# Fila Brasileiro Also known as: Brazilian Mastiff, Cão de Fila, Cão de Fila Brasileiro - **Group:** Mastiff & Mountain (FCI group 2) - **Size:** Giant - **Origin:** Brazil - **Height:** 60–75 cm - **Weight:** 40 kg - **Life expectancy:** 9–11 years - **Temperament:** Protective, Courageous, Loyal, Aloof, Strong-willed - **FCI standard:** No. 225 A massive Brazilian mastiff-type guardian and catch dog, powerful and agile, intensely loyal to its family and famously suspicious of strangers. ## Overview The Fila Brasileiro is a large Brazilian working dog of mastiff type, used for guarding, herding cattle and hunting big game. Its name comes from a Portuguese verb meaning to hold or grab. It is a serious, protective dog that needs experienced owners, firm training and thorough socialisation. It is restricted or banned in several countries. ## History The Fila is thought to descend from European dogs brought to Brazil in the colonial period, with little influence from native South American dogs. It was raised on large plantations and cattle farms, where it worked stock, tracked jaguars and guarded property. The first written standard appeared in 1946, and Paulo Santos Cruz is regarded as the father of the breed. Several clubs in Brazil keep separate standards, partly because of disputes over crossbreeding. ## Appearance A large, rectangular, heavy-boned dog with a big head, deep muzzle and large drooping ears. Males stand 65 to 75 cm and weigh at least 50 kg, and females stand 60 to 70 cm and weigh at least 40 kg. The skin is thick and loose, forming pronounced dewlaps. The coat is short and dense in fawn, brindle or black, sometimes with a black mask. The croup is unusually higher than the withers. ## Temperament The Fila is devoted and gentle with its own family, but naturally wary and aloof with strangers, a trait the breed is valued for. It is courageous and strong-willed, and needs confident, consistent handling. Early socialisation and obedience training are essential, and the dog should be supervised with visitors, children and other animals. ## Care and exercise This is a powerful dog that needs a secure, well-fenced property, regular walks and firm, calm training from a young age. It is not a breed for first-time owners or crowded homes. The short coat needs only occasional brushing. Check the skin folds and ears for dirt and irritation, and avoid overheating and hard exercise in hot weather. ## Health As a heavy, deep-chested giant breed it can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat. Loose skin and folds need regular cleaning to avoid irritation, and the breed generally lives around 9 to 11 years. ## Ratings (1 to 5) - Energy: 3 - Exercise needs: 3 - Grooming: 1 - Shedding: 3 - Trainability: 2 - Barking: 3 - Good with children: 2 - Good with other dogs: 1 Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/fila-brasileiro Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fila_Brasileiro · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q37808 Photo: Pleple2000 (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fila_brasileiro_ppk9.jpg Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.