Fila Brasileiro

[dogman#1]

It is important to remember that when i talk about Filas I am talking about the original not the mixed bred stuff that is being sold as pure. You will NOT see consistency in anything else so do not take what I am saying to include the giant, non working type, slobbering messes.

NeoBull, Those videos are not how they are like all day everyday..some of them are harder than other with some being so hard that they are somewhat uncontrollable unless the owner is well versed with large and extrememly dominant dogs. extremem socialization is key to owni g one of these dogs. Whoever said they cant live well in a city enviroment is mostly incorrect...for an apartment it is a definite no go. but for a residential neighborhood just outside of big cities it is fine. I live in a very populated place (Staten Island, NYC) and I never walk my filas with muzzles. I also never walk them through crowds or even on the sidewalks...I walk them in the middle of the street to give me enough time to react in case a kid or someone just darts out. I put my filas through intense socialization in the house as well and although they can never be loose around friends they can shut up and relax while in another room as long as the guests are not loud and busy. Are they for the average person? absolutly not but someone who has owned dogs with character in the past will have no problem adjusting to a fila and once you get one you will see that the Fila brasileiro isnt the best thing, they are the only thing.

Bentley, Google Fila 411 there is a website with ALOT of info and a facebook page as well.

 

[Ralo]

How old are the dogs in the videos? My Corso is pretty territorial and weary of strangers but I think if it came down to it he may keep his distance. Not real sure if he would truly protect or if he is just a deterrent.

 

[dogman#1]

21 months old.. thatis the importance of doing this test...find out what exactly he/she will do and how much stress they can actually take before breaking down. Also it is important to do it off property as many dogs seem protective while in their own turf but realistically are just territorial and more confident there...take them out of their element and they crumble. One needs to know exactly what their dog is capable of doing as well as its weaknesses if they are being counted on to protect their home and family effectively.

 

[Dogue]

What makes the Fila (CAFIB) so impressive is that it still remains in it's purest form. Those that choose to buy a Fila do not buy the Fila to change it. That's what's wrong with most dogs today. Dog registries have ruined most breeds. They no longer breed for function, just aesthetic, or should I say whatever the masses prefer. You want a mean ass looking molosser that behaves like a lab. No problem. You should visit some of the Neo groups online where a few breeders brag at how mean their Neos look and how friendly they are to strangers. And that's something to be proud of? The Filas aversion to strangers is in their DNA. Many Fila owners socialize the hell out of their pups; however, from a young age they show an aversion to strangers. These dogs serve a purpose and are the best security systems in the world!

 

[chuckorlando]

I socialize the hell out of Kona. Though she is more or less tolerant long as your 4ft away or so. But she has absolutly zero desire to be friendly. That aversion is th Fila. Only dog in the world that has it. I dont have any issue with friendly pups. Even mean looking lap neo's. But in a Fila thats simply not correct.

I have a landscape company. I have many many clients with dogs. Pitts, Rottis, boxers, all kinds of dogs. I have not one client who's dog tries to bite me. I typicly walk right in the back, spend a few minutes playing with the strange dog. They run up from behind me, I turn, they run off. Then try to sneak back up. Once their stones drop and they get close enough we become friends. Thus far, there been zero exceptions to this. It takes a very large or aggressive dog to scare me off. Worst case is I will have to play this dance 4-5 times before the pup will walk up to me. But they ALLWAYS become my friend.

That would likely never happen with a Fila. Even a softer Fila likely would'nt let a stranger in their yard alone and through the gate not back door. Even after seing me time after time, if that Fila is over 10m will likely never except me as a friend. Even if it would, it would take time spent with the dog, not just the dog seing me over and over again. Hell Kona's seen my buddy Fred a million times and she's still like to bite his ass. HAHAHAHAHAHA

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

What makes the Fila (CAFIB) so impressive is that it still remains in it's purest form. Those that choose to buy a Fila do not buy the Fila to change it. That's what's wrong with most dogs today. Dog registries have ruined most breeds. They no longer breed for function, just aesthetic, or should I say whatever the masses prefer. You want a mean ass looking molosser that behaves like a lab. No problem. You should visit some of the Neo groups online where a few breeders brag at how mean their Neos look and how friendly they are to strangers. And that's something to be proud of? The Filas aversion to strangers is in their DNA. Many Fila owners socialize the hell out of their pups; however, from a young age they show an aversion to strangers. These dogs serve a purpose and are the best security systems in the world!

