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y do people get dogs they cant handle r for just likes r just size only

chuckorlando

Well-Known Member
I can take Kona real close to people but never in bite distance. It only takes a precieved threat, real or not. Few days ago I was talking with a buddy. He slid his foot on the drive way and instantly kona went. But just as fast she stopped. You could see Kona's dislike for others very young. She just never had an intrest at all. And as only gotten worse at at 1yr she's the biggest bitch I have ever met in my life. Her parents we could see but no we could not meet them. But as AB said, if your good you can make a Fila do as you want period. Fact is though probly 95% of folks aint even close to that good
So just out of curiosity, does that attitude develop as they age? I can only assume that when people come to buy a pup they cannot meet the parents? Fila is NOT the dog for me, I just never knew about them before and it is interesting.
 

babyjoemurphy

Well-Known Member
After I read this thread i went and checked out Fila's. After about 1 minute of reading I knew they don't like strangers, and that if you are a person that throws alot of parties, don't get one. I'm not even getting a Fila but with what I read I never would while my kids are still home. Doesn't take much to find out about breeds.
As for having a puppy and it being too much......heck yes it's like having a baby that can bite and jump lol. Only with a baby you can have "Grandma" come over to watch him to have a break. Forget asking someone to come babysit yappy, bitie, peepoo head lol. People just need to "shake their heads" sometimes.
 

dpenning

Well-Known Member
So what is the draw to these dogs? Lots of dogs are protective of their owners and property without being that big of a challenge and or liability. What makes people want a Fila?
I can take Kona real close to people but never in bite distance. It only takes a precieved threat, real or not. Few days ago I was talking with a buddy. He slid his foot on the drive way and instantly kona went. But just as fast she stopped. You could see Kona's dislike for others very young. She just never had an intrest at all. And as only gotten worse at at 1yr she's the biggest bitch I have ever met in my life. Her parents we could see but no we could not meet them. But as AB said, if your good you can make a Fila do as you want period. Fact is though probly 95% of folks aint even close to that good
 

BlackShadowCaneCorso

Super Moderator
Staff member
I completely agree with research, research, research when it comes to these dogs but I also have to say that sometimes no matter the amount of research you do that sometimes there isn't anything that can prepare you for what a certain type of dog until you actually own one. And that owning a puppy for the first time and having them come into their temperament at 8 months can be a bit of a shock. I completely agree that these dogs are for life regardless of what difficulties you encounter along the way but I commend all breeders that take a dog back when it doesn't work out. I might not like or agree with people wanting to return a dog because they are having a baby, it turns out to be too much work, etc. but I would sooner have the dog back with me then stuck in a crate with very little time with a family.
 

babyjoemurphy

Well-Known Member
I agree 100%, but people need to talk to others before getting a puppy. And if you know the possibility of that puppies temperment being not what you want then you need to look at another dog. There is enough different kinds of dog out there to appease everyone.
Absolutely agree with bringing pup back to breeder. That should always be an option. I don't think I would buy from a breeder that didn't practice that. Even if it's not a pup anymore. The Mastiff society is so big, there should be no problem re-homing a Mastiff through the breeder. To a proper loving breed friendly home. Ya I know "In the real world" it doesn't work like that. Take our Murphy. The last thing his previous owners wanted to do was advertise him on kijiji (which is like CL) but after trying to have someone from the Mastiff community help, they had no choice because their needs feel on deaf ears........That is sad. So in reality this beautiful, loving, jello boy could have went from a loving spoiled home to a lonely sad one.

What I have learned is Mastiffs are extremely loyal and some do not do good with re-homing. They are stubborn and NEED OB training. Patience Patience Patience. Just that alone should make people think "Do I really have what it takes" All dogs come with their breed traits, some more then others, but your gauranteed it. I know I am getting to old for "high Maintance" so I don't get a Jack Russell, I know my EM won't live as long as a GSD, so I think can I handle it.
Puppies are like kids, they are here till the end. But the pup stays when the kids go off to school. I think its great when people realize they screwed up and the dog really would do better some where else. They should have puppy school for people wanted a dog lol. Start off with a pup and over the next few days bring in other dogs at different stages of life.

