A question for Fila owners
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In the same reference as how pitt bulls and the like were bred to be killers. To unmercifully attack a stranger was bred into the fila...it's part of the dog's design...much like sledding is bred into "alaskan" huskies and pulling is bred into your less publicized mastiffs (working dogs) and hunting is bred into hounds and so on and so forth.
It's a designed trait...it's not to say their favorite game is dismembering people.
In that very quote I stated it's a bred-in trait.
It's a designed trait...it's not to say their favorite game is dismembering people.
In that very quote I stated it's a bred-in trait.
Is a dog that will do nothing when faced with an intruder your definition of a good pet? Even my sweet little Border Collie wouldn't fall into that category.
I would absolutely expect a Fila to attack a stranger entering its yard without the owner present. That doesn't make them out-of-control. I have been in a 30 foot RV with 4 people and a grown Fila that I'd never met before. The dog didn't touch me, growl at me or bully me. He just stood back and watched. I was a "good guy" after about 20 minutes and he relaxed. I wasn't mauled upon entering the house, because the dog had been taught that people coming and going with the consent of the owners is normal.
Jmo.
I would absolutely expect a Fila to attack a stranger entering its yard without the owner present. That doesn't make them out-of-control. I have been in a 30 foot RV with 4 people and a grown Fila that I'd never met before. The dog didn't touch me, growl at me or bully me. He just stood back and watched. I was a "good guy" after about 20 minutes and he relaxed. I wasn't mauled upon entering the house, because the dog had been taught that people coming and going with the consent of the owners is normal.
Jmo.
Even my dog barks when someone "suspicious" is near by...but he'd never attack them. This is my propperty and it's MY responsibillity to protect it, not his.
This is the exact point I'm stressing...it's not just an expectation; it's **** near a guaruntee.
I never once called them "uncontrollable".
And check your inbox.
This is the exact point I'm stressing...it's not just an expectation; it's **** near a guaruntee.
I never once called them "uncontrollable".
And check your inbox.
ok, i read through everything. and in reply to the original post.
Ok, i have never met a fila. but i have read a lot of Renee's story's and Fila's fascinate me. I like to feel safe with my dog and their fierce loyalty never ceases to amaze me. I would not take on a Fila puppy for many years and not until I was very confident i could succesfully train a well behaved dog that would respect me.
There is a couple that own a fila mix. (as a puppy we thought it was beautiful) but they didnt even know what a fila was, just that it made up a big part of their dogs background its now fully grown and we have actually seen it get scared and PULL THE WOMAN OVER! onto her stomach, she cant hold it and it doesnt feel safe with them. Its a scareed dog that they cant control. I feel sorry for it.
A fila is a big responsibility and although a well bred golden may be easier to train, if a fila IS for you. then i recomend them as great pets.
Ok, i have never met a fila. but i have read a lot of Renee's story's and Fila's fascinate me. I like to feel safe with my dog and their fierce loyalty never ceases to amaze me. I would not take on a Fila puppy for many years and not until I was very confident i could succesfully train a well behaved dog that would respect me.
There is a couple that own a fila mix. (as a puppy we thought it was beautiful) but they didnt even know what a fila was, just that it made up a big part of their dogs background
its now fully grown and we have actually seen it get scared and PULL THE WOMAN OVER! onto her stomach, she cant hold it and it doesnt feel safe with them. Its a scareed dog that they cant control. I feel sorry for it. A fila is a big responsibility and although a well bred golden may be easier to train, if a fila IS for you. then i recomend them as great pets.
Every dog is potential, if you dont know how to properly handle that potential you can run into trouble.
My advice is, if you decide you want a Fila make sure you absolutely know what you are doing before hand, know what you will run in to, know what you will have to deal with, and know what typical things will arise.
If you are uncertain about what you are doing DO NOT get one.
Anyway, as far as filas go though I think they are a fantastic dog in the right hands. Really it all depends what you want in a dog.
