Strong and brave breed, the Fila Brasileiro (also referred to as Brazilian Mastiff) is a true, faithful pet. This dog is quite robust and always ready to protect and his master, family and his territory. Indeed, the Brazilian Mastiff is an extremely loving dog. However, this breed’s strong protective instinct can cause certain inconveniences. Moreover, Brazilian Mastiffs cannot be trusted without a leash. The Fila Brasileiro is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Height: 23.5-29.5 inches Weight: 90 – 110 pounds Lifespan: 10-12 years
If the Fila Brasileiro is socialized at puppyhood, he will do well with children, provided that they are not misbehaving. Confident in themselves and their abilities, Brazilian Mastiffs are perfect pets for people that are looking for a good guard (while remaining absolutely obedient). Comparable Breed: The Mastiff and Bloodhound.
The Fila Brasileiro is a massive breed, definitely not suitable for everyone. He is incredibly strong and can be quite a challenge, even for the owner with an average experience. If Brazilian Mastiffs feel threatened, they can become extremely aggressive.
The Fila Brasileiro has a very short hair, so he is rather easy to care. Hence, occasional cleaning and brushing with a brush is all this dog needs. The structure of the coat is smooth, thick and soft, partially protects the dog from inclement weather. Brazilian Mastiffs usually come in few colors, including fawn, black and brindle.
Since this dog breed sheds moderately, it is enough to wipe the dog regularly with a damp cloth in order to remove excess hair. Bathe your pet only in case of urgent need. Because the Fila Brasileiro has a very short and smooth coat, he must be well protected extremely cold temperatures.
Like any other large breed, the Brazilian Mastiffs is prone to Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia. Also, these dog breeds are prone to Gastric Torsion, Bloat and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). The Fila Brasileiro has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
The male Brazilian Mastiff dog breed’s height is around 25.5 – 29.5 inches and weighs around 90 and 110 pounds. Female Brazilian Mastiff dogs can reach a size from 23.5 – 27.5 inches and weighs between 90 and 100 pounds. Male dogs are generally larger than females.
This strong, powerful dog is not suitable for dog breeders who lack in experience. These dogs are sometimes very difficult to manage. For this reason, the Fila Brasileiro should undergo a course of obedience at very young age. In order to teach this dog to be obedient and well-mannered enough, it requires an active dominant owner who will be able to impose the rules.
Dog of this size requires a large and securely fenced yard, where it can roam around and explore. Therefore, the Brazilian Mastiff is usually recommended for families that live in rural areas. Nonetheless, this breed can be kept in the apartment, provided that it exercises sufficiently. Brazilian Mastiffs enjoy regular walks on a leash, but they prefer to frolic in a safe, peaceful place.
Photo credit: Hugo Martins/Flickr
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