Ok I am rambling now. Its just something I really feel strong about
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
So what is the draw to these dogs? Lots of dogs are protective of their owners and property without being that big of a challenge and or liability. What makes people want a Fila?

We live in a nasty neighborhood, are in our 50's, lesbians ( there still is hatred out there for us ), and I made the mistake of hiring a couple of excons to do some handy work for us. While my mom was in the hospital, I had one at my mom's house. I warned him about her weimer, asking him to stay away from the dog for his own safety ( this was one crazy dog that everyone was afraid of ). When I returned to check on his work he was in the backyard with the dog. This guy has no fear of anything, thinks he can stare down and then make friends with any dog. when he's not in prison, this guy lives in our neighborhood and is good friends with the next door neighbor. We wanted a dog that would be neither intimidated nor accepting of strangers as friends. The fila fits that criteria perfectly.

We had looked into trained protection dogs (e.g., GSD, malinois, etc), but they were WAY out of our price range and supposedly would continue to need expensive training or refresher courses. We also heard from many dog experts/trainers that 90% of all dogs will not bite or withstand pressure. The fila is known for their protectiveness without any training at all (protection wise).
 

chuckorlando

Well-Known Member
Well all I can do is answer in theory. As you do have weak temp and nerved Fila's.

But in theory my dog needs to die for my son or wife. Period. No exception and no doubt in my mind. My dog needs to do what ever is called of her should any situation arise. Ah neo's and cc and all them other dogs. Well they aint Fila's. They cant move like one run like one, jump like one, turn like one. If she needs to clear 2ac to get the bad guy well then regardless of the terrain, she will. All with no training. And on the reverse side she needs to be EM at the house. Lay down, lick you to death, and as sweet as can be(Remember, Theory. hahaha). Kona aint at all hard to deal with. She is just fine around people. Loud, drunk, walking around, dont matter. mean looking 6foot 5 black friend of mine named AB. Talks like a bull horns strapped to his mouth. She will sit or lay right at my side while he's up and down and all that. Just because she's a Fila dont mean shes a blood thirsty freak. It means she's ready when time comes. She dont want to be friendly, so what, she dont have to be. I aint all that friendly my damn self. Your kid dont like sports, so what, dont make them play. Same thing. Kona is one of the easiest dogs I ever had. I dont consider a Fila a liabilty at all unless the owner makes it one. Why would people drink when drinking kills far more than any fila, or drive, or fly? Well cause they want to.

Untill you own one you just wont get it. You wont get how hard and or easy they are. You wont get the light switch mentality, you wont get the loyalty. When a soldier is in a hole and he KNOWS that guy next to him will kill and die for him, under any circumstance, thats the security you feel with a Fila. The loyalty and devotion. Maybe I'm just biased, but no dog is like a Fila
 

chuckorlando

Well-Known Member
Remeber, thats in theory. What she would really do, well you dont know. But if you want the best chance possible for a dog that will be your best friend and lay down their life for you with no training, well you only have one option far as I'm concerned.

She could roll over. hahahahaha. But I doubt that
 

Duetsche_Doggen

Well-Known Member
So what is the draw to these dogs? Lots of dogs are protective of their owners and property without being that big of a challenge and or liability. What makes people want a Fila?

What is it that draws people to mastiffs in general? There are lots of reasons some good others not so much.

I also find that the word "protection" varies greatly depending on which individual you ask. In fact many confuse "protection" with "watch dogs." Any dog can be a "watch dog" for example someone walking down the street, strange cars, doorbell ring, strange noise, etc. The only thing a "watch dog" does is alert the owner that something is there, possibly giving a chance for the owner to react. Protection dogs on the other hand are meant to do just that, if a threat is being made they are trained to ACT being it by bite or knocking an opponent down. Many people make the assumption that their dog will protect them, is a dangerous misconception IMO.