My advice is, if you decide you want a Fila make sure you absolutely know what you are doing before hand, know what you will run in to, know what you will have to deal with, and know what typical things will arise.
If you are uncertain about what you are doing DO NOT get one.
Anyway, as far as filas go though I think they are a fantastic dog in the right hands. Really it all depends what you want in a dog.
While I don't own a fila, I'm planning on getting one myself. From what I understand, the fila is a highly protective dog. That doesn't mean that they will attack anything that comes into your yard. But if you're not home, I'm pretty sure they would do their best to keep all strangers at bay. From what the fila owners on this board have said, filas seem to have a strong sense of duty. That definately appeals to me. But if you don't want to deal with such a strong defensive drive, maybe you should look into another breed.
And Makenzie, your snide comments about spelling, grammar and post context are not impressing anyone. You'd get a far better reception by just sticking to the issue at hand.
And Makenzie, your snide comments about spelling, grammar and post context are not impressing anyone. You'd get a far better reception by just sticking to the issue at hand.
I don't own a Fila but I find it hard to believe they are the best of the Mastiffs when if comes to other animals....Tied for best perhaps. The English Mastiff (I have known several) are just wonderful with other animals. I knew a lady that had four cats and a very large Eng. Mastiff. The cats crawled all over that dog....never even a slight hint of aggression. Most Bull Mastiffs are real good with other animals also. I am not saying Filas are animal aggressive...just saying they have stiff competition in the Mastiff world for Animal friendlyness....
On human aggression, I think they have traits that make them ripe for training to be human aggressive but I (as the Trumpeter of Nuture over Nature on this board) think that if you socialize and train a Fila you can make them (and any dog) to be trustworthy around people.
Thats my 2 cents
On human aggression, I think they have traits that make them ripe for training to be human aggressive but I (as the Trumpeter of Nuture over Nature on this board) think that if you socialize and train a Fila you can make them (and any dog) to be trustworthy around people.
Thats my 2 cents
If someone were to ask me "should I get a Fila" my instant response would be "no". No first, make exceptions later. They are a SERIOUS dogs. I would never own one as the typical fila temperament doesnt fit my lifestyle. However, they are exceptional dogs, intelligent and loyal. In the hands of the right person, they are amazing beasts. As long as you do your homework and understand the breed, you will be infinitly satisfied with your decision.
I wish you luck and demand puppy pics at a later date. I have much respect for the breed.
I wish you luck and demand puppy pics at a later date. I have much respect for the breed.
This is one of the bigger loads of crap I've seen here . . .
That said, here's a synopsis of the Fila temperament http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5105&postcount=4
I can take mine out on a leash in public. They are well mannered, even though I'm a very laissez faire trainer (one of the reasons I love these dogs; their innate intelligence and ego doesn't allow them to make asses of themselves in public). Of course, I've socialized mine from the time they were young pups and they know how to act and can differentiate between a threat, a nuisance and someone who if perfectly fine.
That said, here's a synopsis of the Fila temperament http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5105&postcount=4
I can take mine out on a leash in public. They are well mannered, even though I'm a very laissez faire trainer (one of the reasons I love these dogs; their innate intelligence and ego doesn't allow them to make asses of themselves in public). Of course, I've socialized mine from the time they were young pups and they know how to act and can differentiate between a threat, a nuisance and someone who if perfectly fine.
And to elaborate a bit further.
The Fila Brasileiro is NOT an aggressive breed. It is a defensive breed. There is a significant difference between the two!
Generally, as a breed, the Fila is the Mastiff recognized as being most affable with other animals. They are a herding dog as well as a guardian, after all. Some Bulls and Olde English are fine with other dogs, but as a general rule, they aren't - as a breed - dependably so. Charley's Bulls just tolerated the other dogs in the family . . .
It takes a great deal of intelligence, patience, humor and love to live with Filas . . . and if you have an inflated sense of your own dignity it won't last long, lol! Just ask Filarotten and Buckshot
Oh, and they do seem to have a 'thang' for redheads . . .
