Fila Brasileiros are large to giant-sized dogs. Males typically weigh 110 to 200 pounds and stand about 24 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller, weighing around 90 to 150 pounds, and stand about 22 to 28 inches tall.

Their muscular build and imposing presence make them formidable watchdogs, and they do best in homes with ample space and a large yard.

Fila Brasileiros stop growing by about three years old. They typically reach their full height around 18 months. However, they continue to gain muscle and reach their full weight by about three years of age. 

Switching these dogs to adult food once they’ve reached most of their full height at around 12 months old is advisable. Adult food is less calorically dense and will help ensure they develop at a safe rate, as growing too quickly can cause joint problems.

Yes, Fila Brasileiros shed. They have a short, dense coat that is typically smooth and lies close to the body. Their shedding is moderate, with the most noticeable shedding occurring during seasonal changes, particularly in spring and fall. During these times, they may lose more hair as they adjust to the changing temperatures.

Fila Brasileiros come in several colors, including fawn, brindle, and black. The most common color is fawn, which can range from a light cream to a darker tan. Brindle, characterized by a mix of fawn and black stripes, is also fairly common. Black is less common and considered rare in the breed. While these are the primary colors, some Fila Brasileiros may have white markings, particularly on their chest and feet.

No, despite their history as guard dogs, Fila Brasileiros don’t tend to bark a lot. Instead, they tend to be relatively quiet dogs, barking mainly to alert their pet parents of potential threats or when they sense something unusual. 

Their protective nature means they will bark when they feel it’s necessary, but they are more often reserved and typically only bark occasionally. Consistent positive reinforcement training, thorough early socialization, exercise, enrichment, and rest can help prevent or reduce excessive barking behavior as well.

Yes, Fila Brasileiros can be good family dogs in that they are incredibly loyal and protective of their family members, but they are mainly suitable for those experienced and informed in responsibly caring for such a large breed with a deep hunting and guarding history. 

The ideal family for a Fila should have experience with large, independent breeds and be committed to ongoing positive reinforcement training and socialization. They do best in a home with ample space for them to move around, as they are not suited for small apartments. Social families with people and other pets regularly visiting the home aren’t the best fit for this protective breed.

No, Fila Brasileiros are not particularly easy to train, primarily because of their strong-willed and independent nature. Bred for guarding and working independently, they tend to think for themselves, which can make training challenging for inexperienced pet parents. 

However, with consistent positive reinforcement and early socialization, they can learn a variety of cues and become well-mannered companions. It’s also worth noting that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

Fila Brasileiros respond best to confident and patient training methods that focus on shaping and rewarding desired behavior. An experienced pet parent who understands their independent streak and protective instincts will have better success in guiding their behavior. Incorporating scent-based games into training sessions is also a great way to maintain their interest in learning.

Yes, Fila Brasileiros are often quite friendly with their family members and people they trust. However, these big pups are typically wary, suspicious of, and sometimes defensive or territorial around people and pets they don’t know. 

If you hope to raise a Fila Brasileiro who can comfortably and safely navigate public spaces and accept new people and pets into their home, early, consistent, and extremely thorough socialization is crucial. 

Yes, Fila Brasileiros can be good with kids, but this may be limited to those in their own families. They are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, often forming strong bonds with children they grow up with. However, they can be wary or defensive around unfamiliar children. 

Especially due to their massive size and guarding history, it’s essential to supervise interactions between Filas and kids, especially those they don’t know, to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone involved. Early socialization and positive training can help them feel more comfortable around new people, including children.

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your dog to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

No, most Fila Brasileiors aren’t good with cats unless they were raised alongside them from early puppyhood. They can be prone to guarding resources and have a notably strong prey drive, which can create a dangerous living environment for household cats. 

It is certainly possible for Fila Brasileiros to live peacefully with their feline counterparts, but early socialization is critical. If you have kitties at home and are considering adopting an adult Fila or older puppy, it’s crucial to confirm if the they are friendly with cats before finalizing the adoption.

No, Fila Brasileiros don’t tend to have a lot of health problems. This breed is fairly hardy, especially considering that health problems are common in giant-sized dogs. With the right care and nutritional support, these massive pups often stay healthy and mobile long into their golden years.

Fila Brasileiros, like many large breeds, can be prone to some health conditions. Here’s a detailed look at some of the diseases they may face:

• Hip dysplasia: This genetic condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to loose joints and, over time, arthritis. Fila Brasileiros are especially susceptible due to their size. It can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving and is best managed with weight control, regular exercise, and, in some cases, surgery.

• Elbow dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this is an abnormal development of the elbow joint that leads to arthritis and lameness. Fila Brasileiros may experience pain or discomfort when walking, and treatment can range from medication and physical therapy to surgical intervention, depending on severity.

• Entropion: This eye condition occurs when the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to irritate the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to infections or ulcers. Filas are more prone to entropion due to the shape of their face, and surgery is often needed to correct it.

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Also known as bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Large, deep-chested breeds like Fila Brasileiros are at higher risk. Symptoms include a swollen abdomen, restlessness, and attempts to vomit. Emergency surgery is usually required to correct it, and preventive measures, such as feeding smaller meals and avoiding vigorous exercise after eating, can help reduce risk.

• Hypothyroidism:This condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues. It’s common in large breeds, including Filas, and is usually managed with daily hormone replacement medication and routine monitoring by a vet.

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): DCM is a heart condition where the heart becomes enlarged and weak, making it harder to pump blood effectively. Fila Brasileiros, being a large breed, are at higher risk. Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty breathing, and coughing. Early detection is important, and treatment typically involves medications to support heart function.

Understanding these potential health issues can help Fila Brasileiro pet parents manage and care for their dog’s long-term well-being through early detection, proper care, and veterinary support.

No, Fila Brasileiros are not hypoallergenic and their dander and saliva can contribute to the spread of allergens. 

To minimize dander in your home, routinely groom and occasionally bathe your Fila with hypoallergenic shampoo. Vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter, and use air purifiers to improve air quality. Washing their bedding and designating pet-free zones can also help create a more allergy-friendly environment. Opting for hard flooring instead of carpets can also make cleaning easier and reduce allergen buildup.

Yes, Fila Brasileiros need grooming, but the requirements are fairly low-maintenance. A rubber curry brush or a bristle brush works well for their short, dense coat, as these tools can effectively remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. Brushing about once a week helps minimize shedding and keeps their coat healthy and looking its best.

Additionally, Fila Brasileiros are known for their drooling, so it’s a good idea to keep a towel on hand to manage any drool. This will help keep your home clean and make dealing with their slobbery moments easier.

Fila Brasileiros are from Brazil, where they were developed in the 1600s. They were bred as working dogs, primarily for guarding, and tracking and hunting large game. Their strength, agility, and tracking ability also made them versatile on large farms, where they were used in managing cattle and guarding property. These dogs were prized for their loyalty and courage, with a strong protective instinct.

Fila Brasileiros typically live nine to 12 years, which is common for such large breeds. For comparison, Neapolitan Mastiffs live around seven to 10 years, and Boerboels and Rottweilers have similar lifespans of about nine to 11 years.

Regular vet visits, preventative care, a healthy diet, moderate exercise, joint and bone support, and a safe living environment can help your Fila Brasileiro pal live a long and happy life.