+1

Its the same in the Great Dane group all brag about shows but ask if their dog can do anything else. Nope....why because showing is enough. I even questioned a few times if their dog would actually protect them. Responses I get are amazing: "Civilized society has no need for dogs like that" "My dog will protect me" " My dog is a companion, that's what I have a gun for" and blah blah blah, etc. I understand times change but in this day and age you should never let your guard down. I don't expect Thor to be a "grade A attack dog" or a Fila, lol, however I want him to stand his ground and defend if necessary.


I've been looking for dogs left "untouched" Fila sounds has the qualities I am looking for I just can't get over the bloodhound face, though.

 

[ruby55]

I've been looking for dogs left "untouched" Fila sounds has the qualities I am looking for I just can't get over the bloodhound face, though.

I think that's what I admire & respect most about this breed. Their bodies are athletic; there is no room for strangers in their lives; yet they have the soft, droopy look that I love so much. Their look is really deceptive, if you are not familiar with the breed.

 

[dogman#1]

Finally a non fila specific group that like dogs with proper temperament! To tell you guys the truth I absolutely HATE the way the Fila looks. It is very ugly, and dopey looking but if that is what I need to deal with for the best naturally protective dog in the world...im o.k with that. I really like the look of bulldogs and by bulldogs I mean APBTs. so this is very different and sloppy looking compared to an APBT but man does that Fila character win you over quick. the first time that you realize that this dog would really lay down its life in place of yours in a heart beat is when you realize what a truly amazing creation it truly is. Nothing compares to it despite it's goofy appearance. By the way dont think to go to non CAFIB to get the mastiff look instead because you will likely not get the proper temperament as well. This is not to say that non CAFIB dont have temperament..they do have atleast some Fila blood in them and many do have proper and even hard temperament it is just that when i spend my moneyI want to have the best odds to get exactly what I wanted

 

[NeoBull]

I have a question... what would you do with a Fila if you wanted to go on a vacation? Do you have a close friend or family member that the dog knows well enough to watch them? Or do you have a local kennel where the kennels have outdoor access? Like when I board my Doberman, it's always at a facility where he can be inside, outside, and fed without any contact if necessary (he's usually OK with women though so it hasn't been an issue). But I'd think the whole kennel thing would be more stressful for a Fila.

 

[allsierra123]

This came up on the fila board recently. Yeah they dont like to be away from there people at all. But if it was needed your suggestion about no contact baording was the best thing we could come up with. Delilah is mixed and still young but is already displaying a proper temperment at 20 weeks. So we have been making arangements an prepairing for the time when she will need to be boarded. For the most part we fully intend on taking her with us to most places that we go on vacation to. My mother in law has been spending weeks on end staying here to socialize the dog around her. So that that is working as far as she goes. but usually most places wont board a dog like this unless thye have the proper facilities to do so without putting there staff in danger.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

I've looked at just about everything from the usual Rotts, GSD, Dobies, Dogo/Presa Canario etc but never felt any type of connection. The dane I got into by "accident" working as a kennel assistant their personalities just amaze me, I know I will at least have one in my household. I checked out the BK, CAS, CAO, Kangal, Boerbel, all seem like good candidates but I need something to fit my lifestyle.

So far I'm having little luck with the BK especially since there is not official standard people are just breeding them to whatever dog available to get better "fighters" in PK, so you get 5 to 7 different types of BK. That's a bit too rouge for my tastes. So my search continues yet again.

I'm female and live alone my home is my place of zen and peace. I'm not social outside of work and only venture out if needed which includes travel which is never. I live in an "OK" area but I get people that do bother me. Case in point last night a car pulled up in my yard and started honking the horn. I turned off the light and went into the other bedroom. I stay in a house that was converted into a duplex, its the only house area surrounded by woods and businesses. I figured they were for the neighbor next to me but nothing, the car stated for about 7 minutes. Then the car left and came back and parked behind the woods diming the light. While I wasn’t shaken I was still nervous.

Since I was hardly able to find “working” danes in my quest I figure the next sensible thing to do is find another breed. I'm looking for a dog breed that will guard the home the protect me. I have a "watch dog" I am looking for a "guard dog" but I'm not looking for anything "crazy" just dog that will do something if you try it.

Dogman I applaud dogs that show the desire and eager to do their job. Too many good breeds have been “watered” down because they don’t “fit in today’s society” I don’t want a Dogo to act like a lab if I wanted one I would get a lab. For my situation I want a dog that will do what it is specifically breed to do which is to guard. This is why I love this forum friendly knowledgeable people who are “down to earth.”

