Fila Brasileiro?

[Savagechico]

I'm really interested in the breed, I have done a good amount of research as well. Does anyone have any advice on choosing a puppy & about the breed in general?? I really wanna know what I'm getting into.

 

[Rugers-Kris]

From another Fila lover,my advice would be to do even more research. I am totally in love with the breed and intend to add a Fila puppy to my family in the next year or so. I have been researching them for close to a year now and I can comfortably say that I know exactly what I am getting into. I have bought the books, watched the videos, asked for advice, asked for more advice, followed some amazing threads (Search Fila on this site and you will find tons of information) and then joined some facebook sites that are all about the Fila and am still reading, learning and researching most everyday now. The Fila is an amazing animal, I have never been so awed by a dog in my life. One thing I will tell you is that adding a Fila to your life is a big decision and you need to be sure that your lifestyle can support the addition as well as look into your future (as much as any of us can) and think about what you want or are interested in that may affect your decision. I am certainly not telling you not to get a Fila just offering my two cents as I have become one of the biggest admirers of this breed. I have planned ahead and am waiting because I will be building a house outside of town (Which I feel is a better fit for a Fila) and making sure that I have fencing and such that is appropriate for the breed. I am considering my new addition in the building of the house.....It takes some real thought, in my opinion. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Our fila seniors can help you but please research the breed first and know what your getting into.

 

[Savagechico]

I mean I've done a fairly large amount of research, I've grown a huge interest with them. I understand that they have "ojeriza" & they are a huge mastiff breed. They need a special diet, & a firm leader .. Would they be good with a fairly decent sized yard, with a good amount of time indoors as well? I would also take them on walks of course. Do they bark a lot more than other dogs? Due to their protective nature? I've owned a game pit, & an Ambully previously. Completely diff breeds I know ...

 

[joshuagough]

It would benfit you greatly to get some face time with Fila breeders/owners, to see the dogs in action.

This is definitely a line you have to do homework on.

 

[Savagechico]

Yea I found a breeder who just had a litter, I want to go visit them before I get the puppy of course. I hope I can see the adult dogs in action without getting my face bitten off lol.

 

[angelbears]

They will protect you but in return you have to protect them. That means not putting them in situations that could get them and you into trouble. They do not like people, period. They will not hesitate to protect you. They are very powerful. Add those things together and all it takes is a split second for a disaster.

You said you were going to walk your pup. Where do you plan on walking him?

 

[shodanusmc]

I seriously thought about getting a Fila years ago, but we have a eot of visitors and it would not be fair to constantly crate the dog. So I got a Cane Corso, and am row on our second cane Corso. Calm, leery great disposition and protective. I agree with the others, do your research, and know what to expect well a head of time. Best of luck

 

[Savagechico]

Of course, that's the reason I'm so interested in Filas. If they would risk their life to protect me, I'd do the same. You can't find that kind of loyalty in a person .. But are they obedient? I feel like if they're obedient & if I'm ready at all times to restrain them I should be good. I restrained my pits with nylon collars, I never believed in using choke collars. Even tho I bet I might have to since a 150-200 lb dog prolly will be stronger than me trying to lunge at somebody. But I'm kind of anti social and my neighborhood is desolate along with the fact that I'd avoid any situations that could cause trouble. I would socialize him during puppy hood but keep him away from people as an adult of course.

 

[angelbears]

Sounds like you understand the breed and would make a great owner. I always used flat collars until I got my male fila, Cane. He popped a nylon leash at about 4 or 5 months, I was on the other end and landed flat on my butt. Needless to say we switched to leather leash and a choke collar. He can walk right through the choke when he wants but it does give me a little more control. With our smaller female the choke is very effective and she will rarely pull against it.

Good luck can't wait to see pics.

 

[Savagechico]

Another question. Do you think from the publics perception standpoint that a Fila has a worst reputation than a pitbull? The only way I could imagine people finding it intimidating would be its size. I doubt many people know what a Fila is.

 

[angelbears]

I think pits have it much worse. Most people have no clue what a Fila is or its temperament.

You asked how hard they are to train, they are pretty easy because they want to please you so badly. However, they can be a bit stubborn. They do need a strong leader but not a harsh one. You have to treat them with kid gloves because they can get their feelings hurt and totally tune you out.

Like most mastiffs they don't need a lot of room. Both of mine are total couch potatoes. My two are the best house dogs that I have ever had, hands down. However, outside and they see something they don't like, they are the hardest dogs I have ever had to control.

I've never heard that they need a special diet. However, I do feed mine raw but not because they are Filas.

 

[Savagechico]

I heard that you shouldn't ever feed them puppy kibble, & that they need foods not to high in calcium for slower bone development. I was thinking about purchasing Blue Buffalo large breed, & supplement it with red meat, chicken, & occasional cheese cubes. I fed my pitbulls taste of the wild & natures variety. But yea, I was hoping my dog would be a couch potatoe for the most part, but have a lot of drive & heart during our excercise sessions.

 

[angelbears]

Yes, you are correct about no puppy kibble. All giant breeds have to be careful of calcium/phos. ratios. Others, can speak with more authority on kibble than I can.

You will fall in love with this breed if you can accept some of the limitations. If you have to travel, have you thought about what you would do with your dog while your away. You don't just take them to a kennel. My MIL may have to have major surgery this summer. I can't go because no one can watch the Filas.

 

[Savagechico]

I don't really travel often, the only time ill be away is for a few hours in the evening while I'm at school. As long as my puppy bonds well with my family I think I should be fine. Ill work my puppys schedule around mine, to avoid any problems. I definitely want to be the only one walking him lol.

 

[chuckorlando]

Filas are a unique breed. Theres no way to really train them to play nice. They are very easy to train. But all that training goes out the window when they turn on. You would have better luck making a wall sit and be soft. Kona also broke a nylon leash so we now have chain with leather handles. Kona is not a couch potato She loves it dont get me wrong. But she has a ton of energy and when she's up it's usually all zoom. Anyone the dog is raised around it will bond to. So if you have extended family I would do very very heavy socializing with them. Your house and theirs if theres a chance they may need to watch the dog. I mean heavy. Like everyday or couple days at least. You need to consider everything from fence to furniture placement to an emergency need to leave i 3yrs situation with a fila. Vet visits all that jazz can be an issue

 

[angelbears]

Yes, the vet can be an issue. Take your pup to the vet as often as possible while it is young. Take it for a weigh in or just to see the staff. Not an appointment that you have to pay for. Just a visit. Most clinics appreciate this.

 

[dogman#1]

Like everyone has said do more research, the more the better and go see some adult filas of different bloodlines. Know the differences between bloodlines and why they are different (not just looks). Yes, the fila barks at everything and everyone that it sees and hears but may get used to certain voices such as neighbors and tolerate it to a point so it wont go off when it hears them, the fila WILL try to bite anyone who it doesnt know period. you mentioned 150-200lbs.... A 150lb fila is a large male a 200lb fila doesnt exist. The biggest fila I have ever seen was a 160lb male and he was about 1" above the height standard... so a 200lb fila would either be grossly overweight or WAY too tall.

 

[Savagechico]

Yea I was just throwing numbers out there since they are huge dogs. But yea of course, I don't just go for looks. That's why I got into this breed, they look beautiful. But I also like their temperment & ruggedness.

 

[Smart_Family]

I would skip the blue buffalo. Nature's Variety instinct rabbit meal and limited ingredient turkey are appropriate for growing giant breed puppies under 2 if you wanted to stick with nature's variety.