Fila Owners (questions, what else?)

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House Of Jurai

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#21
House of Jurai, how many Filas have you met? I don't know a single one that I would think of as "liability" any more than a shepherd, collie or Rottweiler. Filas are a unique breed, but they're still dogs. They have a strong work ethic and want to help their owners, but they aren't the exotic monsters people make them out to be.

I have border collies. They're tough sheepdogs. To anyone who doesn't have sheep, a border collie is probably going to be more of a pain than an asset. Is that accurate?

I have no sheep. Hell, I don't even have a farm - I have 5 acres in a suburban area. I can't imagine life without my border collies and they live fulfilling lives with me. Technically, I shouldn't have them because I don't have a *need* for them. God forbid that I like them and want to have them! And when I move to Mexico, I will have a Fila too, even though I might not have a ranch that needs guarding, or slaves that need catching (my slaves would never run away ;)).

I have a problem with people referring to a certain breed as a liability. It's not the breed. If someone can't control their dog, then their dog is a liability. A 150lb liability is obviously more significant than a 15lb one, but the breed doesn't have much to do with how dangerous the dog is. How the owner handles the dog has everything to do with it.

Sorry for the OT rant.. :eek:
I have met quite a few. I was involved with many of the early breeders and I believe that I have more than my share of experiance with one. The differance between the Fila and other dogs is that a Fila WILL bite, and do real damage to a precieved threat. That means that you either have to be on top of the dog 24/7, or be willing to face a serious lawsuit in an urban enviorment. Filas react very quickly and they are faster, stronger and more agile than most of thier owners. They are also very vigilent and aware. It is easy for people to let thier guard down and with that breed you never can, ever. That is just a rough situation for the average dog owner. Other quick trigger breeds like the Komondorok & SRO also fall into this catagory. They are just 100% than what most have been accostomed too.

I believe it is best to rely on the typical, not count on the atypical. Most potentital owners have no business with a Fila.

Just like most hunters have no business with a howitzer.
 

Buddy'sParents

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#22
I have met quite a few. I was involved with many of the early breeders and I believe that I have more than my share of experiance with one. The differance between the Fila and other dogs is that a Fila WILL bite, and do real damage to a precieved threat. That means that you either have to be on top of the dog 24/7, or be willing to face a serious lawsuit in an urban enviorment. Filas react very quickly and they are faster, stronger and more agile than most of thier owners. They are also very vigilent and aware. It is easy for people to let thier guard down and with that breed you never can, ever. That is just a rough situation for the average dog owner. Other quick trigger breeds like the Komondorok & SRO also fall into this catagory. They are just 100% than what most have been accostomed too.

I believe it is best to rely on the typical, not count on the atypical. Most potentital owners have no business with a Fila.

Just like most hunters have no business with a howitzer.
Perhaps you should do some research on the breed. While Filas are an incredible breed and are certainly not for an inexperienced owner, they pose no more of a threat than my neighbors chihuahua...
 
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#23
Sorry missconceptions based on not living with one or working with them can lead to wrong ideas being passed from site to site.

I have met over a 100 Filas, judged a few and lived in a car for 6 days with 2 different lines different training methods ( one show dog / TT the PP bite trained fila / show dog. Both Family dogs, and they A push potential threats out of the way, lean on percieved strangers when they are too close to owners, and when in full protection they do NOT destroy a stranger but save up the bad bites for real threats. They can also be trained to OUT and to "Guard" which leads to intelligence above and beyond what I assumed the breed could do.

69 Fila in a crowd of 10,000 and one had a muzzle .
NOt one acted as described and these bystanders were kinda NOT very dog smart the dogs however OUTSMARTED them.

They are far from the fastest most agile Molosser, the only negative for novice dog owners is they do NOT bark allot or give much verbal warning.
They are NOT built for speed and are laid back dogs that simply " do watch everything and everyone ".

As per standard they should be PACK dogs bred to hunt track in packs they should NOT be dog aggressive with a exception of one line that bred in dog aggression.
 
H

House Of Jurai

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#24
Perhaps you should do some research on the breed. While Filas are an incredible breed and are certainly not for an inexperienced owner, they pose no more of a threat than my neighbors chihuahua...
Oh C'mon now. You are saying that a Chihuahua jaw that is not even an inch long would do as much damage as a Fila? Really,,, no need for theatrics.
 

Buddy'sParents

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#25
Oh C'mon now. You are saying that a Chihuahua jaw that is not even an inch long would do as much damage as a Fila? Really,,, no need for theatrics.
You completely missed the point. I suggest some further research on the breed before you spread misconceptions regarding them. Filas don't bite... they restrain. Now... the nearest ankle biter near you.. that's a different story.

