Scottish Deerhound vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison

Scottish Deerhound vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed ComparisonScottish Deerhound is originated from United Kingdom but Fila Brasileiro is originated from Brazil. Scottish Deerhound may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Fila Brasileiro. Scottish Deerhound may weigh 30 kg / 66 pounds lesser than Fila Brasileiro. Scottish Deerhound may live 3 years less than Fila Brasileiro. Scottish Deerhound may have more litter size than Fila Brasileiro. Scottish Deerhound requires Low maintenance. But Fila Brasileiro requires Moderate maintenance

History

scottish deerhound - historyThe Scottish Deerhound is considered the Royal Dog of Scotland. It is a sighthound that is large and bred to hunt large Red Deer. They are similar in appearance to the Greyhound, but they are bigger and heavier. Closely related to the Irish Wolfhound, they were used in creating it. The Scottish Deerhound is an ancient breed that is now very rare. It can trace its lineage to the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Deerhound was a favorite of hunting nobility and could not be kept by any person or household that did not have at least the rank of earl. Despite this history the Scottish Deerhound was not considered separate from the Highland Greyhound and other staghounds until the 19th century. They were bred to stalk or “course” the red deer and were used extensively for this purpose until the beginning of the 20th century. At that time there was a need for smaller, slower deer tracking dogs.

At the start of the 20th century, the land for deer hunting had grown smaller and so had the deer. Also, the invention of the rifle made the fast Deerhounds who could cover large tracks of ground in minutes, no longer a necessity for successful hunting. As the clan systems fell and the nobility rose, the Deerhounds became the dog for nobility and landowners. There were a few non-nobilities who also kept them and hunted with them. As they were less needed for hunting a few households kept them as show dogs.

In the United States and Canada, both the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound were used for hunting wolves and deer. In Australia, the Kangaroo Dog – a deerhound crossbreed, and Deerhounds were used to hunt wild boar, emu and kangaroos. The Deerhound is one of the oldest of the breeds that are Greyhound-like. The Deerhound is not as fast as the Greyhound if they are running on a smooth surface. Get them on a rough surface and the will out that Greyhound. They appear to be larger and rougher than they really are. This gives them an advantage over the lighter, smaller Greyhound.

The Deerhound was a contributor to development of the Irish Wolfhound toward the end of the 19th century.

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

scottish deerhound puppy - descriptionThe Scottish Deerhound looks a lot like the Greyhound, except it is heavily boned and larger in size. The Deerhound is also different in several other ways. Instead of the Greyhound, the Scottish Deerhound is more closely related to the Irish Wolfhound than the Deerhound. The Deerhound is a large, rough coated breed. It is a very tall breed; in fact, it is the tallest of all sighthounds.

The Deerhound has a long head with a flat skull and a muzzle that tapers at the end. They have dark eyes and a scissor bite with a tail that can be either curved or straight. The hair on their tails almost touches the ground. The rest of its coat is wiry and harsh with a beard, mustache and mane. The ears are soft and can be either held semi erect or folded against their head. Their coat is gray or grey-blue today but in the past, it might have been brindle, red fawn or yellow.

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

1.Children friendliness – yes but watch out for little ones.

2.Special talents - speed and distance.

3.Adaptability - some but needs space to run.

scottish deerhound dog - characteristics4.Learning ability – intelligent but hunting and running instincts overcome all else.

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

scottish deerhound puppies - health problemsThe Scottish Deerhound does face some serious challenges on the health front. These include:

  • Cardiomyopathy – heart disease.
  • Osteosarcoma – Bone cancer.

• Cystinuria – recessive disorder that causes an inability for cystine to be filtered from the urine.

• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus – otherwise known as bloat and it can be life threatening if not treated quickly.

  • Hypothyroidism – easily treated with medication.
  • Neck pain – if no serious condition – medication can be taken.
  • Factor VII deficiency.
  • Stress is not handled well in this breed.

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

scottish deerhound dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Feed a high quality large or x large puppy dogfood at least 3-4 times a day. Do not overfeed.

2.Feeding the adult – Feed a high-quality adult large or x large dog food once or twice a day. Do not overfeed.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina and speed.

4. Games and Exercises – The Deerhound needs plenty of exercise in a safe place where they have plenty of room to run. A small yard or life on a leash are not enough for this energetic breed. Play fetch, course running, Like the Greyhound they will be couch potatoes if you let them but that will hurt their health. Lure Coursing or hare coursing are good. Coyote hunting. Find space where they can run for the joy of running. Never force them to run – like along a bicycle

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:
Hound dog
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Brazil
Height Male:
76 - 81 cm
29 - 32 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Height Female:
71 - 76 cm
27 - 30 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
39 - 50 kg
85 - 111 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
34 - 43 kg
74 - 95 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 9 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
14 - 15
4 - 10
Size:
Giant dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Deerhound
Brazilian Mastiff
Colors Available:
gray, brindle, red, Blue, fawn, yellow
red, black, Fawn, brindle
Coat:
wiry
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Sweet
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:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Scottish Deerhound vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  2. Scottish Deerhound vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  3. Scottish Deerhound vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  4. Scottish Deerhound vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  5. Scottish Deerhound vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  6. Scottish Deerhound vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  7. Scottish Deerhound vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. Scottish Deerhound vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Scottish Deerhound vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  10. Scottish Deerhound vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Scottish Deerhound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  12. Scottish Deerhound vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  13. Scottish Deerhound vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  14. Scottish Deerhound vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  15. Scottish Deerhound vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  16. Scottish Deerhound vs Mountain Burmese - Breed Comparison
  17. Scottish Deerhound vs Gaddi Kutta - Breed Comparison
  18. Scottish Deerhound vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  19. Scottish Deerhound vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  20. Scottish Deerhound vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  21. Scottish Deerhound vs Moscow Watchdog - 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