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| FILA BRASILEIRO |
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.
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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.
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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.
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