Sorry missconceptions based on not living with one or working with them can lead to wrong ideas being passed from site to site.... are laid back dogs that simply " do watch everything and everyone ".
.
What she said ^
 

Aussie Red

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#26
I have met quite a few. I was involved with many of the early breeders and I believe that I have more than my share of experiance with one. The differance between the Fila and other dogs is that a Fila WILL bite, and do real damage to a precieved threat. That means that you either have to be on top of the dog 24/7, or be willing to face a serious lawsuit in an urban enviorment. Filas react very quickly and they are faster, stronger and more agile than most of thier owners. They are also very vigilent and aware. It is easy for people to let thier guard down and with that breed you never can, ever. That is just a rough situation for the average dog owner. Other quick trigger breeds like the Komondorok & SRO also fall into this catagory. They are just 100% than what most have been accostomed too.

I believe it is best to rely on the typical, not count on the atypical. Most potentital owners have no business with a Fila.

Just like most hunters have no business with a howitzer.
Wow that is a bit harsh don't you think ? I wonder how many ACD's you have met as well. I would hope that people interested in Filas as well as any other breed would of course so their research on them before getting one. If you know how to handle a certain breed because of their characteristics you are better off in any dog breed. I have seen in my time a great number of breeds that are supposedly gentle that will eat you alive.
I can't speak for Filas because I have never run across one to my knowledge but I will say this. The ACD is notorious for aggressive tendency and if they are socialized and properly handled the chance is less likely then in ones used to do exactly what they are bred to do. When I had working ACDs I did not want them to be friendly and neither were my Catahoulas. They would eat you if you went into the cattle fields.
 
H

House Of Jurai

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#27
People who are insisting that Fila's don't bite are selling snake oil. The Fila was bred expressly for a unique trait. The total hatred of strangers. It isn't aloofness, it isn't an issue of socialisation, it is insticntive hatred of strangers that is the hallmark of the breed. To understate this point is just flat out wrong. A Fila will kill someone who it precieves as a threat. Seeing dogs off of there home turf is not a proper way to evaluate Fila temperment. The taritorial nature of the dog along with the hatred of strangers instinct makes them very dangerous to who they feel are intruders on to thier property.

Brenda Bagwell will tell u the same thing.
 

Buddy'sParents

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#28
People who are insisting that Fila's don't bite are selling snake oil. The Fila was bred expressly for a unique trait. The total hatred of strangers. It isn't aloofness, it isn't an issue of socialisation, it is insticntive hatred of strangers that is the hallmark of the breed. To understate this point is just flat out wrong. A Fila will kill someone who it precieves as a threat. Seeing dogs off of there home turf is not a proper way to evaluate Fila temperment. The taritorial nature of the dog along with the hatred of strangers instinct makes them very dangerous to who they feel are intruders on to thier property.

Brenda Bagwell will tell u the same thing.
Whose got the theatrics goin' now. :p

It's a natural distrust of strangers, not this obscene hatred that will cause them to explode and kill at first sight of an intruder.

ETA: This is what Brenda Bagwell says about the breed, I suppose I missed the part where she says the fila will kill?

Written by Brenda Bagwell / Eanlo Kennel



The Fila is a large, powerful and loving animal originating in Brazil. A result of dogs crossed with English Mastiffs, Bulldogs and Bloodhounds. The Fila is an excellent hunter, unsurpassed guardian and a very willing candidate for obedience as well as police work. Powerful enough to take down big game yet docile enough to play with small children in the home.



The Fila puppy is inclined to attach itself quickly to those with whom it lives and to be suspicious of people it does not know. Some are even so bold as to growl at intruders. You will not see this is in all pups. It is the exception rather than the rule.



In his home, the Fila is a very devoted member of the family, very obedient and humble with a never ending thirst to be caressed or touched by it's family members.



The feature that is most apparent in a Fila's temperament is its sharp aversion to strangers. This will become more apparent as the puppy grows. At approximately one year of age the Fila will begin to show its true temperament as it will become very open and honest about its distrust or dislike of strangers on its property or when it feels it's owner is being threatened. It is also quite normal for males to mature at a slower rate than the females. This is true of most animals.



This type of behavior will sometimes be seen in much younger dogs though is not unusual for puppies to be friendly, especially if socialized properly. If you intend to show your Fila it is very important to socialize it at an early age.
 
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#29
IF Filas were bred to track down and GRAB runaway slaves.
Because the Bloodhounds would track but not grab

What good is a dead slave? Why have I heard of no one dying from a Fila in the USA?

Dogs bred to track are not working on home turf.

The Hatrid was bred into them so that slaves would NOT be able to BRIBE or poisen them when kenneled.

