The Fila Brasileiro is a mastiff breed from Brazil. It is known for its good tracking ability, aggressiveness and an unforgiving impulsive temper. When a Brazilian Mastiff finds its prey, it does not attack it, but rather holds it hostage until the hunter arrives. Owing to these qualities, the Brazilian Mastiff is used as a fierce guard dog, as a dog for herding cattle and as a hunting dog for tracking and controlling large prey.
It is a dog with a large head, heavy rectangular body, and brindle or fawn coat. In the show ring, the Fila Brasileiro may require the control of two handlers.
They can grow to a height of 23.5 to 29.5 inches at the shoulder and weight from 90 to 100 pounds fully grown. Average life span is from 10 to 12 years.
The Fila was created to work on large plantations and ranches in Brazil. The dogs guarded against thieves, helped wrangle cattle, protected livestock from jaguars and other predators, and hunted down escaped slaves during Brazil's slavery period. Its known move was to grab its quarry by the neck and hold it until its owner arrives. The Mastiff, the Bulldog, and the Bloodhound were likely interbred to develop the Fila. The breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club.
Fila Brasileiros have a unique temper. They are very devoted to their family – affectionate, playful, very loving with the owner's kids; but they are also fiercely protective of those who they consider to be their family. Fila owners know that their dogs love everything that is “theirs” and hate everything that isn't their owner's. More than any other breed, Fila Brasileiros are so suspicious of strangers. They make great guard dogs, but they should only be adopted into families who are experienced dog owners, who got the time to devote them to proper training and socialization, and who have properly researched the breed and understand the potential liabilities. For those who have known them, they are also the most loyal breed of dog, in fact there is an old Brazilian saying about loyal friends - “faithful as a Fila".
Because of their size, temperament and quick to aggression, this Brazilian Mastiff has been banned in many countries.
Sources: http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/fila-brasileiro
www.europetnet.com/resources/dog-breeds/item/1619-fila-brasileiro.html
http://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/Fila-Brasileiro.html
www.petwave.com/Dogs/Breeds/Fila-Brasileiro/Personality.aspx
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