Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro is a large Brazilian mastiff-hound with loose skin, a distinctive rolling gait and a temperament the breed standard itself describes as hostile to strangers.

History

It was developed in Brazil from mastiff, bloodhound and bulldog stock to work on large estates — tracking, holding cattle and guarding land. The bloodhound ancestry gives it the scenting ability and the loose skin; the mastiff gives it the size.

Temperament

The breed is known for extreme devotion to its own family and a deep, deliberate suspicion of everyone else — a trait Brazilian breeders name ojeriza and select for rather than against. That makes it unsuitable for most households and it is banned or restricted in several countries.

Care and training

It needs space, secure boundaries, sustained socialising and an experienced owner who understands guarding breeds. Exercise needs are moderate; the management requirement is not. Check local law before considering one.

Health

Known tendencies include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat and skin-fold problems from the loose skin. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.