"The Fila Brasileiros survival through out the centuries was due to its hard working determination and unmatched courage as well as an uncany loyalty and jealousy of its owner and territory. Making the Fila a very sought after asset to their farms and lifestyles."
· the Old English Mastiff, which contributed to its heavy frame, strength, courage and protective nature;
· the Bloodhound, giving the Fila the abundant and loose skin, plus an excellent scent of smell, and;
· the Old English Bulldog, that set the aggressive temperament, its herding instincts and a stubborn persistence.
It is not clear what other breeds defined this distinct Brazilian breed, but it was its aptitude that prolonged its existence.
Since then, our challenge as breeders has been and must be, to fix in our dogs genes the correct characteristics in type and temperament, as well as to obtain healthy well structured dogs that will live up to their expectations at work, as fierce protectors and; in the home, as stable and loving friends.
Keeping this in mind, all my dogs keep within the standards of the breed and within my standards of healthy bone structure that is another important factor that I pursue, since all my dogs are required for their instinctive and athletic duties of keeping cattle and territory safe.
SUMMARY OF THE CBKC/FCI STANDARD
(Taken from Judge Clelia Kruel's translation in Filanet)
Character and Temperament Outstanding courage, determination and bravery are part of his characteristics. He is docile and obedient to his owners and family, as well as being extremely tolerant with children. His faithfulness became a brazilian proverb- as faithful as a Fila-.
He is always looking for the company of his master. one of its characteristics is his "ojeriza", meaning aversion to strangers. He shows a calm disposition, self-assurance and self-confidence, not being disturbed by strange noises nor when facing a new environment. An unsurpassed guardian of property, he is also inclined, by instinct to hunt big game and to herd cattle.
Gait The Fila has a long gait which reminds one of the great cats movements. His main characteristic is the pace (camels gait), moving two legs of one side first, followed by the two legs of the other side, which causes a rolling lateral movement on the thorax and hindquarters accentuated by the tail when its raised.
During the walk he maintains the head lower than the back line.
Height: measured at the withers . Weight: Males: min. 110lbs / min. 50kg
Males: 25in to 29.5in / 65cm to 75cm Females: min. 90lbs / min. 40kg
Females: 23.5in to 27.5in / 60cm to 70cm
Color All solid colors exept white, mouse gray, patched, dappled, or black and tan. Brindles of all permited colors. Black mask may or not be present. White markings are limited to the feet, chest and tip of tail, not exeeding one third of the body.
Skin One of the most important breed characteristics is the thick loose skin over the whole body, chiefly at the neck, forming pronounced dew laps, and in many individuals the folds proceed to the chest and abdomen. Some dogs show a fold at the side of the head and also at the withers descending to the shoulders.