 

[dogman#1]

DD, yep, a fila is usually very quiet and almost lazy at home...they are like jekyl and hyde (sp?)...doofy lap dog one second extreme protection the next (even when you dont want them to be, ie a friend comes over). This is the breed that I have waited for my whole life, the one that everyone else promises but never delivered...To me this is one of the main reasons why dogs were domesticated in the first place. they warn and protected their pack and it seems that is lost in all these "protection breeds" the fila still has it and it is def a sight to see.

 

[Kelly]

I watched a show once it was called the 10 best guardian breeds. The corso was on that list, but number one, and dont laugh, it was the giant Schnauzer. ????

 

[chuckorlando]

I have a client with a giant schnauzer. The dog allows me to walk right in the yard and pet it. Dont know me from Adam. I find most dogs will bow down to me if I just stare in their eyes. If that dont do it, just jump at it like I want to play. But most just walk right up and want to smell my hand.

A fila is the ONLY dog with ojeriza. It not only wants nothing to do with yu, but automaticly assumes you can not be trusted. You train a Fila listen where other breeds you train guard. A Fila owner with a decent temperment is more concerned with keeping their dog away from you than you away from their purse or wallet.

We've managed guard dogs for the orange county sheriffs police impound. Dogs were so viscious only one person could feed, cage, or call the dog off. If could even see you from his cage, he would try to get you. That took training and was basicly a monster. I have every penny in my bank that say's Kona will do as good or btter in the same arena with zero attack or guard training, and less danger to the public and far better life for the dog

I've also found that Fila owners tend to be just as loyal to their breed. Hard to find a Fila owner that new what theu were getting into, that dont fully believe they are the best breed under the sun.

Now come on guy's, that hound face is AWSOME. In my opinion the blacks and yellows are the best looking. Some Fila's are not very pretty at all. But my BOO is beautiful with her saggy eyes goof ball look

---------- Post added at 03:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:00 PM ----------

As far as travel, well she goes with us. We made sure to socialize her around my parents and sister. So they are an option. But when we travel it's to race or ride or mini buggies off road. My mom and pops also come as m pops drives a buggy. So Kona can be crated when no one is around but usually she hangs out at camp with my mom. Mom is scared of the buggies.

This is just one aspect of this breed that really must be thought about before buying one.

 

[chuckorlando]

As far as travel, well she goes with us. We made sure to socialize her around my parents and sister. So they are an option. But when we travel it's to race or ride or mini buggies off road. My mom and pops also come as m pops drives a buggy. So Kona can be crated when no one is around but usually she hangs out at camp with my mom. Mom is scared of the buggies.

This is just one aspect of this breed that really must be thought about before buying one.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

There are some that I like and don't like however if it can do the job its worth its weight in gold. Anyone mind PM'ing me reputable breeder links so I can talk with them?

 

[angelbears]

Chuck, just wanted to warn you before someone says something that might hurt your feelings or piss you off. Cafib does not believe that you have a true fila. In their standard there is no such thing as a black fila.

Duetsche, I'm sure you'll get a pm about only getting Cafib Fila, I honestly don't know enough about either group of breeders but I have seen both type of dogs. I have heard bad about both groups. So, I would just advise you to not rule out either but call a lot breeders and take your time in deciding.

BTW, I am not a breeder and I have never sold a puppy, so I have no skin in the game. My male is considered an Americano Fila and my rescue has some cafib lineage. Both are wonderful dogs and I trust them with my life.

 

[Cody]

Love the vids! Amazing dogs... I personally love the look as well
But again, I am betting that no matter how much is read and research is done, it is still a shock to own the true temp.
How do you prepare for that unknown, lol.
It is the Western way to take a dog, with true temp and then water it down. Unfortunately you can see it happening in every working breed. I was recently having a conversation about this very issue not that long ago.
People claim they want "hard" temp, but in reality there are not that many people out there willing or understand what that means and the work involved.
Unfortunately we are going to see more and more of this in all our breeds

 

[chuckorlando]

Angelbears I dont care what standard my dog fits or dont fit. She's awsome as she is. Looks awsome and in my opinion better than ALOT of other Fila's. She has a good temperment by any Fila standard outside of full on hard. I have zero plans to try to have her tested. I live my life to be hated by haters and my perfect pup is an extension of that.

I could care less about their personal pissing match. If one cares to pay my vet and food bills, I'll care what they think. Untill then their just great places to get solid info.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Angelbears it sounds like the Dogo/Presa "issue" as usual its about politics, I just stay out of it and focus on the REAL deal. I am not looking for a pup now I might obtain a Fila when Thor passes on hopefully that won't be for years. Like I mentioned I research a breed for years before I make an active decision. Until then I'll enjoy the dog soon to be dogs I have now.