Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Breed Name

Fila Brasileiro

Life Span
:
10–13 years
Size
:
Large
Space Needs
:
Medium Home
Availability
:
Rare
Temperament
:
Friendly, Intelligent
Grooming
:
Medium
Energy Level
:
Medium
Bark
:
Average
Shedding
:
Low
Litter Size
:
4-10 puppies

Additional Information

About Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, originates from Brazil. The name "Fila" in Portuguese means "to hold" or "to arrest", referring to the breed's ability to hold prey or intruders. It was developed from Spanish Mastiffs, Portuguese Mastiffs, Bloodhounds, and Old English Bulldogs for tracking and guarding plantations.

Life Span : 9 - 11 years

Availability : Easy to get

About Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro, also called the Brazilian Mastiff.The Fila Brasileiro was developed by Brazilian ranchers who needed a fearless, all-around working dog of enormous strength and stamina that could hunt large game, guard livestock and protect property and possessions. The breed was named after the Portuguese word “filar,” which means “to hold or secure.”

Breeds thought to have contributed to the modern Fila Brasileiro include the Bloodhound, Bullenbeisser, Mastiff and Rafeiro do Alentejo, forming the basis for his exceptional tracking skills, courage, tenacity, herding and guarding instincts and loose skin. Developed strictly as a working dog, the Fila was not bred to a fixed “type” until the 1950s. The official Brazilian breed standard was developed in the 1960s.

The breed developed a following in the United States in the 1970s. The Fila Brasileiro Club of America was formed in 1984, followed by the Fila Brasileiro Association in 1992.

Fila Brasileiros have a unique temperament. They are 100% devoted to their family affectionate, playful, incredibly loving with kids; but they are also fiercely protective of those who they consider to be their family.

Visits to Groomer- Low

Drooling-No

Bath-Regular

Tolerance to heat- Basks in it

Tolerance to cold- Loves snow

Exercise Requirement-Lots

Under Coat-No

Colour- Black, Red, Yellow, Brindle

Coat Type-Smooth

Hair Length-Short

Hair Density-Dense

Fila Brasileiro are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Brasileiro will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

Bloat

Elbow dysplasia

Hip dysplasia

Progressive Retinal

Atrophy

Gastric Torsion

Temperament
Fila Brasileiros have a unique temperament. They are fully devoted to their family affectionate, playful, incredibly loving with kids; but they are also fiercely protective of those who they consider to be their family. They make excellent guard dogs, but they should only be adopted into families who are experienced dog owners. They are also the most loyal breed of dog.

Training & Intelligence
Training and socialization needs to begin early on in the life of a Fila. They can exhibit extreme dominance, so it is critical to establish leadership as early as possible. Do not ever treat a Fila harshly. While they are completely devoted to the ones they love, they won't hesitate to bite if they feel they are being threatened. Calm-assertiveness and lots of patience are important. Filas respond well to lavish praise and treats.

Breeding
Litter Size-4 to 10 puppies (approximately)

Complication in Breeding-No

Procreation
Fila Brasileiros are generally healthy, living on average about 9 to 11 years. Generally a dog takes around 18 months to reach his or her full height and structure. It is advisable to breed your dogs after at least two years of age. If you are a first timer at breeding then taking a vets help.

Be the Best Dog Parent You Can Be

(Join 2M+ Dog Lovers Across The Globe)

Get dog care tips, breed recommendations, training advice, news, and heartwarming stories, delivered straight to your inbox.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Got questions about your dog’s health, behavior, or daily care? Find quick answers to the most common concerns dog owners have.

    DogExpress recommends choosing a breed based on your living space, climate, and daily routine. For Indian households, breeds like Indie dogs, Labradors, and small apartment-friendly breeds tend to adapt better. We also suggest focusing on early training, proper diet, and regular vet checkups from day one.

    According to DogExpress, breeds that adapt well to Indian conditions include Indies, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and smaller breeds like Shih Tzus and Pugs for apartments. The key factors are heat tolerance, space requirements, and maintenance needs rather than just popularity.

    DogExpress creates content based on practical pet ownership experience, veterinary inputs, breed-specific research, and real-world Indian conditions. Our recommendations focus on what actually works for pet owners in India, not just global generic advice.

    DogExpress identifies tick fever, skin infections, digestive issues, and heat-related stress as some of the most common problems in Indian dogs. Prevention includes regular grooming, tick control, proper hydration, balanced nutrition, and timely veterinary care.

    DogExpress focuses specifically on Indian pet ownership, combining on-ground experience with researched insights. Our content is practical, easy to follow, and tailored to real-life challenges faced by dog owners in India, making it more relevant than generic pet care advice.

    Scroll to Top