The Fila Mastiff - What You Need to Know

The Fila Mastiff, also known as the Fila Brasileiro, Cao de Fila and Brazilian Mastiff, is best known as Brazil's national dog. The first Fila Mastiffs were bred from the Mastiff and the Bloodhound, giving it the strength and bravery of the Mastiff with the scenting ability of the Bloodhound. Because of their unique traits, they were primarily used as working and guard dogs to protect cattle from cougars.

One of the unique traits of the Fila Mastiff lies in their joints. They have very loose leg and spine joints, which enable them to change directions very quickly, even while running full throttle. This combined with their scenting abilities and their ability to hold on to their prey makes them very good game dogs. At one point, they were even used to track escaped slaves!

Fila Mastiffs are solidly built, with big bones and loose skin. They have short, smooth coats that are very easy to take care of, and are often tan, brindled, or yellow in color. These dogs are typically very large, reaching up to 30 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 110lbs. Their size has not only made them very formidable as guard dogs, but as favorites in family homes and the showroom.

What people really love about the Fila Mastiffs, however, is not their appearance but their temperament. Fila Mastiffs are fiercely loyal and protective even as early as their puppy stages, and tend to be very wary of strangers. These dogs were specially bred to be unfriendly to strangers, and will protect their master from any and all harm. In some dog shows, one of the criteria for judging Fila Mastiffs is that they should not let the judges touch them.

What you have to remember when it comes to the Fila Mastiffs is that they are not dogs for beginners. Owners always need to be the dominant partner in the relationship to be able to control these dogs, or they will become undisciplined and may even attack random people off the street. There are some countries where the breed is banned for their rough nature. Fila Mastiffs also tend to be very energetic when they are young, and only quiet down at adulthood.

If you plan on getting one, then make sure that you exactly what you're getting into: you will need to get them used to socializing and wean them out of the instinct to chase after prey. Fila Mastiffs can be aggressive to other dogs when not socialized properly, so remember to go out often.

The upside to it is that they are easy to maintain, especially when they reach adulthood. They do not shed, are not picky eaters, tend to be quiet in adulthood, and are not fussy in nature. If you don't have any problems controlling your dog and keeping them occupied, then you'll find yourself a good and protective partner in the Fila Mastiff.

Fila Mastiffs are best bought from breeders to ensure the purity of the line. There are many breeders now that breed Fila Mastiffs with the English Bullmastiff to give them a gentler temperament. This line of Fila Mastiffs are better for households with young children, but people who want their Fila Mastiffs pure and true should take this opportunity to examine the family tree of their pup of choice.

photo by Crucsou-Barus