Mind you when I slept at a Fila Kennel in Tenn, I was told DO not go out into the yard without the owner but that is the same for most guardian breeds.

The difference is the Filas I traveled with were very well trained and socialized to outside stimuli NOT strangers.
They did NOT express affection to me like LGDS do .
But get more relaxed around you the more time you spend with them.

I could NOT go into the car without the owners .
However once OK was given they were kinda lovable and soon accepted me and stopped alerting to my presence.
And slobbered all over me.. Which I guess is a sign of affection since I survived .:)
 
H

House Of Jurai

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#30
From Linda Ramey's website: The temperament of the Fila Brasileiro is unique among dog breeds. The Fila is above all a guardian breed and will attack strangers to defend its home and family. This breed is not for everyone and needs socialization and training. The key rule to owning a Fila is understanding that the dog does not like anyone but its owners and should be kept away from casual visitors. Filas do not understand the difference between Aunt Sue visiting at Christmas and an intruder sneaking into your house at 2 AM. To the dog they are both outsiders who do not belong. While individual dogs may vary in temperament, potential Fila lovers need to accept that ojeriza is part of the package and not try to convince themselves they can change this breed trait.


Linda is arguably one of the top breeders of Fila's in the world.

Ojeriza translates to Hatred of strangers. Hatred, not aloofness, not dislike, Hatred.
 

Buddy'sParents

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#31
Funny.. never heard of her.

ojeriza

1. f. Aversión o antipatía hacia uno.
which translates to:
1. f. Aversion or antipathy towards one.
Furthermore..

a·ver·sion /əˈvɜrʒən, -ʃən/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. a strong feeling of dislike, opposition, repugnance, or antipathy (usually fol. by to): a strong aversion to snakes and spiders.
2. a cause or object of dislike; person or thing that causes antipathy: His pet aversion is guests who are always late.
3. Obsolete. the act of averting; a turning away or preventing.
And for kicks...

an·tip·a·thy /ænˈtɪpəθi/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[an-tip-uh-thee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -thies.
1. a natural, basic, or habitual repugnance; aversion.
2. an instinctive contrariety or opposition in feeling.
3. an object of natural aversion or habitual dislike.
 
H

House Of Jurai

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#32
Funny.. never heard of her.



which translates to:


Furthermore..



And for kicks...


Seeing how you have nver heard of one of the longest established breeders of Fila in the USA and the first CAFIB Fila breeder outside of Brazil says a lot. Perhaps that is why you believe that Fila is no more dangerous than a toy dog?
 

Buddy'sParents

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#33
Did some google searches also.. google didn't have much to say about her either. :) Anywho, regardless of who or what you say she is... the fila is a wonderful dog and bred appropriately (which means with ojeriza)... will NOT bite, but instead track and hold any danger to its family. To paint the fila as some monster is to paint misconceptions regarding the breed and since you've not owned one perhaps you should let those that have be the ones to inform others regarding the breeds traits. Sounds like a good idea to me. :)
 
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#34
Overall the Fila is not sutable for 99% of potential owners. They are tough guard dogs. Unless you live in a rural setting and really have a reason to fear for your life a Fila probably isn't for you. Too much can go wrong in an average home that would make a Fila a liability, not an asset.

IMHO
Sorry but I have to agree with the above statement while at the same time recognising that there are a number of experienced Fila owners and handlers contributing here.
What I will suggest is that it sounds very much like some of the North American lines have been bred for a softer temperament so I will talk of my working line South American Fila's.
Fila take time to develop their temp and this can kick in at anything from 8 to 36 months. Yes they will be protective before hand and it might be cute when Rover has a growl lunge or snap at a stranger but when Rover "comes of age" it is anything but cute, trust me I have hosed the blood down on two occassions.
I will also suggest that if anyone thinks they have 100% control of their Fila at all times they are living with the Fairy's. If a Fila's threat assessment is different to yours there is no amount of "out" that will stop that animal doing what it wants. Yes it is a Fila, a hold dog, yes it will take you down by your upper body or head but it will bite and it will bite hard.
With the greatest respect- to compare a Fila to a Chihuaha is ridiculous and totally irresponsible and it will end in tears.
There is no place for a Fila in a typical city / urban environment with an average owner and while I love my gentle (to us) loving beautiful guys I would never consider having one if my living situation was different.
 
