Russian Toy Terrier vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison

Russian Toy Terrier vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed ComparisonRussian Toy Terrier is originated from Russia but Fila Brasileiro is originated from Brazil. Russian Toy Terrier may grow 47 cm / 18 inches shorter than Fila Brasileiro. Russian Toy Terrier may weigh 77 kg / 169 pounds lesser than Fila Brasileiro. Both Russian Toy Terrier and Fila Brasileiro has almost same life span. Russian Toy Terrier may have less litter size than Fila Brasileiro. Russian Toy Terrier requires Low maintenance. But Fila Brasileiro requires Moderate maintenance

History

russian toy terrier - historyThe Russian Toy Terrier is one of the dog breeds that hails from Russia in the 20th century. The Russian nobility fancied these little dogs as companions but also as they were useful for catching rats and being watchdog.They would set off an alarm with their barking.

It is believed that the Manchester Terrier and the English Toy Terrier were the foundation breeds for this dog.

They are available in smooth and long-haired varieties. The breed has recently been recognized by the UK Kennel Club but is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club.

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.

Description

russian toy terrier puppy - descriptionThe Russian Toy Terrier is a petite dog and is inclined to be a fragile dog breed. It belongs to the toy group. It is also known as the Russian Toy Terrier or the Russkiy Toy.

The dog’s small size means it is ideal for living in the city or the countryside.

He measures between just 20 and 28cm and weighs between just 1kg and 3kg.

The dog has a small head with big eyes and ears which are large ad erect. The tail was always traditionally docked to give it a cute, compact look, but these days it is left long.

You also get a long-coated dog and the smooth coated dog. The long coated variety has a lot of feathering around the tail, legs and ears. Colors of the coat can be solid red, brown and tan, black and tan or greyish and tan.

Temperament:

This little dog is full of character and is bold and cheerful. He is such a loyal, devoted little dog and small though he is he is territorial, protecting and guarding his owner. It is such a sociable little dog, devoted to his human family, while being wary of strangers.

Even a small dog like this will need training and socialization as he can become yappy and clingy if he is constantly piked up and petted.

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

russian toy terrier dog - characteristicsThe Russian Toy is a small, feisty dog with long legs and huge upright ears. He is intelligent too. Don't let his fine structure deceive you as he is far more robust and tough than he looks.

He is a great playmate for disciplined, respectful children who know how to be kind to animals. Wild, unruly kids could so easily accidentally break one of his tiny little legs during rough play.

He loves his human family though and is guaranteed to make you an excellent little pet and companion.

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

russian toy terrier puppies - health problemsThere isn’t too much information about inherited health problems with this dog and he can live to be 11, 12 or 13 years of age, maybe even longer.There are one or two health problems to be aware of -

Patellar Luxation:

This condition occurs with the knee caps of the dog and either one or both back legs can be affected. Sometimes surgery will be required to help the dog.

Teeth Problems:

Little dogs always battle with their teeth, and the Russian Toy Terrier can experience problems when the puppy or ‘milk’ teeth don’t fall out. It affects the development of adult teeth. Sometimes the vet even has to have the teeth removed.

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

Exercise:

russian toy terrier dogs - caringThe Russian Toy Terrier is a small breed and isn’t going to need too much exercise. However it will do him good to get out to sniff around, and a walk every day will be recommended.

Grooming:

Your Russian Toy Terrier is a fairly low maintenance dog and isn’t going to require specialist grooming. The little dog will simply require some occasional brushing to remove loose hair.

When you brush him, check inside his mouth for bad teeth as small dogs like this can suffer from pain with overcrowding of teeth.

Diet:

Tiny though he is, the Russian Toy Terrier will need good food. It will be tempting to pop sugary treats into such a tiny little dog’s mouth. This can in fact be seriously dangerous for him, not to mention that he can become obese. This opens up anew set of health problems.

You can feed this little dog commercially manufactured food but it should be the best quality one for small breeds.

Give him some tasty homemade food too. Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your tiny pets dry kibble once or twice a week.

A tiny bit of raw meat can also go a long way to ensuring his skin stays healthy and free of skin infections.

Ensure that there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Working dog
Origin:
Russia
Brazil
Height Male:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Height Female:
20 - 28 cm
7 - 12 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
1 - 3 kg
2 - 7 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
1 - 3 kg
2 - 7 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 10
Size:
Toy dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Russkiy Toy
Brazilian Mastiff
Colors Available:
Solid red, black and tan or greyish and tan., brown and tan
red, black, Fawn, brindle
Coat:
Smooth coated
Short and dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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. Russian Toy Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Russian Toy Terrier vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  28. Russian Toy Terrier vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  29. Russian Toy Terrier vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  30. Russian Toy Terrier vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  31. Russian Toy Terrier vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  32. Russian Toy Terrier vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Russian Toy Terrier vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  34. Russian Toy Terrier vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  35. Russian Toy Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  36. Russian Toy Terrier vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  37. Russian Toy Terrier vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  38. Russian Toy Terrier vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  39. Russian Toy Terrier vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  40. Russian Toy Terrier vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Toy Terrier vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Toy Terrier vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  43. Russian Toy Terrier vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  44. Russian Toy Terrier vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  45. Russian Toy Terrier vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  46. Shih Tzu vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Silky Terrier vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Snorkie vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Bulldog vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Toy Mi-Ki vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds