The Fila Brasileiro is a rare dog that should only be owned by a very specific type of dog owner.
Noted for extreme territorialness this breed must be handled with heavy supervision. They should not be allowed to roam areas where they will have access to neighbors or passers-by, they must be kept safely contained when not under direct supervision.
Originally developed as a herding breed in Brazil this dog still excels as a working and guarding dog.
The Fila Brasileiro is a rather tricky dog to own. They are strong and powerful dogs with a tremendous guarding instinct. Proper training and socialization is vital.
In spite of this, Filas are great companions because they are extremely loyal and devoted to their owners.
Origin of the Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro, also known as the “Brazilian Mastiff” or “Brazilian Molosser”, is believed to have been evolved from a number of breeds, the English Mastiff, Bloodhound, Bulldog and Rafeiros. A Molosser breed, they were developed in Brazil, and specifically in Sao Paolo.
They was once used to track fugitive slaves in Brazil and return them to their masters. It is reputed for its size and aggression. Consequently, they are unfairly banned in some countries.
Fila Brasileiro Appearance and Abilities
Fila Brasileiro’s general appearance is a typical molossoid breed with powerful bone structure, rectangular and compact figure, but harmonious and proportional.
It can reach the height of 29.5 inches and can weigh up to 110 pounds. It has a short and smooth coat. Solid Black, Brown, Chestnut, Yellow, Reddish and Brindled are the permitted colors. White markings on the feet, chest, and the tip of the tail are permitted but should not exceed 1/4 of the coat surface area based on FCI standards.
The Fila Brasileiro have superb tracking abilities. They got their excellent noses from the Bloodhound bloodline. They also have tremendous guarding instinct which makes them very useful as a guard dog.
Their muzzles are heavy with pendulous upper lips giving it a typical Mastiff appearance.
Temperament and Tendencies of the Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro is a courageous and loyal dog. They have a strong instinct to protect their owners without hesitation.
Naturally, Filas are very devoted and loving companions to their masters and even to children. They are patient and amazingly gentle with kids and can take abuse from them without provoking any hint of aggression. They are docile and obedient to their owners and family.
Filas can bond with other animals if socialized properly. They always seek companionship and they will serve and protect at all costs. Filas think of these tasks as their life’s primary purpose.
They are confident and self-assured and they carry themselves with a calm disposition. However, their guarding and hunting instinct make them very wary of strangers and they are also inclined, by instinct, to hunt big game and to herd cattle. Their instincts gave them the reputation as vicious and aggressive dogs but in actuality, they are only aggressive to apparent threats. They won’t spring into action without being provoked.
Fila Brasileiro Training and Care
Fila Brasileiro breeds are not for everyone. If you want to own one, you must be aware of their characteristics and you must do your research on the breed.
If your main objective is to own a dog to protect your household and guard property, Filas are great dogs for the job. However, you must also consider the frequency of people that come in and out of your house. Filas are wired to guard and if there are a lot of people always nearby, you should consider another breed. Your lifestyle must suite the Fila Brasileiro’s characteristics because you can’t deny this breeds instincts.
Socialization is very important to Filas. This will not make them like strangers but it would rather make them think that not everything is a threat. Lack of socialization will make Filas dangerous to the public.
On top of all these, do not let Filas become dominant. Assume the pack leader status always. Dominant Filas are extremely dangerous.
7 Responses to “How to Train a Fila Brasileiro”
I have a solid black Fila but it seem scary when many peolple envionment and when his get nauthy i try to scary him by a bamboo stick he also so scary, can you help tell me is it any wrong to my dog? so i keep it ? i bought him from his birth of 2 month and now he already hv 8 month age , thanks
Allan, NEVER threaten a dog with a stick or anything else for that matter. Remember that your dog understands that your skin is soft and that he can hurt you, but chooses not to.
As far as anything being wrong with your dog is concerned, no - there is nothing wrong with your dog. You need to learn to master him with firm control and kindness, be consistent above all. Hitting him is a sign that you are not in control of yourself and that will confuse your dog terribly. Train him to understand what it is you want from him, understanding that all he wants to do is please you. Keep him close to you, make a huge fuss of him when he does something right and ignore him for a short while when he does something ‘naughty’. He wants your attention above all else and will respond by behaving in a way that will make you give him that attention he so desires. If you find it hard to do on your own, go to training classes where both of you can be trained to fulfill your respective roles. Please don’t try to get rid of him, he will have a really hard time adapting to a new owner. Good luck!
I think it is bad advice to tell this person to ignore his dog’s bad behaviour. Dogs crave a proactive leader, and respond to clear, balanced training where you clearly communicate to them desired and undesired behaviour.
Although the OP is likely a troll, his name is Allan and he insists on scarying his dog, the advice you are giving is downright dangerous. With this breed the article is 100% right about assuming dominant position in the dog’s eyes. You will NEVER achieve this with a dominant dog by ignoring dominant behaviour, and doing so will get someone hurt or worse.
I am really really wanting a fila. Just I am a bit concerend because I have only dealt with schnauzers. I know how to train I trained my schnauzer in fact on haloween I got compliments from the police department becuase my dog was better behaved then their dogs. But she was easy my main thing I did was walk her canstantly and not let her walk ahead of me from then on she knew I was leader and never gave me troubles. But this is a 15lbs calm schanuzer vs 100+ lbs of stubborness from what I am told.
I have 4 acres soon will be fenced in with sheep. neighbors dont come over becuase they already met my 12 gauge at 3am on a tuesday, they decided to come over drunk. My husband does have a band and his family along with mine like to come out on occasions I dont want that big of a dog in my house. I guess I just want to know if I could handle such a dog and how stubbern are they really. I am a very petite girl at 4ft11 but I can be stern my dog knows it.
I don’t think it’s necessarily the size of the person owning the dog (in most cases) but rather how that person trains and handles the dog. With the right level of commitment most people could own most breeds. Therein lies the problem, though. Most people don’t have much of a level of commitment.
If you do, I’m sure you could make the situation work fine.
It doesn’t sound like you are ready for a dog of this magnitude. There is a HUUUUGE difference between training a 15 lb schnauzer and a 100 pound Fila. Schnauzers aren’t typically aggressive dogs where as Filas are known for their aggressiveness and proctectiveness. When a Schnauzer mis-behaves, you can easily pick it up and remove it from the situation. What do you plan on doing with a Fila. And your statement about “not wanting a dog that big in your house” is a red flag right there. If you aren’t willing to have him in your house, then you shouldn’t be looking at this breed.
I’m not sure why so many sources state that the Fila weighs “up to 110lb”. That is the MINIMUM weight specified in the breed standard. A large male will easily reach 170-180lb.