LIVING WITH FILA BRASILEIRO

Living with a Fila Brasileiro can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it's not for everyone. The Fila Brasileiro is a large, powerful, and loyal breed originally developed in Brazil for guarding livestock and protecting property. Here's what you can expect if you live with one:

### 1. **Loyalty and Protectiveness**
- **Loyal:** The Fila Brasileiro is incredibly loyal to its family and forms strong bonds with its owners. They are known for their "ojeriza" (an inherent distrust of strangers), which makes them excellent guard dogs.
- **Protective:** This breed takes its guarding duties seriously. They are naturally suspicious of strangers, and this protectiveness can be a double-edged sword-while it keeps you and your home safe, it can also make socialization and handling challenging.

### 2. **Size and Strength**
- **Large and Powerful:** Filas are big dogs, often weighing between 90 to 110 pounds or more. Their strength is impressive, and they require an owner who can handle their size and power.
- **Space Requirements:** Due to their size, they need ample space to move around. They aren't well-suited to apartment living unless you can provide plenty of outdoor time.

### 3. **Exercise Needs**
- **High Energy:** Filas have moderate to high energy levels. They need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, which includes daily walks and playtime. Lack of exercise can lead to behavioral issues.
- **Mental Stimulation:** In addition to physical activity, Filas need mental stimulation. This can be provided through training sessions, puzzle toys, or other engaging activities.

### 4. **Training and Socialization**
- **Early Socialization:** Because of their natural wariness of strangers, early and consistent socialization is crucial. Exposing them to various people, places, and situations as puppies can help moderate their protective instincts.
- **Firm Training:** Filas need a confident, experienced owner who can establish themselves as the pack leader. Positive reinforcement methods work best, but training must be firm and consistent.

### 5. **Health Considerations**
- **Common Health Issues:** Filas are prone to certain health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet are important to maintain their health.
- **Lifespan:** The average lifespan of a Fila Brasileiro is around 9-12 years.

### 6. **Affection and Family Life**
- **Family-Oriented:** Despite their intimidating appearance and demeanor, Filas are affectionate with their families. They can be gentle and loving, especially with children they've grown up with.
- **Not for Everyone:** Due to their protective nature and size, Filas are not ideal for first-time dog owners. They require a lot of attention, training, and care, making them best suited for experienced dog owners who understand the breed's needs.

### 7. **Shedding and Grooming**
- **Moderate Shedding:** Filas have short coats and are moderate shedders. Regular brushing helps keep their coat healthy and reduces shedding.
- **Basic Grooming:** They don't require extensive grooming, but like all dogs, they need regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care.

### 8. **Legal Considerations**
- **Breed Restrictions:** In some places, Filas are considered a restricted breed due to their protective nature and potential for aggression if not properly trained and socialized. It's important to check local laws and regulations before getting one.

### Conclusion
Living with a Fila Brasileiro can be deeply rewarding if you're prepared for the responsibility. They are devoted, protective, and can be great companions, but they require an owner who understands their unique characteristics and can provide the proper training, socialization, and care.

[Loopy_Kick]

The Fila is like if someone gave a Bloodhound the super soldier serum. 💪🐶

[hermesoliveira]

Fila Brasileiro is one of the best guard dogs in the world and completely loyal to children and family. It's a legend here in Brazil

[rebeccaabbondanzieri]

Filas are no joke. I'm really happy to see this family trying to do their best to fullfill their dog's needs.

[pedroschluga]

Not a dog for everyone, but one of the Best dogs to protect farms

[danielbadiang]

You and your family are an inspiration to me and others definitely one of the best dog owners I know. Bless you and your family.Aloha from Hawaii 🤙🏾

[stevereed]

A very good video very interesting your version does sound a lovely dog and you’ve obviously done your research into what you were getting which was nice again. They are a dog that band in certain countries quite rightly so probably in someways because it’s not the Dogs it’s the owners. Some of them are absolute prats and don’t know what they’re doing with the dog but it’s a status symbol but really enjoy your video today and please keep making them. 16:29

[albertojhernandez]

I helped take in a Fila about 8 years ago. Dog was super friendly with everything but wouldn't not back down from anything either.

[Tessaranysaurus_Rex]

Great interview. So great to see a realistic perspective on a Fila. Incredible dogs, but a very serious breed.

[Dani-qgkl]

Sie sprechen wundervoll über Ihren prächtigen Hund. Es ist schön zuzuhören und macht Ihre Begeisterung spürbar ❤❤❤

[Delightful_Addition]

I've used Embark as well. It's a great breed identification test.

[Rottiprincess]

What a wonderful video. This family is a stand out! So much education given! Thank you

[losir]

Another great video. I appreciate her honesty about the ownership challenges, and her dedication to Bob.

[criatoriollc]

Melhor e mais bonito cao de guarda que existe

[LuckyCoast]

I met a client in Orange County, CA. with a pair of these 15 years ago. I had never heard of or seen these dogs before. Extremely protective dogs 😳 I was on the other side of a concrete wall where they couldn’t see me and they were jumping and going NUTS barking.

[MaverickRJBR]

Beautiful fila you have. The breed is very simple: always trust him with the family, never trust him with strangers.

[stewiebaker]

I’m really amazed you can walk him like that with your pack.

I would never try that with my neo.

I hope she kept him. He dose’nt need the farm as badly as he needs his current family.

He is one big boy

[oscarellenius]

As an owner of a rescued guard breed I know what she's talking about. But filas when catered for is one of THE BEST breeds you ever can get. But you REALLY need to know what you're doing but once you do they're amazing ❤❤❤❤❤

[bigrudd]

This is a great video in proving how important it is to do the homework before adopting. Do not base the choice off looks or possible namesake. A term she skirted around saying is "It's FRUSTRATING to own a breed you weren't prepared to handle." I do admire the determination to get it right considering the sad alternative.

[brainbrown]

Life gives you what you need not what you want - you are a inspiration world wide keep up the good work, karma will repay your kindness, love and affection that you have for dogs one or another

[dougmitchell]

We adopted a RottXFila from a rescue that thought he was RottXDane. They had a hard time placing him because they did not know his breed traits. We'd had him a few a days when I realized from his gait that he was part Fila. He was a wonderful dog for us, but violently intolerant of any other person. We had a hard time getting him a muzzle because his head was so big, and walked him in it all the time. Despite the muzzle, lots of folks wanted to pet him, which of course was a big HELL NO. He died of a cancer, a common problem. He was loved and even now 6 years later, he is missed. The feeling of safety with him in the house is hard to explain. He was also submissive to our Tervuren. It was kind of funny - he was twice her size, but she was in charge.

BTW, it seems that the Bloodhound is part of the making of the Fila.