This could get ugly! LOL... I'm going to copy and paste something that Brad just wrote in another post.
"The CO(insert Fila) breeding community is horrible. Everyone hates everyone, and they do some really shady terrible things to each other. IMHO they are all to blame - there is no one breeder who is not to blame for the issues. So, what you have to do is look at the dogs, and what they produce. Meet some of the dogs that they have produced - don't take any breeder's word for things."
My suggestion is don't fall for one line of BS too soon. Keep an open mind and as Brad says do your own research. I honestly think that both sides produce good dogs and bad dogs. Remember that most are out to make money, no matter how much they profess not to. I do expect that this thread could get ugly but hey, "Welcome to the Fila community".
Okay, with that out of the way let me say congrats. They are amazing dogs. However, they are very different than Ruger. At some point there will be no going to work with you, no peeing on costumes in Petsmarts, lol and when people come over you may have to put him up. But hey you have Ruger to be your social butterfly. I think you will have the best of both worlds.
Filas can be a lot more than just a mean asshole dog, if you or if someone you hire are excellent trainers. One of the first things I would do is look for a trainer. There are not many out there and be very careful who you choose, the wrong trainer can absolutely ruin a Fila. I paid good money and got someone who was well known in our area and he almost ruined Cane. Filas don't train like pits and mals. Talk to breeders to see if they have any suggestions. Ron Ackerman who comes on these boards may be able to help in this area.
Keep us posted I would love to hear about your journey as it unfolds.
---------- Post added at 12:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:41 PM ----------
Have you looked at this website?
www.filadog.com/welcome.htm
This should really get Juan going. However, to my knowledge she is the largest breeder in the states. Also has a lot of pictures of different Filas. I have not talked to anyone or read any personal accounts of her doing people wrong but the CAFIB folks hate her.
There is one kennel that I have heard a lot of negative things about and would stay away from and that is Lionsden.