This page is written by Clelia Kruel, the President of the Fila Brasileiro Association, CBKC/FCI/SKC licensed judge for all working dogs
I,II and V FCI Groups.
As a result of an evolution of dogs crossed with English Mastiffs, ancient Bulldogs and Bloodhounds, and the basic influence of Portuguese herders brought to
Brazil at colonial times, we have the modern Fila.
From the ancient fighting dogs (the Engelsen Doggen or ancient Bulldogs) they acquired their aggressive temperament, as well
as, being some what stubborn, the colors, the typical rose-ear, higher hind legs, and a higher croup than the withers, plus
persistence.
From the Mastiff they inherited the large heavy head, strong maxilars, short neck, the substance, the slightly curved croup,
moderated tail set, the courage, the black mask, and also the Mastiff 's basic colors.
From the Bloodhound the Fila received the abundant loose skin, the pronounced occipital peak, pendulous lips, hanging flews
and dewlaps, the moderated tuck up, the fabulous scent, and the way of barking in a crescendo tune.
Maybe the Fila Terceirense left the legacy of the "crooked tail" and the ability of cattle herding, but it is hard to tell how much
influence the Portuguese herders could have had. There is even a possibility of some influence from the most usual breeds
found in each region; but even this would be a very low percentage not worth mentioning.
The origin of the Fila Brasileiro is still very obscure; but it is generally believed that it is the result of crossing English Mastiffs,
Bloodhounds, ancient Bulldogs (called Doggen Engelsen), Fila Terceirense, as well as many others influencing the Fila
Brasileiro breed.
In archaic Portuguese the word Fila means "TO HOLD". From each of his ancestors the Fila acquuired characteristies that established a large, muscular, sturdily buildt working dog capable of
using his strenght, scent, perseverance and courage to perform his duties. He has been used extensively as a guard dog at large properties, factories, and warehouses, in police work as a tracker
and sniffer, a hunter of jaguars, and even as a guide for the blind.
Filas are considered to be the most reliable and loyal guard dogs due to their natural desire to protect their family and their territory.
The Fila Brasileiro is unique. The natural protective instinct that has been lost through the ages in most guard dogs is very much alive in the Fila. Their
natural aggressiveness towards strangers is surprising for a dog which is very humble and docile towards its owners.
The Fila is intelligent and sensitive. He is the first one to know when you are in a bad mood or ill. He will follow you in his gentle and smooth way, place his big head on your lap, or poke
you with his nose. No one can tell by looking at this gentle and large dog that he will react with great aggressiveness if he feels that someone or something is a menace to his owner or his
territory. In Brazil the Fila's faithfulness is a legend. Brazilians say, "Faithful as a Fila".
In 1946, when the official standard was established, members of this breed became show dogs. The Fila Brasileiro has recently been present in international
shows throughhout the world; and dogs like "Happy Do Camping" have represented the breed extremely well with a Winners Group victory in Puerto Rico over the champions of other breeds who
have a great winning tradition in the ring.
This picture belongs to Filanet. Visit their site by the link at the bottom of the page.
MOVEMENT -The Fila's main characteristic is the pace, -this is a two beat lateral gait in which the legs on each side move back and forth exactly as a pair causing a
rolling or rocking of the whole body extending to the tail.
HEAD -Big and massive, but always in proportion to the whole body.
STOP -Is practically non existent.
CROUP -Is higher than the withers.
The hindlegs are higher than the forelegs. He has a moderatly angled stifle and metatarsus.
SKIN -Is thick and loose all over the body but chiefly at the neck forming pronounced dewlaps.
COAT -Is short, smooth, dense and tight to the body.
COLOURS -All solid colours are permitted except white, mouse grey, dappled, patched, merle and black-n-tan dogs.
WEIGHT -The female Fila has a weight of minimum 40 kg. (88 lbs), the male a minimum of 50 kg. (110 lbs).
If you are you more interested in the breed you should contact:
The Fila Brasileiro Association
5029 CR 605 Burleson, Texas 76028 USA
The only
international Fila Brasileiro organization in the world.
International annual membership is USD$35.00 and all members receive the
FILA DIGEST for free. E-mail: Clelia Kruel
FBA Delegate in Brazil: Mr. Adriano Budri. E-mail: Adriano Budri
The Official Fila Brasileiro Standard 
The Sharp Temperament of the Fila
Fila Brasileiro Fact Sheet
The author of this page, Mrs. Clelia Kruel, have written several books on the Fila Brasileiro, all highly recommended. The books are available through
THIS address. I want to thank Mrs. Clelia Kruel for providing
these articles on the Fila for Molosserworld. I would also like to thank Filanet for the standard on the breed.
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