For example I wanted to see if Thor would do anything if someone came into the home and attacked me. After all he puts on a good display if he see's something or someone he doesn't like. Many dogs do this barking , growling, lunging at a "threat" from a distance. But what happens when there is no "barrier" there? And the dog is forced to face the "threat," what happens then? Does the dog stand its ground face the "threat" or retreat. Well I paid someone to come out and test Thor, ( though I had a feeling what would happen) needless to say I was right.....Thor confused more than anything he ran away and barked at the "threat" from a distance. :D

So in that retrospect some people might want a dog that would do a little "more." GSD, Dutchies, Mals, Rotts, are the usual top dogs that come to mind even if you do all your homework right there is still no guarantee you'll come out with a good dog. Then there are things like "sport" vs "working" BS, health, lifestyle choice, etc. With a Fila it takes out all the "guess work" of the dog, but again temps vary. As mentioned for someone looking for true "protection" the Fila, CAO, CAS, gull terr, are good "man stopping" breeds, but if your a social person, then these dogs are less than ideal. In fact even our own mastiffs at one point in time were probably great protection dogs until their temps became less important and were watered down. Personally I find these and many more "untouched" breeds fascinating.

I agree 100%, but people need to talk to others before getting a puppy. And if you know the possibility of that puppies temperment being not what you want then you need to look at another dog. There is enough different kinds of dog out there to appease everyone.
Absolutely agree with bringing pup back to breeder. That should always be an option. I don't think I would buy from a breeder that didn't practice that. Even if it's not a pup anymore. The Mastiff society is so big, there should be no problem re-homing a Mastiff through the breeder. To a proper loving breed friendly home. Ya I know "In the real world" it doesn't work like that. Take our Murphy. The last thing his previous owners wanted to do was advertise him on kijiji (which is like CL) but after trying to have someone from the Mastiff community help, they had no choice because their needs feel on deaf ears........That is sad. So in reality this beautiful, loving, jello boy could have went from a loving spoiled home to a lonely sad one.

What I have learned is Mastiffs are extremely loyal and some do not do good with re-homing. They are stubborn and NEED OB training. Patience Patience Patience. Just that alone should make people think "Do I really have what it takes" All dogs come with their breed traits, some more then others, but your gauranteed it. I know I am getting to old for "high Maintance" so I don't get a Jack Russell, I know my EM won't live as long as a GSD, so I think can I handle it.
Puppies are like kids, they are here till the end. But the pup stays when the kids go off to school. I think its great when people realize they screwed up and the dog really would do better some where else. They should have puppy school for people wanted a dog lol. Start off with a pup and over the next few days bring in other dogs at different stages of life.

Ok I am rambling now. Its just something I really feel strong about

People need to do a lot of things but that doesn't mean that they will do it. You can give some all the tools, support, and knowledge they will ever need but unless that individual takes it upon themselves realize their mistake its pretty much "useless." Usually people live in the now act on impulse and very seldom think about the "what ifs" just part of human nature, we all do it.
 

aceoutdoor

Well-Known Member
I may take some flak here and I don't want a newbie to get the wrong idea but Filas are not blood thirsty, nasty dogs. Most are not going to chase you down the street and if given the chance they won't maul. They will warn with a bite and if you stop the aggressive behavior, the Fila should stand their ground and wait for their owner to take charge. Leave a Fila alone and don't come on his property and he will leave you alone.

Angelbears I think in your experience with Filas and with your own dogs that may be true. But in the spirit of disclosure to any potential new Fila owners that is just not true with some driven Filas. They will certainly chase you down the street, and catch you. For some dogs just being in sight is enough for them to label you a threat and then they take charge without prompting. Filas make poor schutzhund dogs because many refuse to "out", its not a game to them and want to bite.

---------- Post added at 07:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:02 PM ----------

Ah neo's and cc and all them other dogs. Well they aint Fila's. They cant move like one run like one, jump like one, turn like one. If she needs to clear 2ac to get the bad guy well then regardless of the terrain, she will. All with no training.

Untill you own one you just wont get it. You wont get how hard and or easy they are. You wont get the light switch mentality, you wont get the loyalty. When a soldier is in a hole and he KNOWS that guy next to him will kill and die for him, under any circumstance, thats the security you feel with a Fila. The loyalty and devotion. Maybe I'm just biased, but no dog is like a Fila


Nice description Chuck. There is no other like them. And on the physical aspect you are spot on, the speed Filas can take corners even on loose downhill terrain is amazing, a 120+ lb dog taking a corner like a greyhound is sight to see.
 
