It can be kept as a companion dog or pet and is utilized as a security dog, herder of livestock, and big game hunter. When slavery was still legal in Brazil in the eighteenth century, runaways were returned to their masters through the Fila Brasileiro.
With little to no influence from native South American dogs from the Pre-Cabraline era, the Fila Brasileiro is believed to be descended from European dogs introduced to Brazil during the colonial era.
Large plantations and cattle farms were the main places of origin for the Fila Brasileiro, where they were reared and raised. These canines were trained not just to hunt livestock and jaguars, but also to track down runaway slaves.
In 1946, the breed’s first formal standard was revised. It was up to the Paulistas to set up a systematic breeding program and launch a stud book for dog registration. Dr. Paulo Santos Cruz was instrumental in establishing the CAFIB standard as well as initiating the Fila Brasileiro breeding program.
Appearance
In Brazil the breed has two main standards imposed by two distinct clubs, the Confederação Brasileira de Cinofilia, affiliated to FCI, and the Clube de Aprimoramento do Fila Brasileiro. The CAFIB standard was constructed based on the ancient phenotype of the breed. But the current CBKC/FCI standard is the best known internationally.
A mastiff breed with big bones and loose skin is called the Fila Brasileiro. The international breed standard states that dogs must weigh at least 50 kg (110 lb) and stand between 65 and 75 cm (26 and 30 in) at the withers; bitches are significantly smaller, standing at least 40 kg (88 lb) and standing about 60–70 cm (24–28 in). Despite their vast size and rectangular form, they exude an inherent agility. With a deep muzzle, the head is large and massive. Large, thick, tapering ears that, depending on the dog’s temperament, either droop or fold back to reveal the inside. The chest is large and deep, and the neck and back have good muscle mass. In contrast to the great majority canines, the croup is higher than the withers. The legs are heavily boned. The skin is very distinctive of the breed, as it is thick and lose all over the body, mainly in the region around the neck. The thick skin forms pronounced dewlaps.
In many individuals, the dewlaps proceed to the chest and abdomen. Some dogs show a fold at the side of the head and also at the withers descending to the shoulders. The coat is short and dense and the texture is normally smooth and soft. Their color vary from solid, brindle, mouse-grey, patched, dappled, or black and tan. They are almost never white. Typical color are fawn, black and brindle. Brindles of a basic color may have the stripes of either less or with very strong intensity. Sometimes a black mask is present.
The Fila Brasileiro has a short, silky coat. Except for mouse-grey, black and tan, blue, dappled, and solid white, black, fawns (red, apricot, or dark), and brindled (fawn, black, or brown brindle) colors are allowed. According to the FCI standard, white markings on the feet, chest, and tip of the tail are allowed, although they cannot take up more than 1/4 of the coat’s surface area.
As a symptom of crossbreeding, the CAFIB standard does not recognize coat colors that are black, mouse-grey, black and tan, blue, or speckled; however, it does accept dogs who have big white markings on any part of their body.
Standards
Three distinct groups in Brazil have recommended three distinct standards for the Fila Brasileiro breed’s breeding. Although the CBKC (a FCI-affiliated club) has the most popular standard in the world, it is the furthest from the appearance of the vintage dogs from forty years ago.
The other two standards are from AMFIBRA (the World Association of Dog Breeders of Fila Brasileiro) and CAFIB (the Fila Brasileiro’s Enhancement Club), respectively. The initial breed standard developed by Paulo Santos Cruz—who is regarded as the “father of the breed”—forms the foundation for both. Of the two, the CAFIB standard is more widely used. However, CAFIB and AMFIBRA both present themselves with the intention of maintaining the pure Fila with the closest appearance of the old dogs.
Three distinct groups in Brazil have recommended three distinct standards for the Fila Brasileiro breed’s breeding. Although the CBKC (a FCI-affiliated club) has the most popular standard in the world, it is the furthest from the appearance of the vintage dogs from forty years ago.
