Fila Brasileiro

Colors: Fawn, black, brown, brindle

Living: The fila isn"t suited to apartment life, by virtue of its size alone. like many large dogs, it isn"t

Recognized: FCI, CAFIB, CKC, NKC, APRI, ACR

 

Description

The Fila is well boned with a rectangular structure. Its Bloodhound ancestry is apparent in its long muzzle, pendulous skin, and superb tracking ably. Its muzzle is heavy with pendulous upper lips giving it a the Mastiff appearance. Its neck is very thick, with dewlap. The skin is of the most important breed characteristics. It is thick and loose all over the body, chiefly at the neck, forming pronounced dew laps, and in many individuals the folds proceed to the chest and abdomen. Some dogs show a fold at the side of the head and also at the withers descending to the shoulders. The coat is short, smooth, dense and soft. This breed may be any color, solid or brindle, except white, mouse gray, patched dogs, dappled, or black and tan. The typical colors are fawn, black and brindle. Brindles of a basic color, may have the stripes of either less or with very strong intensity. A black mask may or may not be present. In all permitted colors white markings should be limited to the feet, chest, and tip of tail. The white markings are not desirable on any other part of the body. The back is strong and straight rising gently toward the hindquarters. Its gait is measured and elastic, like that of a cat. His main characteristic is the pace (camels gait), moving two legs of one side first, followed by the two legs of the other side, which causes a rolling lateral movement on the thorax and hindquarters accentuated by the tail when its raised. During the walk he maintains the head lower than the back line. This fascinating carriage has earned it great success in dog shows. General Appearance A typical molossoid breed with powerful bone structure, rectangular and compact figure, but harmonious and proportional. Added to his massiveness a great agility can be easily seen. Bitches must show a well-defined femininity, which differentiates them immediately from males.

 

Temperament

The Fila Brasileiro is an excellent estate guardian. It does not hide its dislike towards strangers, consequently these dogs are not disqualified from the show ring for showing aggression to the judge. Such aversion is instinctive in Filas, so much so that the Brazilian breed standard advises judges not to touch the dog. However, the FCI standard allows for disqualification of excessively aggressive dogs, mainly when the owner doesn"t have enough control to show them in public areas. The breed is renowned for their faithfulness to family and friends, but this is not a breed for everyone. The Fila needs a confident, experienced, savvy owner who is aware of the breed"s innate tendencies. Filas are not well suited to busy household which entertain many guests, as they do not interact well with strangers. The Fila is a natural guardian breed.

 

Excercise

This breed is not for city life. A Fila Brasileiro need would freedom to roam and to run off leash. This breed would require vigorous exercise to work off its excess energies. A home in a suburban setting with a well fenced yard will be a most suitable living arrangement for the breed. Being a large breed, a Fila Brasileiro may appear to be an indolent couch potato. Actually, these dogs would need and would appreciate the opportunity for vigorous exercise.

 

Grooming

The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and wipe over with a piece of toweling or chamois for a gleaming finish. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

 

Health

Major concerns: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Minor concerns: none

Occasionally seen: CHD, Gastric torsion, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Heart problems, PRA, PFK, blood disorder, epilepsy

Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye

 

 

Click here to ORDER this PUPPY