, that this isn’t acceptable.

Temperament

The Canadian Eskimo Dog's temperament is hard working, tough, brave, alert and intelligent. When he is trained and socialized, which will be important for this breed, he becomes gentle and loving, forming a strong bond with his owner. He’ll also get along well with children in the home as well as other pets.

The 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.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a dog which is responsive to training. With training and socialization, as a highly intelligent, strong-will dog he will need to be supervised by a firm, authoritative figure.

He makes such an awesome pet when properly trained, and if you’re a responsible dog owner who knows how to care for- and exercise your pet appropriately, you’ll be rewarded by having a strong, loving companion at your side.

Filas 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.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a generally healthy breed who has a life expectancy of between 10 and 15 years when he is lovingly cared for and provided with a top quality diet. Ensure that he has a top quality diet with plenty of raw meat geared towards his age and energy levels.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog suffers from common health issues that most dogs are at risk for, and typically this will include hip dysplasia and eye disease. If your dog develops a disease such as hip dysplasia, speak to your vet immediately.

Exercise and Space:

The 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.

Exercise:

The Canadian Eskimo Dog has always been a working dog, used to being driven hard to perform, and to this day he likes to work hard and have his day filled with activities.

His exercise requirements are high and this is one breed that you’re going to have to exercise regularly – long walks, running on a leash as you cycle, ball games, swimming, hiking. It is why the dog is best suited for life in the country as opposed to small properties in the city. If exercise seems like a lot of hard work for you, don’t buy such a breed as it will be cruel and irresponsible to leave him day after day in your back yard. He becomes bored, frustrated, unhappy and destructive.

Grooming:

The dog is an average shedder and his coat is short and dense. There’s not a whole lot of maintenance to worry about with this good-looking dog and he will basically require having a good brush twice a week.