Fila Brasileiro – Brazilian Dogo

The Fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian Dogo, is a breed that is both unique and devoted. It just might win your heart. These dogs, who are well-known for their powerful personalities and striking looks, have a fascinating past. They stand out from other breeds thanks to their unique combination of strength and agility, which was originally bred for guarding and herding cattle in Brazil.

The Fila Brasileiro is well known for its enormous stature and well-defined physique. Their coats are usually short, smooth, and come in a variety of colors, such as black, fawn, and brindle. But these dogs are renowned for their fierce loyalty and protective nature, which make them unique beyond simply their appearance. They are very loving and loyal when they are connected to their families.

Characteristic	Details
Origin	Brazil
Size	Large
Weight	90-110 lbs
Temperament	Loyal and protective
Coat	Short and dense
Colors	Brindle, fawn, and black
Exercise Needs	Moderate to high
Good with Kids	Yes, with supervision
Trainability	Can be stubborn

Breed characteristics

Brief description
Origin:	Brazil
Keeping conditions:	House territory, free enclosure, country house with or without a garden
Purpose:	Guard dog, fighting dog, companion dog
Color:	Red, yellow, brindle, black
Coat length:	Short
Adult dog size:	Female height – 60-70 cm, male – 65-75 cm; male weight – 64-82 kg, female – 57-73 kg
Average life expectancy:	9-11 years
Walking:	Twice a day walking is required if kept indoors, if kept outdoors, walks can be reduced to 1 time
Need for physical activity:	High need for physical activity (1.5-2 hours of active walking, games, training)
Classification of the International Cynological Federation (FCI):	Group 2: Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossoid breeds, Mountain and Swiss Cattle Dogs; section 2: molossers
Puppy price:	Price – 24,000-80,000 rubles. Without pedigree – 24,000-30,000 rubles, pet class – 45,000-61,000 rubles, breed class – up to 70,000 rubles, show class – up to 80,000 rubles

History of the origin of Phil brasileiro

It can be said that the history of the breed begins in 1500, when the Portuguese first came to Brazil. It was this country that became the center for sugar cane plantations. With the growth of the economy and the development of industry, Portugal needed more and more free labor. The local aborigines, who did not die from imported diseases and hard work, could not cope with the tasks on their own. Then it was decided to import African prisoners and slaves to work on the plantations. The dark-skinned aborigines were well versed in the jungle and easily escaped from slave owners. Therefore, the Portuguese decided to breed a dog that could cope with the search and capture of fugitives. There were native animals in Brazil, but their skills were definitely not enough to perform the tasks. Then Portuguese and English mastiffs, Bulldogs and Bloodhounds, possessing the necessary sense of smell, were brought to the continent.

A new breed, the Fila Brasileiro, emerged as a result of effective selection efforts. In the jungle, dogs would come across slaves, take them by the shoulders and neck, and hold them there until their master showed up.

The animals adjusted rapidly to the challenging working conditions, warm weather, and high humidity. These are the only mastiffs that can work at such high temperatures. Furthermore, they were useful for capturing not only humans but also big game like lions and pumas, defending homes, and staking out territory. Following the reorganization and settlement of the slavery issue, the breed saw active use in law enforcement, particularly among the police. Then, these animals’ aggression nearly doubled in turnover. An intolerance for touching strangers was listed as a distinguishing trait in the first breed standard, which was published in 1946.

The breed has grown in popularity since the 1980s. Due to the breeders’ lack of experience in handling and training these animals, the Fila started to exhibit aggression, and attacks on people started happening more frequently. It is illegal to import or breed this dog in many European countries.

The Fila Brasileiro, also referred to as the Brazilian Dogo, is a powerful and distinctive breed that is cherished for its instincts for loyalty and protection. These Brazilian-bred dogs make not only magnificent security dogs but also, with the right upbringing, loving companions. We’ll go over their traits, personalities, and maintenance requirements in this post to give prospective owners an idea of what it takes to bring a Fila Brasileiro into the house.

Distinguishing features

According to the original standards, the Phil was a Mastiff-bodied dog with a Bloodhound-style muzzle. It still is, in actuality. These enormous creatures genuinely resemble hunters with the build of gladiatorial dogs. They are powerful, intimidating, and well-muscled. Numerous skin folds and sagging skin on the face and collar are characteristic features. These pets can weigh up to 85 kg and have an average height of 65 to 75 cm. They are extremely massive and heavy. The animals are still very active in spite of this.

