Is the Fila Brasileiro the breed for you?
Faithful as a Fila
| I have developed this brief historical outline of the Fila Brasileiro so that anyone who is interested might know the purposes and intents for which this breed was developed. In so understanding the history, I would hope that it would lead the seeker to a better understanding of the very unique temperament and character of this wonderful breed. Take a moment and discover if this is a breed that is indeed suitable to you, your family members, and your home/work situation. The few minutes you spend reading may well change your life. |  Shea ducks the sleeve to get to what really matters -- the bad guy!! |
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 Shea (left) demonstrates the Fila's natural herding ability |
The Fila Brasileiro is well known for its devotion to its family thus prompting a Brazilian proverb...."faithful as a fila". Just what does that mean? To even begin to understand the depth of character a Fila possesses, one must delve into their history. The Fila was developed in Brazil for hunting
jaguars, guarding and serving as a catch dog for cattle, and
as a guard on estates (where in the 18th and 19th Centuries
one of its tasks was pursuing and detaining - without seriously
injuring - runaway slaves). Its loose skin and melancholy
expression (and sometimes its vocalizations) recall the Bloodhound
ancestry, while its massiveness and adoration of its master
echo the Mastiff side. |
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| The Fila Brasileiro is a breed that developed in response to the early colonists' need for a strong, hardy, working dog. The dog needed to have the ability to herd, track, guard, and be a loyal companion to the family. As a result the Fila Brasileiro is descended from the ancient Bulldog, English Mastiff, and the Bloodhound. From the Bulldog the Fila inherited his protective temperament, stubbornness and tenacity. The English Mastiff brought forth the large head, short neck, curved croup, and the size and substance for which the Fila are known. Bloodhounds have given the fila their outstanding scenting abilities, abundance of loose skin, pendulous lips, hanging flews and dewlaps. This wonderful breed can be traced back as far as 1671. |  Berkant follows a scent track |
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The Fila continues to be used for its many wonderful abilities even today. Like a Mastiff, a Fila wants to follow you around, lay its huge head in your lap, sleep at your feet, or preferably on your feet. Its personality can never be described as “aloof” like some other guard dogs. Although these dogs are unsurpassed in their devotion, their unique protective temperament does not allow the familiarity of strangers. This breed is NOT for the casual pet owner. To even begin to consider becoming partners with these wonderful dogs, one must commit to educating oneself and commit to extensive socialization (please refer to the socialization link for an exact definition of this word in regards to the Fila) and obedience training.
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 Shea is a devoted family member. |
For the Fila, you and the family who lives permanently in your house are part of its possessions. It will be extremely possessive and as it gets older will guard its family from all intrusions. The intruders in the Fila’s mind include visiting plumbers, house guests and even children, relatives, etc. This means anyone who has not always been a permanent resident (or permanent daily help) in your house. This is not the dog to take to the local park and allow everyone to come handle and touch!! |
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If absolute devotion, love, secure family protection, and great natural skills interest you…… If you are ready to make a lifetime commitment to one of these great dogs…. Then just maybe the Fila Brasileiro is the dog for you. |
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