Fila Brasileiro vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison

Fila Brasileiro vs Estonian Hound - Breed ComparisonFila Brasileiro is originated from Brazil but Estonian Hound is originated from Estonia. Fila Brasileiro may grow 23 cm / 10 inches higher than Estonian Hound. Fila Brasileiro may weigh 60 kg / 133 pounds more than Estonian Hound. Fila Brasileiro may live 3 years less than Estonian Hound. Both Fila Brasileiro and Estonian Hound has almost same litter size. Both Fila Brasileiro and Estonian Hound requires Moderate 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.

estonian hound - historyIn 1947, the Estonian Hound was developed and remains today the only pure breed ever developed in Estonia. At that time the national economic minister of the Soviet Union declared that every country in the USSR must have a national dog breed. Thus, the Estonian Hound and the Estonian Kennel Union were born. The Kennel Union is currently seeking breed recognition from the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale.

The Estonian Hound came from breeding local Estonian hunting dogs with several different breeds of foreign dogs. The Soviet decree also established that hunting dogs had to be no more than 17 inches high. This result in a hunting dog with great agility and drive that is extremely popular in now inependent Estonia. It is the national dog.

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.

estonian hound puppy - descriptionThe Estonian Hound is a strong, muscular body of medium size, with well-developed muscles and strong bones. It has a straight muzzle and skull with defined eyebrows and long drop ears. They have black noses and dark eyes. Their back is wide and straight, and their chest is deep and wide. They have skin that is tight with no wrinkles or folds anywhere.

The Estonian Hound is double coated, but the undercoat is not well developed. The top coat is rough, short and shiny. The tail has a thick covering of hair. The color is usually white with red patches, black or brown patches or yellow patches.

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.

Children friendliness

estonian hound dog - characteristicsThe Estonian Hound is a happy dog and loves to play with children. He was bred to hunt though and he can get fixated on a scent and knock over a small child.

Special talents

He is a hunting dog with great agility and drive.

Adaptability

He has had to be adaptable through his short history and is now more a companion than a hunting dog. He can live in the city or country.

Learning ability

He is intelligent and trainable. He is lively and energetic and the challenge might be keeping his attention long enough to train.

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.

estonian hound puppies - health problemsWith such a young breed there have not been any studies done on their health or genetic issues. It seems the breed is fairly healthy but there is too little information to really say. Being confined to Estonia there has been little commercial or backyard breeding. He is less likely than most pure breeds to have genetic issues.

It is likely that dogs of his type are at risk for:

Bloat – distended or twisted stomach

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

  1. Luxating Patella
  2. Leads to lameness and arthritis
  3. Allergies skin/food
  4. See vet if issues arise
  5. Respiratory allergies - It would be very important to see vet if any breathing issues arise
  6. Joint dysplasia - This could be elbow or hip and can lead to lameness or arthritis

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.

Feeding the puppy

estonian hound dogs - caringFeed a high quality dry food made for puppies. Feed ¼ to ½ cup per day in 2-3 meals for the first six months.

Feed 1 to 2 cups in two meals from 6 months to a year or so.

Feeding the adult.

Feed about 2 to 3 cups in two meals.

Points for Good Health

As previously mentioned this seems to be a fairly healthy breed.

Be careful not to feed a large meal before or after exercise due to possibility of bloat.

Check their ears and clean them periodically.

Games and Exercises

The Estonian Hound is a hunting dog and needs a good deal of exercise – at least an hour and a half every day or a long walk if not used for hunting. He is a working dog with a lot of energy and stamina. Don’t let him off leash though or he will follow his nose and take off. He is usually calm and quiet indoors if he gets enough physical and mental stimulation outdoors. He can be destructive and loud, nervous and hyper if he doesn’t. They enjoy Frisbee, agility, tracking and of course hunting.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Brazil
Estonia
Height Male:
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
42 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
13 - 19 kg
28 - 42 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
4 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Brazilian Mastiff
Estonian Scenthound, Gontchaja Estonskaja
Colors Available:
red, black, Fawn, brindle
tan with black patches or blackish brown with red patches
Coat:
Short and dense
short, rough coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

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. Pharaoh Hound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Vizsla vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  29. Redbone Coonhound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  31. Santal Hound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  32. Podenco Canario vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  33. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Podenco Andaluz vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. Podenco Galego vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Estonian Hound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Estonian Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  38. Estonian Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  39. Estonian Hound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  40. Estonian Hound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Estonian Hound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  42. Estonian Hound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  43. Estonian Hound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Estonian Hound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  45. Estonian Hound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  46. Estonian Hound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  47. Estonian Hound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  48. Estonian Hound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  49. Estonian Hound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  50. Estonian Hound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds