Fila Brasileiro

Fila Brasileiro is a large breed, known for being fearless and loyal to their owners. They originated in Brazil and were used for hunting and guarding.

The breed is often referred to as the Fila, and is known for their imposing size and muscular build.

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Fila Brasileiro Breed overview

The Fila Brasileiro is a large and powerful breed originally bred in Brazil for tracking and hunting wild boar. This breed is known for its fierce loyalty and protective nature towards its family. However, it is not particularly affectionate and can be aggressive towards strangers, children, and other dogs. The Fila Brasileiro is a working breed that requires daily exercise and mental stimulation to maintain its health and temperament. This breed is not recommended for first-time dog owners and needs an experienced owner who can handle its stubbornness and natural aggression.

Height:
24-30 inches
Weight:
90-180 lbs
Life expectancy:
9-12 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Fila Brasileiro

Nutrition

Fila Brasileiros require a high-quality diet that is rich in protein.

It is important to monitor their food intake to prevent obesity, as the breed is prone to weight gain.

Consulting with a veterinarian can help ensure that your dog is getting adequate nutrition for their size and lifestyle.

Grooming

The breed's short coat requires minimal grooming, but they do shed moderately throughout the year.

Regular brushing and occasional baths are recommended to keep their coat shiny and healthy.

Training

The Fila Brasileiro is an intelligent breed that responds well to positive reinforcement training.

They are sensitive to harsh discipline and should be trained using gentle, consistent methods.

Socialization is important at a young age to prevent aggression towards strangers or other animals.

Health

Fila Brasileiros are generally healthy, but may be prone to hip dysplasia and bloat.

It is important to monitor their diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.

Exercise

Fila Brasileiros are energetic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

They enjoy going for walks and playing in a secure, fenced yard.

Training and obedience work can also help keep their minds engaged and prevent destructive behavior.

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Fila Brasileiro Traits & Characteristics

The Fila Brasileiro stands at 23 to 29 inches and weighs between 100 to 145 pounds.

They have a broad head and a thick, muscular neck. Their body is well-proportioned, with a deep chest and wide shoulders.

The breed has strong, powerful legs and a tapered tail. They move with a confident, fluid gait.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

The Fila Brasileiro is known for being very loyal and protective of its family, but not particularly affectionate. This breed is wary of strangers and will not hesitate to defend its family, which makes it a great guard dog.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

The Fila Brasileiro is not recommended for families with children as they can be aggressive and protective towards their family.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The Fila Brasileiro can be dog aggressive and does best as an only dog.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The Fila Brasileiro is wary of strangers and can be aggressive if it feels threatened.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Although the Fila Brasileiro is generally calm and laid-back, it still needs daily exercise and playtime to keep it healthy and happy.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

The Fila Brasileiro is very alert and is always on the lookout for potential threats to its family.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

The Fila Brasileiro is not very adaptable and needs a consistent routine and environment to thrive.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

The Fila Brasileiro is a moderate shedder and needs weekly brushing to keep its coat looking good.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

The Fila Brasileiro has a short smooth coat that is easy to care for. Occasional baths and weekly brushing will keep it looking good.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The Fila Brasileiro is known for its massive jowls, which can cause excessive drooling.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

The Fila Brasileiro is a large breed, with males weighing up to 110 pounds and standing up to 29 inches tall.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

The Fila Brasileiro is a moderately active breed that needs daily exercise to maintain its health and temperament.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The Fila Brasileiro needs daily exercise and playtime to maintain its health and prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

The Fila Brasileiro is a working breed that was originally bred for tracking and hunting wild boar in Brazil.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The Fila Brasileiro is a natural hunter with a strong prey drive and excellent scenting abilities.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

The Fila Brasileiro is a strong and powerful breed with good physical stamina and endurance.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

The Fila Brasileiro is generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia and bloat.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The Fila Brasileiro can be prone to obesity and needs a healthy diet and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The Fila Brasileiro has a short coat and may need extra protection in cold weather conditions.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The Fila Brasileiro is not well-suited for hot weather conditions and should not be left outside for long periods of time in high heat.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The Fila Brasileiro is not suited for apartment living due to its large size and exercise needs.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The Fila Brasileiro is not suited to off-leash exercise and needs a securely fenced yard to prevent it from wandering off.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

