Fila Brasileiro

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The Fila Brasileiro is a descendant of the 15th-century English Mastiff, Bloodhound, Bulldog and Rafeiros. From the Bloodhound, he inherited loose skin and his keen sense of smell.

The Bloodhound in its bloodlines gives it superb tracking ability. The Mastiff contributed its 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 is well boned with a rectangular structure. Its Bloodhound ancestry is apparent in its long muzzle, pendulous skin, and superb tracking ability. Its muzzle is heavy with pendulous upper lips giving it a Mastiff appearance.

Its neck is very thick, with dewlap.

The skin is of the most important breed characteristics. It is thick and loose all over the body, chiefly at the neck, forming pronounced dewlaps, and in many individuals the folds proceed to the chest and abdomen.

Some dogs show a fold at the side of the head and also at the withers descending to the shoulders.

The coat is short, smooth, dense and soft. This breed may be any color, solid or brindle, except white, mouse gray, patched, dappled, or black and tan.

The typical colors are fawn, black and brindle. Brindles of a basic color may have the stripes of either less or with very strong intensity.

A black mask may or may not be present. In all permitted colors white markings should be limited to the feet, chest and tip of tail.

Temperament: Docile, Obedient, Loyal, Determined, Courageous, Brave

Health Problems: Prone to most large-breed ailments. Beware of hip dysplasia. As these dogs are prone to bloat, feed two or three small meals a day, instead of one large one. Also prone to CHD, gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia and PRA.