fila-brasileiro-minas-gerais

HISTORIC FILAS

All the Filas seen in these pictures are mainly from Minas Gerais and Goiania, Brazil which are considered the two areas were "Authentic Filas" were raised for centuries. Most of them did not have any pedigree nor registration.

As we know now, Filas originated in rural areas of Brazil mainly in the "Fazendas" wich were large, isolated cattle ranches. Filas were utilized as working animals that aided "fazendeiros" in herding cattle and protecting it from jaguars and thiefs.

The use of dogs through out history has been evident. The use of the Brazilian Fila in the history of Brazil was also evident in the fact that The Fila is the only recognized native brazilian breed.
Although its origins are not clear and still in much debate, it is clear the Fila was preserved for its inherent qualities and the benefits it offered to its owner.

The Filas survival through the centuries is a remarkable occurance considering there was'nt a standard to maintain the breed pure. Filas were recognized for thier courage, persistance, and loyalty. These traits were passed on and preserved by their owners which prasied the Fila as an asset to their farm and lifestyles.

All these Filas are highly regarded in Brazil and to all Fila breeders in the world as the original -Farm Filas-. Meaning most of these were born and raised in a rural area without any standard for breeding and far away from any official kennel club organization.
These Filas were photographed by people interested in the breed that did know about standards and that were out on a mission searching for the ideal Fila with the intent of bringing their genes in to their Kennels bloodlines..

It is important to note that all these Filas resemble one another although they may have 2000 miles in between from where they were born. This clearly shows a very homogenized breed, that in no case needed to be mixed with other breeds assuming to "boost" the bloodline with a different pure breed, even if, for example:
The English Mastiff is one of the breeds that Filas originated from, as from bloodhounds, Old English Bulldogs and other not so pure breeds that roamed the Fazendas over 300 years ago.
Introducing anyone of these breeds genes to a pure Fila would be like -trying to add an ingredient to an already baked cake-. The Fila is a pure breed that when bred to other breeds will loose its pure Fila traits.

For these reasons it is important to follow the breeds standard and not oversee one characteristic to emphasize another. The main objective of breeding a Fila is to preserve their temperament, type, physical and genetical conformation, working skills and uncanny loyalty. Size cannot be the sole goal of any breeder without expecting to deteriorate the history of the Fila Brasileiro.

For more information on this and more Fila photos look for these links. And Id like to thank all of them and the actual owners whom directly or indirectly lent me these Historic Photos.

MOLOSSER MAGAZINE

CANIL SANTA LUCIA

To contact us please Email: filaranch@hotmail.com