H

House Of Jurai

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#35
Sorry but I have to agree with the above statement while at the same time recognising that there are a number of experienced Fila owners and handlers contributing here.
What I will suggest is that it sounds very much like some of the North American lines have been bred for a softer temperament so I will talk of my working line South American Fila's.
Fila take time to develop their temp and this can kick in at anything from 8 to 36 months. Yes they will be protective before hand and it might be cute when Rover has a growl lunge or snap at a stranger but when Rover "comes of age" it is anything but cute, trust me I have hosed the blood down on two occassions.
I will also suggest that if anyone thinks they have 100% control of their Fila at all times they are living with the Fairy's. If a Fila's threat assessment is different to yours there is no amount of "out" that will stop that animal doing what it wants. Yes it is a Fila, a hold dog, yes it will take you down by your upper body or head but it will bite and it will bite hard.
With the greatest respect- to compare a Fila to a Chihuaha is ridiculous and totally irresponsible and it will end in tears.
There is no place for a Fila in a typical city / urban environment with an average owner and while I love my gentle (to us) loving beautiful guys I would never consider having one if my living situation was different.
Thank you, finally a voice of reason.
 

Aussie Red

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#36
Well then look out Pit Bull there is a new dog in town. I am sorry but if they are what you say they are then why would people make pets out of them ? Not buying all of this.
 
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#37
Well then look out Pit Bull there is a new dog in town. I am sorry but if they are what you say they are then why would people make pets out of them ? Not buying all of this.
Thats exactly the point raised by House of Jurai.

Originally Posted by House Of Jurai View Post
Overall the Fila is not sutable for 99% of potential owners. They are tough guard dogs. Unless you live in a rural setting and really have a reason to fear for your life a Fila probably isn't for you. Too much can go wrong in an average home that would make a Fila a liability, not an asset.
My suggestion, given that so many seem to have them as normal pets in the US was

What I will suggest is that it sounds very much like some of the North American lines have been bred for a softer temperament so I will talk of my working line South American Fila's.
I then went on to say

There is no place for a Fila in a typical city / urban environment with an average owner and while I love my gentle (to us) loving beautiful guys I would never consider having one if my living situation was different.
My living situation is that I am in a third world country running a high profile business working many nights and prior to having my dogs my house was attacked every month or so. Since having them it has been attacked only twice in over two and a half years. My wife and daughter now sleep soundly.

Nobody is suggesting that they are nasty people hating killing machines just that they are highly protective of their family and property and capable of inflicting serious damage very quickly and therefore a responsible owner needs to identify anything that can be perceived as a threat by the animal before the animal sees it. Lawsuits are expensive.

Well then look out Pit Bull there is a new dog in town.
For sure! Just as loving Just as devoted Just as cuddly but just a bit bigger!
 
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#38
Well then look out Pit Bull there is a new dog in town. I am sorry but if they are what you say they are then why would people make pets out of them ? Not buying all of this.
Because like its been said before, a lot of the North American "breeders" breed down their temperment and make them softer so they appeal to more people...or should I say customers, so they can sell more.

I have met and spent time with real ranch-dog Filas in Brazil (my heritage) and have met a few North American show Filas. They looked similar but dang were their temperments a heck of a lot different! I never put my hands on the ranch dogs. They would tolerate me being around because their owners told them to. They would accompany us off leash and without a muzzle as we horseback rode or took the truck around the ranch. They would always be watching me but never attacked me because the owner told them I'm cool. Doesnt mean I could go up and plant a kiss on their nose though. The show dogs in North America, most of them were coming straight to me for attention upon first meeting. I was highly disappointed.
 
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#39
I've come to the conclusion that a great deal of the "pollution" of the North American Fila temperament comes from the great numbers of show lines from Brazil that have been imported by the NA breeders. The show lines in Brazil have been bred down severely, temperament-wise to make them more easily handled - and more marketable.

Shiva is a prime example. She and Kharma are worlds apart, temperamentally. Kharma can be function quite well in public, but that's because I've had her out there since she was a baby and she's got the intelligence and the judgement to know the difference between being at home and being out. There are some people she DOES like quite well after she's sized them up; others she won't allow to touch her. No matter what, she always positions herself between me and anyone she doesn't know very well. And even people she knows very well do NOT get out of their cars at the house if she is loose.

The intelligence and discernment factors in these dogs are staggering. They understand where they are, who they are with, and what is expected of them. And, to a great extent, they reflect their owners.
 

noludoru

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#40
:yikes:



I dunno, BP. Jurai certainly has convinced me that Filas are people-hating, baby-killing monsters. It's a darn shame Bella's so cute, otherwise I might have to run from her photographs--if she's really that vicious and unstable, I could be in danger. ;)

Now, by all means, continue. I just had to put my two cents in. :cool:


The intelligence and discernment factors in these dogs are staggering. They understand where they are, who they are with, and what is expected of them. And, to a great extent, they reflect their owners.
We posted at the same time.. THERE is what I was waiting for someone to say.
 

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