The other two standards are from AMFIBRA (the World Association of Dog Breeders of Fila Brasileiro) and CAFIB (the Fila Brasileiro’s Enhancement Club), respectively. The initial breed standard developed by Paulo Santos Cruz—who is regarded as the “father of the breed”—forms the foundation for both. Of the two, the CAFIB standard is more widely used. However, CAFIB and AMFIBRA both present themselves with the intention of maintaining the
Fila Brasileiro Overview
The Brazilian Mastiff, also known as the Fila Brasileiro, is an impressive breed with a lengthy history that dates back to Brazil’s colonial past. Brazilian plantation owners originally bred these canines for a variety of purposes, including livestock guarding. This breed’s darker past includes them following down runaway slaves. These dogs are fierce protectors of family and property due to their extraordinary protective instincts and steadfast loyalty, even if they come from a different background.
Characterized by their muscular build and loose, wrinkled skin, Fila Brasilieros possess an imposing presence. They have a distinctive appearance with a short coat that comes in a range of colors, often with a black mask on their faces. What sets them apart is the presence of a “Fila” or a loose fold of skin on their neck, which they can grip onto during confrontations, a trait that demonstrates their unique heritage as working dogs bred for capturing large game and assisting in hunting.
These dogs can be kind and friendly with their family and are quite attached to them, but they also have a reputation for being suspicious of outsiders. Their deadly guard dog status is derived from their protective attitude as well as their amazing size and power. But in order to guarantee that they become well-mannered and obedient pets, early socialization and persistent training are crucial. Due to their protective instincts and strong will, Fila Brasilieros are not suggested for novice dog owners; yet, in the proper hands, they may make devoted, loving, and capable guardians.
Fila Brasileiro Size
Male Fila Brasileiro stand 25 to 30 inches from the shoulder and usually weigh in anywhere between 110 and 180 pounds, while the Female Brasileiro Mastiffs are slightly smaller, standing between 23 and 27 inches tall from the shoulder and weighing somewhere between 90 and 110 pounds. That said, many can be larger or smaller.
Fila Brasileiro Personality
There are very few people who can successfully raise and socialize a Fila Brasileiro, one of the biggest and most assertive purebred dogs available. Because the Brazilian Mastiff was developed to be obedient only to their owners, early and constant socialization is essential to developing a Fila Brasileiro who won’t turn hostile toward strangers or guests.
Nonetheless, the Fila Brasileiro is a big dog breed that is nothing less than loyal when it has a strong and reliable human pack leader. The Fila Brasileiro are typically quiet and submissive, sleeping close to their humans when they’re not rushing around or working. On the other hand, the Fila is nimble on the uptake and can move from
For being such a large dog, the Fila Brasileiro has a surprising amount of energy. The massive dog needs big spaces, like a fenced-in yards, to run freely and burn off some excess energy. The Fila Brasileiro doesn’t fare well in small spaces like apartments or condos, even for the most active and dog-experienced of urban dwellers.
Fila Brasileiro Health
Although Fila Brasileiros are typically healthy, they can have certain health issues just like any other breed. It’s vital to be aware of these ailments even if not all Filas will get some or all of them if you’re thinking about buying one of these huge breeds. Among the more prevalent health issues that Fila Brasileiro encounters are:
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Entropion
• Bloat
Fila Brasileiro Care
Like with any dog, you should schedule routine vet visits for your Fila Brasileiro in order to identify any health issues early on. You can create a care regimen with your veterinarian’s assistance to keep your dog healthy.
Filas have a lot of energy and can gain weight if they don’t exercise appropriately. A few nice, vigorous play sessions and shorter walks should be incorporated into your dog’s daily routine in addition to at least two to three quality half-hour to hour-long outings. You simply cannot own this breed without a yard, and when the weather permits, you should incorporate some vigorous outdoor playtime with your Fila.
Check their ears for debris and pests daily, and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.
You should brush their teeth daily, as many dogs are prone to dental issues. Your vet can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly.