Fila Brasileiro Breed description: Character & Co

What are the typical character traits of the Fila Brasileiro?

The Fila Brasileiro is known for its courageous and determined nature and for its above-average bravery. Once it has joined its master and its family, it is forever loyal and docile to them, although this makes it difficult to change owners later on. The Brazilian Mastiff is very self-confident and rather reserved towards strangers. However, the dog always has everything in view and is extremely alert.

Use of the Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro is a popular dog in its homeland, which performs a variety of tasks. It guards the sometimes huge properties and farms, protects and drives herds of cattle or hunts big game like wild boars.

In Germany, Austria and Switzerland the Fila Brasileiro is also used as a guard dog, although not as often as other breeds. By its size and mass alone, it is already an imposing appearance.

What are typical diseases of the Fila Brasileiro?

The Fila Brasileiro is a quite robust dog breed, of which no typical breed diseases are known. However, since it is quite large and heavy, you should pay attention to the diet in order to spare your four-legged friend unnecessary stress due to additional weight.

Husbandry of the Fila Brasileiro

When choosing a Fila Brasileiro, you should be aware that it is a dog that needs a close bond with its family. It is not suitable for kennels, although it can be used as a guard dog. Of course, you will need to make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, after all, it is used to running over huge areas in its native Brazil.

The Brazilian Mastiff does not require a lot of grooming. Since the coat is quite short and smooth, it is sufficient to brush or comb the dog occasionally.

Fila Brasileiro breeding - where, how, what?

Although Fila Brasileiro puppies are not as common in Germany or Austria as other breeds, you can still find reputable breeders where excellent health and a good temperament of the dogs are paramount.

If you want to buy a Fila Brasileiro, you should inform yourself in detail about the breeder beforehand. You should avoid puppies that are not well socialized or puppies from sick or unhealthy parents in order to avoid disappointment yourself and also to avoid supporting dubious breeders.

The Verband for the Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH) e. V. (German Kennel Club) has compiled a list with some contact addresses of clubs and breeders. If you are interested in a Fila Brasileiro puppy, you will certainly find one here!

Special features of the Fila Brasileiro

In some countries or federal states the Fila Brasileiro is considered a so-called fighting dog or a listed dog and may therefore only be kept under certain conditions. In some German or Austrian federal states there are no restrictions at all, while in others the keeping of a Fila Brasileiro requires, for example, a dog license. Also in Switzerland the keeping of a Fila is partly subject to approval or even completely forbidden.

If you want to buy or take in a Fila Brasileiro, you should ask your local public order office, for example, how exactly the requirements for keeping a dog of this breed are, because the legal requirements in the individual countries and federal states are very different and therefore require more or less time and financial effort. Because the classification as a dangerous breed usually also brings an increased dog tax rate with it.

Even if the breed is not widespread in Germany, there is the possibility to take in a Fila Brasileiro in need. Partly these dogs are mediated from abroad or they can be found at national animal welfare organizations and clubs. However, this possibility is rather something for connoisseurs of the breed who know how to deal with the characteristics of the Fila Brasileiro.