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Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro)
Large Breed
The Brazilian Mastiff is a large, powerful and athletic breed of dog. They are protective of their owners whom they absolutely adore. Despite their large size they are a very agile breed and extremely courageous.
Breed standards
Country of origin
Brazil
Weight
Males minimum 50 kgs/100 lbs; Females minimum 40 kgs/80 lbs (standards may vary)
Height
Males 65-75 cm/25 1/2 - 29 1/2 inches; Females 60-70 cm/ 23 1/2 - 27 1/2 inches (standards may vary)
Coat
Short, smooth, dense and close to the body
Markings
Most solid colours are permitted; brindle can also be found. Black mask may be found; white found on the feet, chest and tip of the tail.
Lifespan
Average, 9-11 years
They are talented hunters, guard dogs and are very good swimmers. They are of a very self-assured nature, preferring the company of their owners to that of unfamiliar people who they may be distrustful of.
Temperament
The Brazilian Mastiff is extremely brave and possesses proverbial loyalty to its owners. Its love of its family is unfailing; its unsurpassed guardian ability of property make it an instinctively protective guard dog. With its owner it should be docile, obedient and tolerant of the family's children. However, it is essential to socialise and train this breed from an early age to ensure obedience and control. This breed is not suitable to most people and must be handled with extreme care as its strong inherent desire to protect can cause serious problems for the inexperienced owner.
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PoorChildrenGood
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VeryCombativenessNot very
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VeryDominanceNot very
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Not veryFriendlinessGood
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Not veryIndependenceVery
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LoudNoiseQuiet
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Not veryTrainabilityVery
Good to know
The Brazilian Mastiff can be a good pet to its own family, and can be good only with familiar children that it is raised with from puppyhood. The Brazilian Mastiff was originally bred for guarding and protecting plantations in Brazil.
- An instinctive hunter
- Excels as a watchdog and guard dog
- A loyal and loving companion only to its family
- Not good for novice owners
- Not suitable for apartment lifestyle
- Requires an experienced and firm owner
- Requires sufficient daily exercise
- Can be prone hip dysplasia, Coronary Heart Disease, Gastric Torsion, Progressive Retinal Atrophy