The Origin of the Fila Brasileiro: A Dog Shaped by History
The Fila Brasileiro has a rich and fascinating history. Its origins date back to colonial Brazil when early settlers needed strong, agile, and loyal dogs to help them with cattle herding, property protection, and even hunting.
It is believed that the breed originated from the crossbreeding of European mastiffs, bloodhounds and English bulldogs, resulting in a robust dog with a keen sense of smell and a strong protective instinct.
One of the most striking characteristics of the Fila Brasileiro comes from the Bloodhound: its exceptional sense of smell. These dogs have an impressive ability to track scents, which made them essential for farmers and hunters in the past.
But what truly sets the Fila Brasileiro apart is its natural distrust of strangers. This protective instinct, combined with its extreme loyalty to the family, has made it one of the best guard dogs in the world.
Temperament of the Fila Brasileiro: A One-Owner Dog
The Fila Brasileiro is famous for its devotion and attachment to its owner. It tends to form a very strong bond with the family, especially with one specific member. This characteristic makes it an extremely loyal dog but also requires early socialization to prevent overly territorial behavior.
If you are looking for a dog that will always be by your side, ready to protect you and show affection intensely, the Fila Brasileiro might be the perfect choice. But be warned: it is not a dog for just any owner!
What to Expect from the Fila Brasileiro’s Behavior?
✔️ Extreme Loyalty: The Fila does not hesitate to protect its owners, making it a true guard dog.
✔️ Distrust of Strangers: Don’t expect it to quickly befriend visitors or unfamiliar people.
✔️ Affection and Attachment: With its family, it is gentle and loving, always wanting to be close.
✔️ Independence and Intelligence: Despite being obedient, it needs a firm and experienced owner to guide it.
✔️ Need for Space: The Fila Brasileiro is not suited for apartments, as it requires large areas to exercise.
Essential Care for the Fila Brasileiro
Owning a Fila Brasileiro requires commitment and dedication. Being a large and robust dog, it has specific needs to maintain its health and well-being.
1. Proper Nutrition
A large dog like the Fila Brasileiro needs a balanced, high-quality diet. The choice of food should be appropriate for its size, age, and activity level. Additionally, monitoring portion sizes is essential to prevent obesity.
🔹 Tip: Divide its food into at least two meals a day to prevent gastric torsion, a common issue in large dogs.
2. Exercise and Adequate Space
The Fila Brasileiro needs space to move and expend energy. As a working dog by nature, it enjoys physical activities and mental challenges.
If you live in a house with a large yard, it will love exploring the environment. However, make sure the area is well-fenced, as it may try to chase something it perceives as a threat.
🔹 Tip: Daily walks are important to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
3. Socialization and Training
From puppyhood, the Fila Brasileiro needs to be socialized to learn to differentiate normal situations from real threats. This helps prevent unnecessary aggression toward strangers.
🔹 Tip: Start training early, always using positive reinforcement and patience. A firm but loving owner will have a well-balanced and well-behaved dog.
4. Health and Veterinary Visits
The Fila Brasileiro is a robust breed, but like any large dog, it may be prone to issues such as hip dysplasia and joint problems.
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure it stays healthy.
🔹 Tip: Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date!
Is the Fila Brasileiro the Right Dog for You?
Before deciding to own a Fila Brasileiro, ask yourself:
✅ Do you have enough space for a large and active dog?
✅ Are you prepared to train it with both firmness and affection?
✅ Can you dedicate time to socialization and daily exercise?
✅ Do you need a loyal and protective guard dog?
If you answered "yes" to all these questions, the Fila Brasileiro might be the perfect companion for you and your family!
People Also Ask
Why is the Fila Brasileiro banned in some countries?
The Fila Brasileiro is banned in some countries due to its strong protective instinct and natural distrust of strangers. Some laws classify the breed as potentially dangerous, requiring strict control or even banning its breeding to prevent attacks and safety issues.
However, this reputation is more due to a lack of socialization and training rather than the breed’s inherent aggressiveness. With a responsible and experienced owner, the Fila can be a balanced, loyal, and highly reliable dog.
How much does a Fila Brasileiro cost?
The price of a Fila Brasileiro can range from R$ 2,500 to R$ 6,000, depending on lineage, pedigree, and the breeder's reputation. Puppies from renowned breeders, who follow breed health and temperament standards, tend to be more expensive.
Besides the initial cost, it’s important to consider expenses for food, veterinary care, and training to ensure the dog has a healthy and well-balanced life.
What is the instinct of the Fila Brasileiro?
The Fila Brasileiro has an extremely strong guarding instinct and unwavering loyalty to its family. It is naturally wary of strangers, a trait known as "ojeriza a estranhos", making it one of the best protection dogs in the world.
Additionally, it has a highly developed sense of smell, inherited from its Bloodhound ancestors, making it excellent for tracking and patrolling. When well-trained and socialized, it is an obedient and deeply devoted dog.
How strong is the Fila Brasileiro?
The Fila Brasileiro is a large, muscular dog, weighing between 50 and 70 kg. Its impressive physical strength, combined with its powerful bite, makes it an extremely efficient guard dog.
Beyond its physical strength, the Fila has remarkable endurance, capable of covering long distances and facing threats with unwavering courage. For this reason, it needs an owner who can handle its strength and temperament.
Besides the Fila, what other dog breeds are considered Brazilian?
Brazil has several internationally recognized dog breeds besides the Fila Brasileiro. Among them, the Brazilian Shepherd, known for its intelligence and versatility in herding, and the Brazilian Dogue, an excellent guard and companion dog, stand out.
Another notable breed is the Brazilian Terrier, also known as Fox Paulistinha, an agile, playful, and very popular family pet. These breeds represent the diversity and richness of dog breeding in Brazil.
