We at Harley Acre Filas are very proud of our Fila Brasileiro dogs and puppies which are also known as Brazilian Mastiffs or Brazilian Molossers. Our Filas make great family additions that are gentle, loving, loyal and very protective. The Fila Brasileiro is the National Dog of Brazil and their motto is "Faithful as a Fila". A Fila is a Mastiff that will protect you without a moments hesitation. He feels that is why he is there. Once you bond with your Fila you and your family will become his world. You do not teach your Fila to protect you he was bred to do this on his own. It is in the Filas nature to be loyal and protective of his family. The Fila Brasileiro loves kids and can handle a lot of abuse from them. Ask anyone who has Filas and kids, they will tell you how very gentle and loving theses dogs are with children. They will also bond with the other pets in your home.
Our Filas are raised in a family environment and are healthy and happy when leaving here. We at Harley Acre Filas are always available to answer any questions you may have about our Fila Brasileiro puppies and dogs. You are more than welcome to stop by anytime and see why we are so proud of our Fila Brasileiro dogs.
Fila Brasileiro dogs are known for devotion and loyalty to its family, even when young pups. The breed was developed in Brazil for hunting jaguars, guarding and serving as a catch dog for cattle, and as a guard dog on estates. The Filas loose skin and melancholy expression (and sometimes its vocalizations) recall the Bloodhound ancestry, while its massiveness and adoration of its master echo the Mastiff side. The Fila Brasileiro dogs are a breed that developed in response to the early colonists need for a strong, hardy, working dog. These canines needed to have the ability to herd, track, guard, and be a loyal companion to it's human family members or master.
Pedigreed Fila Brasileiro dogs descended from the ancient Bulldog, English Mastiff, and the Bloodhound. From the Bulldog the Fila Brasileiro inherited their protective temperament, stubbornness and tenacity. The English Mastiff brought forth the large head, short neck, curved croup, and the size and substance for which the Fila Brasileiro breed are known. Bloodhounds have given the Fila their outstanding scenting abilities, abundance of loose skin, pendulous lips, hanging flews and dewlaps.
The Fila Brasileiro excels at family and estate protection, hunting, tracking, cattle herding and even carting. A large and powerful dog, but don't let that fool you: the Fila is also extremely agile and athletic. It is not unheard of for a Fila to clear a six foot fence to defend their master. The protectiveness of the Fila is legendary. Yet they are a patient and gentle family dog with those they consider part of their family.
Generally the Fila Brasileiro does not need to be trained to defend, it is part of their genetic makeup. A Fila should, however, be intensively obedience trained and desensitized to external environmental stimuli. Some people use the term "socialized", however, this often leads to the misguided belief among potential Fila owners that you can train the Fila to be reliable around and safely accept attention from strangers. However they do not easily accept outsiders and should never be left unattended with casual acquaintances, strangers or anyone they do not regard as part of their immediate family.
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