The Fila Brasileiro is NOT an aggressive breed. It is a defensive breed. There is a significant difference between the two!
Generally, as a breed, the Fila is the Mastiff recognized as being most affable with other animals. They are a herding dog as well as a guardian, after all. Some Bulls and Olde English are fine with other dogs, but as a general rule, they aren't - as a breed - dependably so. Charley's Bulls just tolerated the other dogs in the family . . .
It takes a great deal of intelligence, patience, humor and love to live with Filas . . . and if you have an inflated sense of your own dignity it won't last long, lol! Just ask Filarotten and Buckshot
Oh, and they do seem to have a 'thang' for redheads . . .
Amstaffer said:
I don't own a Fila but I find it hard to believe they are the best of the Mastiffs when if comes to other animals....Tied for best perhaps. The English Mastiff (I have known several) are just wonderful with other animals. I knew a lady that had four cats and a very large Eng. Mastiff. The cats crawled all over that dog....never even a slight hint of aggression. Most Bull Mastiffs are real good with other animals also. I am not saying Filas are animal aggressive...just saying they have stiff competition in the Mastiff world for Animal friendlyness....
On human aggression, I think they have traits that make them ripe for training to be human aggressive but I (as the Trumpeter of Nuture over Nature on this board) think that if you socialize and train a Fila you can make them (and any dog) to be trustworthy around people.
Thats my 2 cents
On human aggression, I think they have traits that make them ripe for training to be human aggressive but I (as the Trumpeter of Nuture over Nature on this board) think that if you socialize and train a Fila you can make them (and any dog) to be trustworthy around people.
Thats my 2 cents
Unbelievable!!!! This has got to be one of the most ignorant and uninformed statements I have ever read...
As far as the meter reader... I have never owned any dog that would allow the meter reader in my yard if I was not home. Even Maggie would try to stop him...If she was outside. Most dogs won't, it is their territory...they are going to protect it.
I have always called the electric company and asked them to call me in advance so I can put my dogs in the house...I did this long before I got my Fila.
On the subject of accepting other dogs...this is one of the main reasons I chose a Fila. He loves my other dogs, and even the neighbors puppy that slips under the fence to play with him...
Brutus is very well behaved in public.
As far as the meter reader... I have never owned any dog that would allow the meter reader in my yard if I was not home. Even Maggie would try to stop him...If she was outside. Most dogs won't, it is their territory...they are going to protect it.
I have always called the electric company and asked them to call me in advance so I can put my dogs in the house...I did this long before I got my Fila.
On the subject of accepting other dogs...this is one of the main reasons I chose a Fila. He loves my other dogs, and even the neighbors puppy that slips under the fence to play with him...
Brutus is very well behaved in public.
We don't have company very often . . . Charley bites
Seriously, the Grrrls check people out and as long as we say it's okay they behave with great decorum. Until, that is, they decide the person should be accepted as part of the family . . . Then they jockey for position to see who can get the most attention, lol! Our friend, David, has learned to sit in the middle of the second section of the sofa so Shiva and Kharma can each have a side - and of course, once the Grrrrls have him pinned, Bimmer gets to put his head in David's lap and poke him with his snoot.
If it's someone they're not willing to accept, they sit in front of me and beside me, between me and the visitor. What more can you ask for?
Heheheh . . . except for that horn blowing thing
Seriously, the Grrrls check people out and as long as we say it's okay they behave with great decorum. Until, that is, they decide the person should be accepted as part of the family . . . Then they jockey for position to see who can get the most attention, lol! Our friend, David, has learned to sit in the middle of the second section of the sofa so Shiva and Kharma can each have a side - and of course, once the Grrrrls have him pinned, Bimmer gets to put his head in David's lap and poke him with his snoot.
If it's someone they're not willing to accept, they sit in front of me and beside me, between me and the visitor. What more can you ask for?
Heheheh . . . except for that horn blowing thing