The Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro is one of the newest breeds to be introduced to this country. Although there are examples of this breed in Germany, until recent times it has remained virtually unknown outside Brazil. Now, dog lovers are discovering this, and other, South American breeds. The Fila Brasileiro, the Argentine Dogo and the Peruvian Inca Orchid have attracted much attention and seem destined for greater popularity.

The breed takes its name from the Portuguese word filar, which means "to hold or secure". It is difficult to accurately pinpoint the Fila Brasileiro’s precise origins. We do know that Portuguese and Spanish Conquistadors arrived on Brazil’s shores accompanied by their dogs. In all likelihood, these were large, powerful dogs that aided their masters in subduing the native population. It is known that the forerunners of our modern Bulldog and the English Mastiff were great contributors to his heritage. Bloodhounds were also used to provide greater scenting ability. Undoubtedly, these dogs were bred with local, indigenous breeds. What early breeders succeeded in producing was a dog specifically suited to the conditions of his Brazilian homeland. Those that still remember Fila Brasileiros of the early 1900’s say that the breed has changed little in the intervening years.

The Fila Brasileiro is a multi-purpose breed that has seen many used in Brazil. In colonial times, the Fila was used to track down Indians who were then doomed to slavery. One can only imagine that the natives must have been terrified by the huge, ferocious dogs. Sugar cane plantations often employed Filas to trail and apprehend runaway African slaves. It is said that the breed accompanied explores on their forays into the jungle wilderness. They found the Fila to be a dog of great stamina, able to withstand the rigors of the humid, steamy climates, and virtually impervious to the stinging insects. The Fila Brasileiro was a strong swimmer and had no difficulty fording streams. Sometimes, these dogs were used for hunting the wily jaguar of the fearsome wild boar. In some parts of Brazil, he earned the nickname Onceiro (or jaguar hunter) for his prowess in the hunt.

While the Fila Brasileiro certainly doesn’t fit our concept of a stockdog for working cattle, the Brazilians have, indeed, used him for this purpose. In Minas Gervals, which some believe to be the original home to the breed, he gained a reputation as a valued cattle dog. At times he protected domestic herds from predators and rustlers, but he was also used to round up largely wild cattle that had been turned out to graze. When dealing with reluctant bulls, the Fila usually grabbed the large beast by the ears, the nose, or the cheeks and held him until he could be lassoed by the cowboys. Ranches sometimes employed a brace of Filas. While one grabbed the bull’s head, another would nip at the hocks to subdue the animal. The Fila was a frequent companion on long cattle drives and served as protection for both men and cattle.

The Fila is a large dog, with males measuring twenty-seven inches at the shoulder and bitches standing twenty-four inches in height. Males should weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, while females should be at least 90 pounds. The Fila is a strong dog with large bone, and he gives an impression of power. He has a massive head with rather houndy ears, which are a remnant of his Bloodhound ancestry. This background is further evidenced by his dewlap and thick, loose skin. He comes in all solid colors except mouse gray and white, and brindles are quite common. The Fila has some distinct characteristics that are rarely seen in other breeds. He is one of the few dogs that stand higher at the croup than at the withers. Although it would be considered a fault in other breeds, the natural Fila gait is a pace (called the "camel pace"), which causes the dog’s body to rock back and forth with a peculiar rolling motion.

The Fila has gained a reputation for attacking first and asking questions later. Actually, this does not adequately describe the breed’s temperament, for the Fila is uncommonly devoted to his owner and his home. Filas bond very quickly and very closely with their families, and they thrive on love and attention. Owners report that the breed seems to have a special gentleness and patience with children. Dr. Paulo Santos Cruz describes the breed’s extraordinary devotion to his owner, "You captivate him. He thinks you are fantastic, you are his, and so, no one is allowed to disturb you. His adoration will grow for you as this friendship deepens. He will only be happy when he is near you, and he will only ask to be able to lie by your feet."

The Fila Brasileiro Club of America touts this breed as "the world’s best natural guard dog". At the same time, a very old proverb in Brazil, "faithful as a Fila dog," demonstrates the breed’s legendary capacity for devotion to family. The Fila Brasileiro is not a breed for everyone. He is very wary and distrustful of strangers, and visitor to a Fila’s home must be formally introduced to the dog. There is great responsibility in owning this breed, for they have a natural aversion to strangers and, when they perceive a threat, they will attack. With proper socialization, they will become valued family members who can discriminate between a real threat and an unintentional occurrence. Vincent Tucci, a Medford, New York, breeder of Filas, says, "Much has been written of late of the aggressive nature of this breed. This is not to be interpreted as condoning irrational savagery, or as being a danger to his own family. An agitated or restless disposition is highly undesirable. Good specimens, although they are ready to attack on provocation, will demonstrate the firmness of nerves in the clam way of walking, serene and self-assured, and they pay no attention to commotion or strange noises." Indeed, many owners have found that the Fila is calm and quiet when he is away form his home. They say that he will react aggressively only when he is confronted by a direct threat.

Clelia Kruel, a noted Brazilian Judge, has raised many different breeds in her thirty years in dogs. This energetic and dedicated woman has done much to popularize the Fila Brasileiro in this country. "We have had Filas for ten years," she says, "after making a careful selection for a reliable guard dog. We wanted a strong, faithful, courageous and fearless dog to guard our two children when we were traveling. After screening the most probable breeds, we selected the Fila Brasileiro, and we’ve never been disappointed. The Fila is the only dog that has a natural attack against strangers, and that is humble, obedient and very sweet to his owner and his family, especially to children.

The main difference between the Fila and other guard dog breeds is that he attacks and defends his territory without going through any training. Quite the contrary, obedience training is a must and can be done in six months time to have the dog absolutely under control. In the ring, the judge is able to put his hands on the Fila as long as he has been trained to accept such a situation."

Those who regularly temperament test both puppies and adults have been able to observe, first hand, the Filas natural aggressiveness toward strangers. As puppies, they routinely test in the most aggressive category. In temperament testing adults, the Fila is awesome. While other breeds’ reaction to stimulus is mainly attributable to their training, the Fila reacts instinctively in a very aggressive manner. They will not tolerate a threat, and the tester is immediately confronted with a bold and angry dog that leaps, in a surprisingly agile manner, for his throat. He should not be faulted for such reaction as it is an inherent breed characteristic. Because of this propensity, it is essential that owners follow Mrs. Kruel’s advice and make sure that they have a properly trained dog that can be controlled by his master. The Fila is forceful and strong, but he will provide you with great security and devotion if you take the time to work with him.

The Fila Brasileiro is the most popular breed in Brazil today where more than 8,000 are registered annually. He has become an esteemed protection dog for city dwellers, and is often used to guard factories, warehoused and other places of business. Brazilians have discovered, in Clelia Kruel’s words, that "his greatest value is not in beauty or in his admirable and impressive structure, but in the unique character of the dog." Many Americans have been attracted to the breed for jus this reason, and are finding that Clelia Kruel is correct.

"The Fila Brasileiro is what you want him to be." Clelia says, "He may be a killer of sweet as a lamb, it all depends on his owner. It is the entire responsibility of the breeders to preserve the temperament to this unique breed, and to keep the image of the faithful, obedient, loyal companion that he is, besides being a terrific guard dog."

Taken from pgs.93-95 of "A Celebration of Rare Breeds"