Last edited:

Duetsche_Doggen

Well-Known Member
Well all I can do is answer in theory. As you do have weak temp and nerved Fila's.

But in theory my dog needs to die for my son or wife. Period. No exception and no doubt in my mind. My dog needs to do what ever is called of her should any situation arise. Ah neo's and cc and all them other dogs. Well they aint Fila's. They cant move like one run like one, jump like one, turn like one. If she needs to clear 2ac to get the bad guy well then regardless of the terrain, she will. All with no training. And on the reverse side she needs to be EM at the house. Lay down, lick you to death, and as sweet as can be(Remember, Theory. hahaha). Kona aint at all hard to deal with. She is just fine around people. Loud, drunk, walking around, dont matter. mean looking 6foot 5 black friend of mine named AB. Talks like a bull horns strapped to his mouth. She will sit or lay right at my side while he's up and down and all that. Just because she's a Fila dont mean shes a blood thirsty freak. It means she's ready when time comes. She dont want to be friendly, so what, she dont have to be. I aint all that friendly my damn self. Your kid dont like sports, so what, dont make them play. Same thing. Kona is one of the easiest dogs I ever had. I dont consider a Fila a liabilty at all unless the owner makes it one. Why would people drink when drinking kills far more than any fila, or drive, or fly? Well cause they want to.

Untill you own one you just wont get it. You wont get how hard and or easy they are. You wont get the light switch mentality, you wont get the loyalty. When a soldier is in a hole and he KNOWS that guy next to him will kill and die for him, under any circumstance, thats the security you feel with a Fila. The loyalty and devotion. Maybe I'm just biased, but no dog is like a Fila

Chuck that is deep.....wow.
 

dpenning

Well-Known Member
Actually Chuck and Angelbears, those are both great answers. Thanks for sharing your insight. Sometimes it is difficult for people in different circumstances to see the other side of things. I really appreciate the responses.

---------- Post added at 08:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:14 PM ----------

What is it that draws people to mastiffs in general? There are lots of reasons some good others not so much.

I also find that the word "protection" varies greatly depending on which individual you ask. In fact many confuse "protection" with "watch dogs." Any dog can be a "watch dog" for example someone walking down the street, strange cars, doorbell ring, strange noise, etc. The only thing a "watch dog" does is alert the owner that something is there, possibly giving a chance for the owner to react. Protection dogs on the other hand are meant to do just that, if a threat is being made they are trained to ACT being it by bite or knocking an opponent down. Many people make the assumption that their dog will protect them, is a dangerous misconception IMO.

For example I wanted to see if Thor would do anything if someone came into the home and attacked me. After all he puts on a good display if he see's something or someone he doesn't like. Many dogs do this barking , growling, lunging at a "threat" from a distance. But what happens when there is no "barrier" there? And the dog is forced to face the "threat," what happens then? Does the dog stand its ground face the "threat" or retreat. Well I paid someone to come out and test Thor, ( though I had a feeling what would happen) needless to say I was right.....Thor confused more than anything he ran away and barked at the "threat" from a distance. :D

So in that retrospect some people might want a dog that would do a little "more." GSD, Dutchies, Mals, Rotts, are the usual top dogs that come to mind even if you do all your homework right there is still no guarantee you'll come out with a good dog. Then there are things like "sport" vs "working" BS, health, lifestyle choice, etc. With a Fila it takes out all the "guess work" of the dog, but again temps vary. As mentioned for someone looking for true "protection" the Fila, CAO, CAS, gull terr, are good "man stopping" breeds, but if your a social person, then these dogs are less than ideal. In fact even our own mastiffs at one point in time were probably great protection dogs until their temps became less important and were watered down. Personally I find these and many more "untouched" breeds fascinating.



People need to do a lot of things but that doesn't mean that they will do it. You can give some all the tools, support, and knowledge they will ever need but unless that individual takes it upon themselves realize their mistake its pretty much "useless." Usually people live in the now act on impulse and very seldom think about the "what ifs" just part of human nature, we all do it.

