Does anyone either own or know someone who owns one of these dogs? I heard their average weight is over 200lbs, they're SUPER protective of their family and never make friends with strangers. I also heard that they're really tough customers and have relatively few health problems compared to other dogs.

Can anyone verify any of these claims? Where can I find a good breeder?

Average weight should be no where near 200#'s. I think they have an over inflated reputation. I've only worked two, but both were way to defensive - seemingly bad nerves. Both owners however said that the dogs were unbelievable affectionate and gentle with their families (one had a 3 yr old daughter) and were wonderful guard dogs over there house and property - they just had to lock the dogs up when anyone came over to visit. May just have been poor socialization, but I think it is more likely a breed trait.

Hello,

The fila brasileiro is a giant breed , but a good fila shouldn`t weigh that much ( 200 pounds ) . A true male fila should be around 150 pounds. There is a fila club ( CAFIB - clube de aprimoramento do fila brasileiro ) that breeds them for the true standard, and this means OJERIZA or strong aversion to strangers . These dogs aren`t for the first time dog owner , because they can be a liability if you`re inexperienced. They are known to be great family dogs , but fierce ( you really must know what "fierce" means to know what is a CAFIB Fila Brasileiro )with strangers!
If you want my opinion , it`s not a breed I would own because they have limitations when you start working them deeply . They are more suitable as territorial guard dogs.

Regards
Tiago Fontes

Hi Tiago,

What do you mean by 'limitations'? Can you be more specific?

Is there a web address for CAFIB?

Thanx

Andy

I have only met a few of these dogs. Every year in DC we have a rare breed dog show on the Mall and I try to go every year. One year I was there and watching a class go on when a dog jumped on me and had her paws on my shoulder and was just staring at me. I turned and told her hello and gave her a pat. I asked the handler what kind of dog it was and he said "Oh shes a Fila" I about peed my pants- Completly irrational yes. I asked the guy- "I thought they were not friendly with strangers?" His answer "I dont know- shes not mine I am just holding her for a friend" Needless to say I was a bit worried and confused that a dog with that fierce of a repuation wasd allowed to be handled by someone who had no clue what they were doing. Turns out was a very young dog in the puppy class so it made more sense. And I dont know if they, meaning show dogs, have any differences in temperment than a working dog. I do know that the judges did not touch the dogs mouth to check for teeth- the handler had to do it-

The one thing I did find interesting - which is totally OT - now but at the same show- the Filas were walking around generally and being okay but whenever the call "Tosa coming through" was heard everyone made a wide and clean path and they all were muzzled.

I know this post does not help you at all but I felt the need to share my story about Filas- <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

What does OFA'd mean? *showning his ignorance again!*

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

When someone says the dog has been OFA'd they usually mean that the dogs hips have been certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to be free of Hip Dysplasia. There are varying levels of cert from Dysplastic to excellent- so when you are lookign to buy a dog- find out if the parents have been OFA'd and ask for the numbers. You can then check on the OFA website to be sure that information is correct and get the results.

Hi Andy,

First , I apologise for answering so late!
The limitations I was refering to are regarding drive changing in protection work.
For instance , a Fila will work only in defense drive and does not have a good level of prey to deal with the stress of being worked solely in defense. If you work them hard in protection you can have as a result an uncontrolled animal. It`s not a dog you can put control when working them hard in protection. I may be criticized for what I`m going to say , but if you buy a good fila ( one from CAFIB ) you have to let him be a natural guard dog , because they have strong aversion to strangers. You can obedience train them and they will respond fairly , but strong protection is against their selection. They are bred to be fierce and not allow strangers to approach them, THIS IS NATURAL TO A CAFIB FILA.

regarding the CAFIB web page , I don`t know if they have it, sorry.

My guess, if you want strong protection go with : well bred GSD, malinois or dutch shepherd. Here in Europe is easy to find good ones and they are far better for protection than filas. And I know them well ( the fila brasileiro ).

Best Regards
Tiago Fontes