• Head massive, but proportional to the body, pear-shaped.
• Muzzle deep, wide, of medium length (equal to the skull), with a strong scissor bite. Lips fleshy, flews. Nose line is lowered.
• Nose black with wide, developed nostrils.
• Ears set on eye level, closer to the back of the head. Long, fleshy, hanging down the sides of the head. Rounded ends.
• Eyes large almond-shaped large ones are planted widely and deeply. The lower eyelid is drooping. The iris can be yellow or brown.
• The body is rectangular, wide, with a thick layer of loose skin. The back is straight, the withers and croup are pronounced, the loin is strong. The chest is longer than the belly, voluminous, wide. The neck is short, thick with a pronounced dewlap.
• The tail is thick, strong, long (below the hock), set on the line of the croup, when active it rises above the back.
• The limbs are straight, parallel, long, strong. The paws are rounded, gathered into a lump, the claws are dark.
• The coat is short, tightly fitting to the body. The skin is thick and loose, gathers into folds all over the body, especially on the neck and muzzle. Colors: any, except white, mouse, marble and spotted.

Photo of an adult dogs

Photos of puppies

Character and behavior characteristics

These mastiffs are regarded as the most aggressive breed. Researchers continue to disagree as to whether the animals were always this way or if their extensive work with law enforcement agencies is what gave rise to this trait.

In fact, breeders think that these animals make wonderful companions because they are obedient and amiable when properly trained. Their standard expressly expresses a dislike of strangers in one way or another.

Advantages

Without a doubt, the breed is effective, and the majority of its benefits are directly related to its attributes of functionality and compliance:

1. Good physical shape, endurance, immunity to hot climates, high humidity, insects and southern diseases;
2. Fearlessness in the face of danger (human, animal);
3. Inflexibility in performing their direct duties;
4. Loyalty to family and owner;
5. Activity.

Disadvantages

The primary flaws in the breed that need to be considered are:

• Increased aggressiveness (especially without proper training and socialization, Fila does not like strangers, children, other pets; although the dog can be trained to order);
• Independence, stubbornness, dislike of training;
• Suspiciousness towards strangers (Fila can tolerate strangers only in the company of her family, and has a bad attitude towards new household members);
• Animals constantly bark, drop drool, food, and pass gas;
• Need for serious physical activity and comprehensive education.

Care and maintenance

It is not necessary to take extra precautions when caring for mastiff breeds. They are utterly unassuming in this regard. They are housed both outside and indoors. It is important to keep in mind that while Fila can withstand heat well, she dislikes cold and drafts.

If these dogs are not exposed to basic hygiene practices from an early age, they may become disobedient as adults and refuse to allow examinations or baths. Furthermore, it’s critical to give training and education the consideration they deserve.

Nutrition

The secret to a large dog’s health and well-being is to feed them. When choosing the right portion size for an animal, it is important to consider its level of activity. A pet outside will require more food.

Puppies up to six months old can be fed four to five times a day, distributing the daily routine throughout all meals. Breeders advise introducing one or two meals a day for Phil by the time he turns one year old. A pet requires 1.5 kg of food per day on average.

A complex food tailored to a particular breed or group of mastiffs would be the best option. Selecting a product from the line of super-premium holistic or hypoallergenic foods is preferable. You can speak with the breeder to find out if any allergies affected the parents of the puppy.

Creating a natural diet for a creature of that size will be more challenging. Phil needs to take all the vitamins, so you can’t skip the mineral supplements. A pure lamb diet, rabbit meat, eggs, sea fish, and beef tripe are required. Cereals that contain rice or buckwheat are acceptable. Add the cooked and raw vegetables together as well.

Bones, beans, potatoes, flour, fried foods, and sweets are all strictly prohibited. Feeding the dog from the owner’s table is not recommended. It’s critical to keep an eye on the drinking schedule and to top off the drinking bowl with fresh water.

Health

Since health studies on this specific mastiff have not yet been conducted, nothing can be said about it. Although dogs only live nine to eleven years, practice indicates that their immunity is superior to that of other molossers.

Phil has been tempered by work and weather, but illnesses common to large pets still plague them.