I find it fascinating too, that is why I keep asking questions. :)
 

dpenning

Well-Known Member
What is it that draws people to mastiffs in general? There are lots of reasons some good others not so much.

I also find that the word "protection" varies greatly depending on which individual you ask. In fact many confuse "protection" with "watch dogs." Any dog can be a "watch dog" for example someone walking down the street, strange cars, doorbell ring, strange noise, etc. The only thing a "watch dog" does is alert the owner that something is there, possibly giving a chance for the owner to react. Protection dogs on the other hand are meant to do just that, if a threat is being made they are trained to ACT being it by bite or knocking an opponent down. Many people make the assumption that their dog will protect them, is a dangerous misconception IMO.

For example I wanted to see if Thor would do anything if someone came into the home and attacked me. After all he puts on a good display if he see's something or someone he doesn't like. Many dogs do this barking , growling, lunging at a "threat" from a distance. But what happens when there is no "barrier" there? And the dog is forced to face the "threat," what happens then? Does the dog stand its ground face the "threat" or retreat. Well I paid someone to come out and test Thor, ( though I had a feeling what would happen) needless to say I was right.....Thor confused more than anything he ran away and barked at the "threat" from a distance. :D

So in that retrospect some people might want a dog that would do a little "more." GSD, Dutchies, Mals, Rotts, are the usual top dogs that come to mind even if you do all your homework right there is still no guarantee you'll come out with a good dog. Then there are things like "sport" vs "working" BS, health, lifestyle choice, etc. With a Fila it takes out all the "guess work" of the dog, but again temps vary. As mentioned for someone looking for true "protection" the Fila, CAO, CAS, gull terr, are good "man stopping" breeds, but if your a social person, then these dogs are less than ideal. In fact even our own mastiffs at one point in time were probably great protection dogs until their temps became less important and were watered down. Personally I find these and many more "untouched" breeds fascinating.



People need to do a lot of things but that doesn't mean that they will do it. You can give some all the tools, support, and knowledge they will ever need but unless that individual takes it upon themselves realize their mistake its pretty much "useless." Usually people live in the now act on impulse and very seldom think about the "what ifs" just part of human nature, we all do it.

I find it fascinating too, that is why I keep asking questions. :)
 

chuckorlando

Well-Known Member
I've had alot of equipment stolen, house values have been cut down to 30k. And who cant pay a morgage on a 30k house right. But my main thing is my son. You see on tv where a kid just gets taken from a front yard or out of a bedroom window. Thats scary to me. Yea it might be a little extreme but it's peace of mind. We looking at land now. My goal is to fence the whole property. As I am in the shop all the time(my computer is in the shop, coffee, tv, etc) I want my son to be able to run that land playing. Just a couple ac. And my dogs will run the land just the same. If you want him, I believe Kona will be your huckleberry.

Let alone plant stock, steel, tools, race built buggies, trailers, and all that good stuff that she will need to watch. Night time everythings locked up. But during the day I could be grinding or cutting steel and cant see nor hear so I like the idea. And these crack and meth heads will try you in an instant if you aint looking
 

aceoutdoor

Well-Known Member
I've had alot of equipment stolen, house values have been cut down to 30k. And who cant pay a morgage on a 30k house right. But my main thing is my son. You see on tv where a kid just gets taken from a front yard or out of a bedroom window. Thats scary to me. Yea it might be a little extreme but it's peace of mind. We looking at land now. My goal is to fence the whole property. As I am in the shop all the time(my computer is in the shop, coffee, tv, etc) I want my son to be able to run that land playing. Just a couple ac. And my dogs will run the land just the same. If you want him, I believe Kona will be your huckleberry.

Let alone plant stock, steel, tools, race built buggies, trailers, and all that good stuff that she will need to watch. Night time everythings locked up. But during the day I could be grinding or cutting steel and cant see nor hear so I like the idea. And these crack and meth heads will try you in an instant if you aint looking

Chuck I am in the same boat as you. I have alot of equipment I worked hard for, and theives are everywhere. The same with being a dad, that is our worst nightmare and it does happen. Having fenced acreage with Filas elimates your concerns, well at least keeping people out. You still have to keep the dogs in.