What drew you to the Fila?

[karennj]

So until joining this board I had never heard of the Fila. When I saw it mentioned I looked it up to see what it was and just the description scared me! Then I started to wonder, what is it that would make someone say "I want one"? Just curious to understand what made people who have them decide on that breed?

 

[Ivan]

their temper, way of loving their owner and looks, a wolve in sheeps clothing like we say in the Netherlands

 

[WyomingWild]

My husband was the one who really wanted the Fila at first. He would talk about their temperament and how he wanted a dog that he knew would not back down if there was ever an attacker or intruder. I really didnt see the need to have such a protective dog/breed at first. We talked about it and researched it for a long time. Well, my husband then started his career in law enforcement and we moved to a very small (400ish people) town in Wyoming. We have a lot of transient people in the area so this sparked his interest again, along with his job in law enforcement, to look into getting a Fila. He simply did not want to have to worry about me when he was on night shift or away for teaching (he is an custody and control instructor as well).

My interest started around the same time. We have two other lovely dogs (one Boerboel and one lab). They are great dogs, but absolute lovers. They don't question any one, ever. I still didnt have this overwhelming desire to have such a dangerous dog. I thought, why? We have plenty of firearms in the house so there isn't much to worry about. But, I started to realize how comforting it would be to have a dog that's purpose for living is to protect me. That he would listen and be vigilant to guard our family. So I started my own research as well into the breed.

Meanwhile I was jogging and hiking a lot. Mostly jog with out my husband and hike with him. We also do a lot of trail riding and camping. But the only time I was able to run was in the mornings (early before dawn) or in the evenings. A couple things had happened while running that really made me feel vulnerable to passer-by's and people that did not have good intentions. I would run with our two dogs but they were oblivious. So basically I was sold. I didnt want to feel threatened or worried about being safe. My husband said I had to stop running until something changed, i.e get a fila. So we further discussed the breed with breeders and knew it was right for us

Ours is still a pup, but he already has a very special place in my heart. And he never leaves my side

 

[Miguel]

Their authenticity, because they have not yet gone the way of trend breeds.

Filas are, today, as they were several centuries ago, and still are a breed to be owned by people who understand the real and authentic piece of dog they have the chance to own.

And this cannot be said of a lot of molosser breeds, nowadays.

I never kept one, but know several of them, kept as real working dogs.

A beautyfull, majestic, breed.

To be kept, only, by very experienced dog hands, imho.

 

[spearchucker]

So until joining this board I had never heard of the Fila. When I saw it mentioned I looked it up to see what it was and just the description scared me! Then I started to wonder, what is it that would make someone say "I want one"? Just curious to understand what made people who have them decide on that breed?

I got out because of their unwavering loyalty and ability to protect as well as their desire to please their owners. I have since found that that I have made the right choice for me.

Why did the description scare you?

 

[karennj]

I guess what scared me was all the mention of having a VERY secure fence to keep the dog in and others out for their own safety. It also mentioned having to be ok with keeping your dog away from anyone not in your immediate family. I guess I would be nervous to own a dog that has a natural instinct to attack strangers even if their intentions are good. For example if your have a 10 yr old lets say and he decides to invite his friend over who just walks into the house would a Fila understand he means well or does it not matter? Do they go straight to attack or just maybe hold their ground and bark? Or what if your a single couple and have the dog for 3 years and then get pregnant. Does the dog accept the baby or not? We have family members and friends who just stop by so obviously they are not the breed for us.

WyomingWild I get what you are saying about your situation. My husband is a cop and used to work nights and that is when I got our first big dog. Now that she is getting into her senior years I decided I wanted a mastiff as they are a bit more protective by nature but I thought the great dane would be a good option because I also like to do therapy with my animals so I need a dog who is friendly with well meaning strangers.

 

[Ivan]

I have 2 children but when friends or familie comes around the fila's go in their cages, you cant take the risk. When many people come over you should not be taking a fila in my opinion.

Our fila's bark and attack and cant be trusted with other people than me, my wife and the children. Its a choice you gotta make; occasionaly visitors, no vacations (or taking the dogs with us) etc. A choice I never regretted.

Another reason for us getting a fila, I almost forgot mentioning, is needing a proper guarding dog. Our Alano espanol failed while breaking in and my wife and children need to feel safe at home. With the fila's no one doubts about beaking in, my wife can walk alone with the dogs at night, not be botherd bij some anoying people etc. She feels more safe and that gives me a good feeling

 

[angelbears]

A Fila is no worse than a gun. You keep your gun in a secure place, you make sure it is not laying on the kitchen table when people are visiting and you teach your 10 year old to always respect it and never get it out when his friends are over.

One big difference, I have never had a gun lick the tears from my face or step in front of me at the hint of danger. We also had a Fila that alerted us to a fire in our bathroom. No, it wasn't a Lassie moment, we were all awake and would have been able to get out safely but instead of thousands of dollars of damage we only had to repaint were the wall was scorched from the flames in a wastebasket.

A Fila is worth it and more. We have made sacrifices that most people wouldn't, then again most people don't have the love and the protection of a Faithful Fila.

 

[karennj]

Yea I was wondering how you take a vacation with a Fila but I guess you don't. So what happens if you have a child? Would they accept a baby into the family? I have NO intentions of getting one by the way. They are absolutely not a good fit for our lifestyle I am just so curious about the breed. I always knew there were dogs that were especially protective but they seem to be on a whole different level.

 

[Miguel]

They are, as a matter of fact, on a whole diferente level.

Primitive, yet unspoiled, breed, thar tdoes what it is meant to do.

