Fila Brasileiro

The breed is noted for its excellent guarding qualities. Dogs are vicious and can be aggressive to strangers. It is recommended to socialize them from an early age because they are real fighters and are ready for anything if they or their loved ones are in danger. The Fila Brasileiro is not suitable for inexperienced owners. After all, you need to consider its lead character and always be an authority for it.

Breed Photos

Origin History

It is believed that the dog appeared naturally because there is no reliable information about its breeding. A significant contribution to the development and official recognition of the Brazilian Mastiff was made by Dr. Paulo Santos Cruz, who devoted half his life to this dog. In 1946 the first standard of the breed was recognized, and in 1968 the dog was officially approved by the FCI (Federation Cynologique International).

After this affirmation, the Fila Brasileiro became popular in Brazil and all European countries. Many people wanted to crossbreed the Fila Brasileiro with other big dogs, after which there were very few purebred Filas left.

As a result, Dr. Paulo decided to save the breed and organized the Purebred Brazilian Phil club. Since 1984 a new international standard was adopted.

Now the breed is banned in some countries, and you need a court permit to buy it, as it is believed that the Brazilian Mastiff is very aggressive.

Appearance

The Fila Brasileiro is a large, muscular dog with many folds on the body. The body structure is harmonious, healthy, rectangular. The main element of the appearance, by which it is easy to recognize the breed, is a sad facial expression.

According to the standard, male dogs should be 65 to 75 cm at the withers and weigh at least 50 kg. Bitches are slightly smaller than males – their height is from 60 to 70 cm, and the minimum weight is 40 kg.

The Brazilian Mastiff’s coat is short and smooth, a black mask on the muzzle and ears is allowed.

The coat is different: to be monochrome colors of yellow, white with spots, tiger color. White areas are permitted by the standard, but only on the paws, chest, and the end of the tail.

Character

The breed is noted for its excellent guarding qualities. Dogs are vicious and can be aggressive to strangers. It is recommended to socialize them from an early age because they are real fighters and are ready for anything if they or their loved ones are in danger.

The Fila Brasileiro is not suitable for inexperienced owners. After all, you need to consider its lead character and always be an authority for it. Despite its anger and aggression towards strangers, the Fila Brasileiro does not show anger in the family. On the contrary – they are devoted to their family and love children, always ready to guard and protect them. Strangers should not stroke this dog; it is dangerous.

For the Fila, their territory is where they are at a particular moment, so on walks, even in strange places, the Brazilian Mastiff always behaves like a master. Close children of the Fila Brasileiro love them and are ready to play with them, but it is better not to let strangers near them.

Care

The Fila Brasileiro is active and requires a lot of space for exercise, so it will be challenging to keep it in the apartment. It is better to equip a spacious aviary in the yard outside the house. It is better not to keep it on a leash.

Although the filly’s coat is short, it can easily tolerate all weather temperatures. It is better not to take the dog into the house at night, as he likes to show his guarding qualities, and he will not sleep in the house but behave loudly.

Once a week, it is worth brushing the hair with a special brush; during molting, the procedure should be done more often. It is not necessary to bathe often; twice a year is enough. Twice a week, check the mouth, brush the teeth, regularly inspect the eyes and ears, and trim as the nail grows.

Training

Training the Fila Brasileiro is a must. From an early age, you should introduce the dog to the fact that you are his master, and then he will obey you in the future. The dog tends to herd life and obedience to the leader.

It is recommended to train the dog by the owner, but under the guidance of a specialist, because if it is done incorrectly, the consequences can be sad.

It is essential to teach him the right attitude toward other dogs because they can often bark loudly at them for no reason. If he doesn’t want to obey commands and sits next to you, don’t be surprised because his temperament is always to protect his owner and be there for him.

The Fila Brasileiro may often become distracted by what is going on around them during training. Therefore, you should speak loudly and dress brightly.

Common Diseases

The dog’s health is vital, but you need to watch their nutrition because they can have bloating problems in the stomach. Tend to hip dysplasia.

Nutrition

The best way to feed is a natural food with meat as the basis. It is useful to add vitamins and minerals to the diet. It is essential to make sure that the diet contains sufficient amounts of all nutrients.