Ratings

Breed Introduction

The Fila Brasileiro is a robust and fearsome breed, known for its impressive build and fierce demeanor. It is a valuable Brazilian tracking dog with exceptional tracking abilities. When it discovers prey, it does not attack but rather confines the prey until the hunter arrives, a special skill that has earned it a good reputation for delivering escaped slaves safely to their owners. The breed maintains a close relationship with its owner but is very alert to strangers. Due to its large size and aggressive nature, many countries have banned this breed.

The development of the Fila Brasileiro is closely linked to the history of Brazil; in many ways, it has played a significant role during various stages of Brazilian history. The Fila is not only related to history but is also associated with the lives and fates of Brazilian colonizers. Colonizers needed a strong, sturdy breed capable of doing hard work while being excellent cattle herders, jaguar hunters, guard dogs, and legal companions—this is the Fila Brasileiro. For centuries, courage, individuality, and loyalty have marked its character.

Several foundational breeds participated in the breeding of the Fila Brasileiro. All canine scholars agree that three basic breeds contributed to its development: the ancient bulldog, English mastiff, and bloodhound, according to historical records from 1500. When Portuguese colonizers discovered Brazil in 1500, they brought everything they owned, including their dogs. The shepherd dog Fila Tereceirense came from the Azores but shares no common traits with the Fila Brasileiro aside from the name. However, the relationship between Fila Tereceirense and Fila Brasileiro cannot be denied, as there were no other foreign breeds present in the colony except for wild dogs. Legends say many dogs left the Azores, leading to the extinction of Tereceirense. Some believe the name ‘FILA’ comes from the Portuguese word meaning ‘to grasp,’ which reflects the original purpose of the breed—to capture escaping slaves.

The aggressive temperament inherited from ancient fighting dogs (ancient English bulldogs) gives the Fila Brasileiro its tenacity, stubbornness, coat color, typical rose ears, tall hind legs, a distinctive body shape, and resilience. From the old English mastiff, it has inherited a heavy body, strong muscles, a short thick neck, medium tail set, courage, black cheeks, and a solid base color. The bloodhound contributed loose skin, a pronounced occiput, jowls and dewlap, amazing scenting ability, and a rising bark. Perhaps the Fila Tereceirense contributed the twisted tail and herding abilities to the Fila Brasileiro, yet it is hard to quantify the influence of the Portuguese herding dog. Other breeds may have also impacted the Fila Brasileiro, but their contribution is minimal. The origins of the Fila Brasileiro remain murky, but it is widely believed to be a hybrid of the aforementioned three breeds, with potential influences from the Fila Tereceirense.