One has to go very far, nowadays, to find such pristine jewels ( like the Ovtcharka,the Kangal, and a few others.

 

[Ivan]

I quess our fila's wil accept a new born baby but are also jeallous so I have to learn them to accept. Half a year ago I found a baby kitten, my vet said it was 2 or 3 days old. My fila's adore the little fellow and raised him. They accept him from the first day because they see the little thing is important to our family.

 

[WyomingWild]

A Fila is no worse than a gun. You keep your gun in a secure place, you make sure it is not laying on the kitchen table when people are visiting and you teach your 10 year old to always respect it and never get it out when his friends are over.

One big difference, I have never had a gun lick the tears from my face or step in front of me at the hint of danger. We also had a Fila that alerted us to a fire in our bathroom. No, it wasn't a Lassie moment, we were all awake and would have been able to get out safely but instead of thousands of dollars of damage we only had to repaint were the wall was scorched from the flames in a wastebasket.

A Fila is worth it and more. We have made sacrifices that most people wouldn't, then again most people don't have the love and the protection of a Faithful Fila.

Love this angel bears.

Karennj - yes, from my understanding, a fila will accept a baby into the family. Its yours and has your scent. Dogs know. they are extremely intuitive and I believe that they know when you are pregnant even before you know. When we decide to start having kids I will let you know how our fila does haha

 

[fila4me]

Yea I was wondering how you take a vacation with a Fila but I guess you don't. So what happens if you have a child? Would they accept a baby into the family? I have NO intentions of getting one by the way. They are absolutely not a good fit for our lifestyle I am just so curious about the breed. I always knew there were dogs that were especially protective but they seem to be on a whole different level.

I have been lucky in that my bff is a fila owner and lover as well, so we take care of each others dogs when needed.
My oldest skin came into a home with 2 adult Filas, one was 3, the other was 9 yrs old. They were amazing with the skins, like they had been around forever. My youngest was brought home to a young adult. The dogs have this amazing bond with my skins and will protect them until the end! They stand infront of them at the top of stairs, on the deck the skins get irritated sometimes and I love it!!

 

[AnnaL]

Have a question...
My ex husband is getting a fila and after reading your wiew of the breed I get a bit concernd. Our children wisits their father one weekend a month at the most. Would the fila accept them as part of his family or see the kids as intruders when he hits puberty?


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[karennj]

From past threads I have seen mention that people who need to be "welcomed" need to spend significant time with the dog (like at least once a week) however other people say the dog will accept whoever they say so who knows. Hopefully those with the breed will speak up.

 

[AnnaL]

I have been reading up on fila since I read this thread. Both here and on a couple of webbsites.
I have never heard about the breed until january, when the kids told me that daddy is getting a filapup.

My first reaction was positive, I do belive everybody is happier with a dog but now I am not so sure. He lives in a quite small three bedroom apartment in the middle of a big city. There is absolutly no possibility to kennel the dog, no garden just a balchony. It would be terrible for any dog to be locked in a bedroom for a whole weekend. And especially a dog that aperently is breed to be near the owner.


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[Ivan]

One weekend a month at most is verry little to my opinion a risk I would't take with my fila's. Overhere family comes verry little,less then once a month, they seem to recognize but I never trust them so they are locked up.

 

[angelbears]

What bothers me the most is trying to live in an apartment with a Fila. Not that an apartment is too small but having to potentially walk a Fila around a lot of strange people just to go to the restroom.

As far as your children go. I highly suggest that they go with dad to pick up the puppy and stay with dad the first couple days that the puppy comes home. I would also suggest that the kids visit at least once a week for the first couple of months. When we brought our Fila, Cane home. I had my grown son waiting at the house when we came home with Cane and he visited a couple times a week after that. There is only 3 people that Cane allows into the house. Myself, my partner and my son. Now, it doesn't matter how long it has been since my son has visited, Cane is always happy to see him.

 

[zebraworks]

Have a question...
My ex husband is getting a fila and after reading your wiew of the breed I get a bit concernd.

got to agree with above comment about it being ill-advised/crazy to get a Fila living in an apartment building if the Fila has correct temperament (although many in the united states do not have correct temperament).

I have a friend that my fila enjoys who is only over once a month but he was there visiting periodically from when dog was a small pup onward and ...another friend that was not there as a pup is distrusted even though he is over more frequently. it also could depend on how the kids behave too. It would probably help to have the kids spend a longer period of time early on to try to help acceptance (I have heard people placing articles of clothing from people with the dog to get them familiar with their smell but don't know if that actually works much as far as behavior between the dog and the person with the scent. Outside of correct fila temperament I would think potential problems could develop from other things such as high quality food, sudden movements by children or jealousy of attention given to children depending on the dog involved.

Not all Filas have the same behavior read this about understand different kinds of temperament that one experienced owner has noticed with different dogs: fila temperament dowdyarticle.pdf - Google Drive

 

[AnnaL]

Thank you so much for your tips and thoughts. They are very much appreciated.
I will most sertenly try to get the kids to visit the puppie every weekend I know the kids would love it.

As for different typs of dogs I have absolutly no idea on what preferences are preferable in Europe. Here in Sweden we have just one breeder and I am not sure they are breeding on fila any more. I know the dog comes from a line of great showdogs but I have no idea wich country. Germany, Netherlands or mayby Belgium.

Never the less I do get a bit nervous.
The kids are very good with reading bodylanguage of dogs as we have had a couple of problemdogs at home for training. But then again I am not to sure thats enough considering the filas character.





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