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Temperament -

The Fila Brasileiro is an excellent estate guardian and cattle dog. It does not hide its aversion to strangers, consequently these dogs are not disqualified from the show ring for showing aggression to the judge. Their faithfulness to family and friends is legendary. This is not a breed for everyone: the Fila needs a confident, experienced owner who can properly curb the breed's natural aggression towards strangers. Because of its aggression, it is not well suited to busy households which have many guests. Such aggression is instinctive in Filas, so much so that the Brazilian breed standard advises show judges not to touch the dog. However, the FCI standard allows for disqualification of very aggressive dogs. Few Filas will attack for no reason, but none will be friendly with strangers. Filas love and bond strongly with their immediate families. They live to protect their loved ones, including children and other pets. They do not readily accept strangers and need an extended introduction period to warm up to others they do not know. Some will never warm up to any stranger. Some bloodlines have less temperament than others and might accept a stranger if introduced properly by the owner, but it should never be assumed that every Fila can be trained to accept strangers. They are known to play very well with children and take a great deal of "abuse" from them, as long as they are family. Filas are extremely loyal and protective and they love being around their owners.

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Fila Brasileiro

Fila Breed Standard

History

Its origins are not well known, but it is believed to have been developed from various breeds including the English Mastiff and the Bloodhound; the latter contributing to the Fila's baggy skin. They are often used as guard dogs, tracking dogs, and guide dogs. The Fila Brasileiro is believed to have been developed from a number of breeds, predominantly the Mastiff, the Bulldog, and the Bloodhound (the last contributing to breed's loose skin). The Fila Brasileiros were found primarily on large plantations and cattle farms from where they originated. Reportedly, they are also excellent tracking dogs and were used to track Brazilian slaves and fugitives. Dr. Paulo Santos Cruz contributed largely in writing the breed standard and importing the fila from the farms to Sao Paulo. In the 1970s, due to political pressures from the dog world, the stud book was closed in Brazil. This led to the split of the Fila Brasileiro into two distinct bloodlines, often referred to by their registries, CBKC and CAFIB. CAFIB offers phenotypical evaluation and registration for unregistered dogs, in the hopes of preserving the working abilities of Fila Brasileiro dogs in remote regions of the country.

The Fila Brasileiro are descendants of the 15th-century English Mastiff, Bloodhound, Bulldog and Rafeiros. From the Bloodhound, he inherited loose skin and keen sense of smell. The Bloodhound in its bloodlines gives it superb tracking ability. The Mastiff contributed compact body, courage and an ever-alert disposition. When the Fila finds its quarry it does not attack, but rather holds it at bay until the hunter arrives. The Bulldog added the unforgiving impetuous temperament. The Fila has the abilty to track and control livestock and large game. When slavery was legal in Brazil, the Fila was used return fugitives unharmed to their slave masters. The Filas great tracking ability led to its presents in North America and Europe. Due to its size and potential for aggression, it is unfairly banned in some countries.

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Fila Breed Standard

Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro's ancestors were brought into Brazil by the Portuguese conquistadores. The breed was created in the 19th century through existing mastiff and bullenbeisser stock, crossbred with Bloodhound. The introduction of scenthound into this molosoid blend gave the Fila its longer muzzle (equal in length to back skull), shallow stop and long, folded ear. Brazilian ranchers of the 19th century were isolated, needing tough dogs for protection, to hunt jaguars and to track runaway slaves. The Filas were also intended to give assistance with the semi-wild cattle. When attempting to turn or stop a cow, they might bite and grasp the cheek or nose, but they generally grabbed the ear, just like their Alaunt ancestors. Although the breed has been utilized on ranches since its beginning, formal breeding—according to a standard—was augmented in the 1950s. An abundance of loose skin hangs on the head and neck, denoting the hound ancestry. Although massive, they should be 40-50 pounds less than an English Mastiff of comparable height. The File's hind legs are lighter in bone, longer and less angulated than his front legs, giving him a downhill appearance. The dog sways in a "camel pace," causing a correct rocking and rolling motion to the gait. The pace is unique to the breed, unlike all others which are expected to trot. They are good jumpers, very agile and fast. The Brazilian standard warns judges not to touch Filas if they wish to keep all their fingers, since aggression is often encouraged. Dogs raised with firm corrections and socialization are shown without incident, however. These dogs are used successfully in schutzhund work in Germany, where they demonstrate their intelligence and ability to be controlled. Passing a shooting test, in which a blank pistol is fired five meters from the dog, is a requirement for all Brazilian champions. They must also pass a temperament test, where dogs (over 12 months) are approached aggressively with a stick. In both cases, the dog should express attention, showing self-confidence and assurance. The judge watches for the dislike the animal shows toward strangers and the self-assurance, courage, determination and bravery of each individual. The Fila is the most popular breed in its native country. It has not been in the USA long, but has steadily gained ground. Filar in Portuguese means to hold or secure. "Faithful as a Fila dog" is an old Brazilian proverb; the Fila's temperament makes it totally loyal to owner and family and naturally distrustful of strangers. A breeder says, 'This breed needs a home that understands and needs a dog that will not be friendly with strangers, even those allowed into the home. They should not attack viciously for no reason, but members outside the family should not expect to pet, play or be friendly with an adult." It is totally fearless in the face of danger. The Fila standard states the dog should have a calm, noble, self-assured expression when in repose and a determined, alert, firm one when at attention. Filas do well in any climate, and their short coat is easily kept up. These dogs adore all members of their human families, including children, and love being close to them, even sitting on their feet. Caution must be taken with visitors, and early socialization is recommended for the pet or show dog. A breeder states the Fila is for owners with responsible attitudes, not a macho personality.

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