Vaccinations

Phil requires defense against infectious and viral diseases, just like any other dog. For young puppies, who lose immunity when they are weaned from their mothers, this is especially crucial.

Walking, interacting with animals, and other potentially contagious activities are forbidden at this time.

There are numerous vaccinations available to protect against a variety of illnesses, but two are thought to be essential for both cross-border travel and the animal’s regular bodily functions:

• Vaccination against enteritis, plague, parainfluenza, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, is carried out at 2, 6 and 12 months, repeated annually (average price 500-1000 rubles);
• Vaccination against rabies is carried out at 7 months and annually (350-700 rubles).

Diseases

Illnesses specific to the breed:

1. Joint dysplasia (due to the gigantic size, the elbow and hip joints cannot withstand and become deformed, this can also happen due to a lack of calcium or excessive physical activity);
2. Volvulation of the stomach and intestines;
3. Retinal atrophy.

The breed is prone to common ailments that affect large animals. The musculoskeletal system has particularly severe issues.

Walking

The dog needs walks that are vigorous even with its size. For Fila to feel content, at least two hours a day must be spent jogging and playing active games. If not, the stored energy will lead to negative behavior.

Puppies, on the other hand, get less walks. Excessive work will not benefit the baby because dysplasia is best avoided at an early age. The animal is handled during the first few weeks of its life; following the second vaccination, they are released to roam free. Avoid overloading the pet’s limbs with jumps.

Coat care

Every five to seven days, Fila’s coat is combed with a specialized brush glove. The process is done more frequently during the shedding phase—once every two to three days. No more than twice a year are animals bathed. It is crucial to check for inflammatory processes in the eyes and ears. After feedings, wipe drool and wash paws. Every five to six days, dogs’ teeth are cleaned with chewing ropes or a special paste. Claws are cut once every fifteen days.

Mating

Due to their size, it is nearly impossible to mate a Fila Brasileiro on your own, and this difficulty increases at home. Nonetheless, it is still critical that the owners understand the unique aspects of the process. Dogs take two to three years to mature. Even though the first heat can appear between 8 and 12 months of age.

It takes two cycles for pets to mate. The owner should request that the canine club locate a compatible companion for their favorite a few weeks in advance. The paperwork that the owners complete enables the puppies to receive awards for purebred and class.

The animals mate on the designated day either at the male’s house or within the kennel’s boundaries. It will require a large amount of room and multiple people’s efforts. Inexperienced pets will require assistance, so males are guided into the loop and females are supported up to the belly.

It is repeated two days later. Pregnancy is evident as early as the second week, but the fetus won’t be visible on the ultrasound image until days 21–18, which is when the veterinarian can confirm it.

Key points in training

The Fila Brasileiro breed of dogs cannot be categorized as traditional mastiff representatives. It is important to remember that Fila’s level of activity influences both their current and future mental capacities, as well as the rate at which their intelligence develops.

Strictness and perseverance are necessary for Brazilian Mastiffs, but not harshness or cruelty. They adhere to the boomerang rule, which states that a dog will act aggressively when it is angry.

Fila Brasileiro requires affection, compassion, and education just like children do. Starting training early will ensure that the desired outcome is achieved quickly (remember, treats and praise are essential for complete engagement with the dog).

Not a single detail should be overlooked: establish the rules early on, including who is in charge of the house, who sleeps on the couch and dog rug, whether or not to obey family members, and how to respond to stubbornness by saying "no." Any obedience will be met with love and goodies.

With a rich history, the Fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian Dogo, is an intriguing breed. These dogs are renowned for their loyalty and protective tendencies; they were originally bred for guarding and herding cattle. They are fierce and gentle at the same time, and they have a close relationship with their families. For those who are aware of their needs, they are wonderful companions because of their special blend.

Taking care of a Fila demands dedication. They require a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy, and they do best in active homes. Early socialization is very important. It guarantees that they feel at ease around a variety of people and animals and aids in their development into well-rounded pets. Since this breed can be suspicious of strangers, early training is crucial to encouraging positive behavior.

Although their tendency to be protective can be a great asset, training must be done gradually and consistently. Rewarding excellent behavior is essential because these dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. A Fila Brasileiro can make a devoted and affectionate addition to your family given the proper training.

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