The Fila Brasileiro can be sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement and needs a firm but gentle hand during training.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The Fila Brasileiro does not do well when left alone for long periods of time and can become anxious and destructive.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

The Fila Brasileiro is not a particularly vocal breed, but will bark when it feels threatened or senses danger.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The Fila Brasileiro is intelligent and needs mental stimulation, but can become bored or destructive if it does not get enough activity and attention.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

The Fila Brasileiro is not recommended for first-time dog owners due to its independent and dominant nature.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

The Fila Brasileiro is not easy to train and needs an experienced owner who can handle its stubbornness and natural aggression.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

The Fila Brasileiro is known for being very loyal and protective of its family, but not particularly affectionate. This breed is wary of strangers and will not hesitate to defend its family, which makes it a great guard dog.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

The Fila Brasileiro is not recommended for families with children as they can be aggressive and protective towards their family.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

The Fila Brasileiro can be dog aggressive and does best as an only dog.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

The Fila Brasileiro is wary of strangers and can be aggressive if it feels threatened.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Although the Fila Brasileiro is generally calm and laid-back, it still needs daily exercise and playtime to keep it healthy and happy.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

The Fila Brasileiro is very alert and is always on the lookout for potential threats to its family.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

The Fila Brasileiro is not very adaptable and needs a consistent routine and environment to thrive.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

The Fila Brasileiro is a moderate shedder and needs weekly brushing to keep its coat looking good.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

The Fila Brasileiro has a short smooth coat that is easy to care for. Occasional baths and weekly brushing will keep it looking good.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

The Fila Brasileiro is known for its massive jowls, which can cause excessive drooling.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

The Fila Brasileiro is a large breed, with males weighing up to 110 pounds and standing up to 29 inches tall.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

The Fila Brasileiro is a moderately active breed that needs daily exercise to maintain its health and temperament.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Fila Brasileiro needs daily exercise and playtime to maintain its health and prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

The Fila Brasileiro is a working breed that was originally bred for tracking and hunting wild boar in Brazil.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

The Fila Brasileiro is a natural hunter with a strong prey drive and excellent scenting abilities.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

The Fila Brasileiro is a strong and powerful breed with good physical stamina and endurance.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

The Fila Brasileiro is generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia and bloat.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

The Fila Brasileiro can be prone to obesity and needs a healthy diet and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

The Fila Brasileiro has a short coat and may need extra protection in cold weather conditions.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

The Fila Brasileiro is not well-suited for hot weather conditions and should not be left outside for long periods of time in high heat.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

The Fila Brasileiro is not suited for apartment living due to its large size and exercise needs.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

The Fila Brasileiro is not suited to off-leash exercise and needs a securely fenced yard to prevent it from wandering off.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

The Fila Brasileiro can be sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement and needs a firm but gentle hand during training.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

The Fila Brasileiro does not do well when left alone for long periods of time and can become anxious and destructive.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

The Fila Brasileiro is not a particularly vocal breed, but will bark when it feels threatened or senses danger.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

The Fila Brasileiro is intelligent and needs mental stimulation, but can become bored or destructive if it does not get enough activity and attention.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

The Fila Brasileiro is not recommended for first-time dog owners due to its independent and dominant nature.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

The Fila Brasileiro is not easy to train and needs an experienced owner who can handle its stubbornness and natural aggression.

Similar breeds

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History of the Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro was developed in Brazil, primarily for hunting jaguars and tracking down runaway slaves.

The breed was also used as a guard dog on plantations, and their aggressive nature was valued in deterring potential intruders.

While they are still used for hunting in some parts of Brazil, the breed is now more commonly kept as a loyal and protective companion.

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Fila Brasileiro Puppies

Fila Brasileiro puppies are large and energetic, and require lots of socialization and training.

It is important to train them using positive reinforcement techniques, as they can be sensitive to harsh discipline.

The breed is not recommended for families with small children, as their size and strength can be overwhelming.