What breed of dog is absolutely bred to be a farm dog and a devoted family companion? In my eyes, no other breed can even stand in the shadow of the Fila Brasileiro. This breed was developed in Brazil, where crime rates are high, and the people needed a large, strong, intelligent dog to protect the estates (fazendas).

The breed resembles a Bloodhound and Mastiff cross giving it a rather massive cuddly look. Don't be fooled though. This is not a breed that will let a stranger touch its long soft ears of its semi-wrinkled face and neck. It is no pushover and cannot be bribed into being your friend. It has what Brazilians call ojeriza or a natural distrust of strangers. This fine animal takes its job of home-guardian extremely seriously.

Surely you can see that this is not the breed for everyone. Although the breed is not taken to wandering, it should live where there is a sturdy fence or (more preferred by the Fila) in the home. This way strangers are protected from walking onto the dog's territory.

After hearing all this most people are leery of purchasing such an intimidating protector. Good! If you don't think you can handle a breed that has this much natural talent for its work then get a breed with a more mellow temperament. But, if you're still interested, this dog has much, much more to offer.

In Brazil filar means to hold or to secure. I believe this is describing the dog's heart. The devotion of this breed is legendary in its native country. "Faithful as a Fila" is a Brazilian proverb. When alone in the company of their owners, these dogs turn into comical clumps of adoration. Their place is on your feet (or your lap if you can breath beneath the 130 - 150 pounds of dog flesh!). They are always alert to strange sounds but are not indifferent or aloof as are many other guardian breeds. Their list of credits doesn't stop here!

This is one of the few working rare breeds that are, in general, not animal aggressive. Mine love to have baby lambs and goats fight for "king of the hill" on their backs. They are not usually used as a flock guardian, however. Their love is for their family first. They have intensity, but nothing as keen as a Border Collie. They have been used for hunting as well. Wildcats, boar, and other such adversaries have been successfully hunted with Filas. But the job they consider their number one priority is guarding their family and their territory.

The breed standard includes fawns, reds, brindles, black-brindles, and the occasional black. Minimum height for females is 24 inches, weight 90 lbs., with males 27 inches and 110 lbs. The breed is extremely agile for its size, surprising onlookers by its swiftness. The coat is short, dense, and easily maintained. The tail and ears are left natural. The Fila is athletic when you want to be, yet content to lay by the fire for days on end.

This article was originally published in Countryside & Small Stock Journal, May/June, 1998