The Fila Brasileiro is the first genuine Brazilian dog breed, and a guard dog extraordinaire. Created by European dogs that were brought to Brazil during the Colonial period (likely including the Mastiff, Bulldog and Bloodhound), they were primarily kept on large plantations. There are three main clubs that are associated with this massive breed, each with its own standard. Unfortunately various scandals having to do with possible crossbreeding and falsifying pedigrees have arisen over time – and the different clubs have different views on which dogs are “correct” or even purebred. As might be expected, fanciers tend to side with one club over the others. An unfortunate situation for a breed which already might face extinction if not kept a close eye on.
Filas are a working breed that excels first and foremost as guard dogs, but are also adept at tracking, driving cattle and big game hunting. They have even been used as police dogs! Regretfully, in olden times, they were also used to return escaped slaves to their owners – as appalling as this job is now, it was a way of life in the eighteenth century. Today the breed can be a loyal and devoted companion, although are only for the serious and experienced dog fancier. Unlike some breeds in which an owner can adapt and “make the breed work for them”, this does not hold true for a Fila. An owner and a certain lifestyle will either be right or it will be wrong.
Fila Brasileiros are intense in temperament and not generally classified as friendly. As working guard dogs, they can be aggressive with people – so much so that at dog shows, judges aren’t even expected to touch the dogs! Distrust towards strangers is part of the breed standard itself. The word Fila actually translates to “hold or grab”, hearkening back to his days of grabbing cattle, large game, or even people. It is a breed that was bred to use its mouth freely, and still may do so when feeling threatened or challenged. As such, Filas are illegal to own in many countries around the world. One must take care when having friends over to the home as he is unlikely to be excited about the appearance of guests. 
The Fila Brasileiro is a hot-weather breed, doing best in warm climates. The short, low-shedding coat is adapted to the types of temperatures seen in their country of origin, and requires very little grooming. Lounging on a large property in the sun, this breed works best as an only dog as they aren’t known for their sociability with other canines. Neither do they get along with other animals (wild or otherwise) as they have very high prey drives. Finally… they may or may not get along with kids either – especially stranger’s children. Put these things together with their distrust/dislikes of strangers and one can see how they are not the right breed for most.
Filas are giant dogs that can weigh up to 180 pounds, so they don’t do well in apartment settings or areas in which they can’t stretch their legs. Neither do they work for owners who can’t be firm in their training and rearing. The best owners are those who are very experienced with similar breeds, and who can devote lots of time to serious socialization and obedience training. These molossers are not easy to train, for although they are intelligent, they aren’t keen on being told what to do. They are headstrong and need constant consistency.
Don’t be fooled by the Fila’s massive size and lumbering appearance… he is actually surprisingly agile, remarkably fast, and needs lots of intense physical exercise as well! Be prepared for long walks or other structured forms of activity – he isn’t big on playing fetch, or really most types of play in general. His temperament could be classified as serious, through and through, and that’s how he prefers his exercise. Once his workout is done for the day he is likely to be quiet and unassuming in the home, and will easily relax next to his owner. At least until he catches sight of someone walking past the window! He is fiercely devoted to his owner – whom he loves – but that fierceness comes with a price.
