AKA: Brazilian Mastiff, Brazilian Molosser, Cao de Fila

Description: The Fila Brasileiro is a massive dog with a strong bone structure and loose skin. It has a long muzzle, with pendulous upper lips. Its skin is loose all over the body, especially on the face and neck, giving the Fila Brasileiro a somewhat droopy look. The neck is thick and has dewlaps. The coat of the Fila Brasileiro is short and smooth. This breed has a rectangular and compact figure. The back is strong and its gait is measured and catlike. It is muscular and exudes power and agility.

Dynamics: The Fila Brasileiro exudes power and fearlessness. But it is actually a loving and loyal companion. It is protective and watchful. It gets along really well with children because of its gentle and calm manner. It also gets along well with other household pets, though it is reserved and cautious with strangers. It always wants the company of its owner and watch over him or her. The Fila is brave, courageous, confident, and has a calm disposition.

Socialization is needed with the Fila Brasileiro. You will know when socializing is over for the Fila Brasileiro when it does not seek as much attention anymore as it did when it was younger. The Fila Brasileiro is a willful and intelligent breed. It will decide for itself if it likes someone or not, despite socialization. It is in its nature to be protective of its owner and family, and to be wary of strangers. Socialization will serve as introducing the Fila to the world and not see everything as a threat.

Breed Group: Mastiff

Weight: 90-110 lb (41-50 kg)

Height: 25.5-29.5 inches (65-75 cm)

Color: The Fila Brasileiro may come in any color except white, mouse gray, patched, dappled, or black and tan. The most common colors of the breed are fawn, black, and brindle. A black mask may be present, and white markings should only found on the feet, chest, and tip of the tail.

Country of Origin: The Fila Brasileiro comes from Brazil. It is the descendant of the 15th century English Mastiff, Bloodhound, Bulldog, and Rafeiros.

Activities: The Fila Brasileiro needs a lot of exercise. It may appear to be lazy and slow, but it has stored energy possessed by Bloodhounds and Mastiffs. Aside from being a companion dog, the Fila Brasileiro is also used as a guard dog, watch dog, and is very helpful for its sharp tracking ability.

Grooming: The Fila Brasileiro’s short hair is easy to groom. Brushing with a bristle brush and wiping with a damp cloth will be enough. Bathe only when necessary.

Other Info: The Fila Brasileiro has a life expectancy of 9 to 11 years. This breed is prone to hip dysplasia, bloat. CHD, gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia, and PRA. The Fila Brasileiro is not recommended to live in the city.

Description: The Dogue Brasileiro is a muscular breed that exudes speed and strength. Its body is structured well with strong bones, and the thick skin is relatively loose but with no dewlap. The neck is strong and slightly arched, and the shoulders and arms are strong and muscular, ending in catlike feet.

Dynamics: The Dogue Brasileiro has a balanced personality and are sweet-tempered. It gets along very well with children and is loyal to its family. This bread is affectionate and very eager to please. This breed is also brave and courageous, making an excellent watchdog and guard dog. Generally, this breed is not aggressive.

Breed Group: Guard

Weight: males 55-88 pounds (25-40 kg) females 48-81 pounds (22-37 kg)

Height: males 21-23 inches (55-60 cm) females 20-22 inches (53-57cm)

Color: The Dogue Brasileiro’s coat comes in any variations or combinations of colors.

Country of Origin: The Dogue Brasileiro comes from Brazil, where it was first bred during the 1980s. It comes from the line of the Bull Terrier and the Boxer.

Activities: This is a very active breed and therefore needs a lot of exercise to exhaust its energy. This breed is mainly used as a watchdog or a guard dog, and most especially a family companion.

Grooming: The Dogue Brasileiro is very easy to groom because of its short hair. An occasional combing and brushing will be enough.

Other Info: The Dogue Brasileiro has a life expectancy of 12-13 years. It will be fine living in an apartment as long as it is taken outdoors from time to time and exercised sufficiently.

AKA: Fox Paulistinha, Terrier Brasileiro

Description: The Brazilian Terrier has the appearance typical of fox terrier types. Its coat is short, and its body is well-balanced. It has a narrow and compact chest and frame. Its head is triangular in shape and the tail can either be docked or left naturally.

Dynamics: The Brazilian Terrier is a frisky and energetic dog. It loves to play wand will grab any chance to play with its family. It is always alert and it loves to bark and dig around. This is a spirited and fearless breed. It is also a very intelligent dog, with strong hunting instincts.

The Brazilian Terrier can get along with other people and children. It should not be left alone with smaller animals though. This breed is a known ratter back in Brazil, able to track and hunt down rodents. It likes to run and explore around.

Breed Group: Terrier

Weight: 15-20 lbs (7-9 kg)

Height: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm)

Color: The Brazilian Terrier has a tricolor coat. It is almost always white and tan and black, but blue or brown is also acceptable.

Country of Origin: The Brazilian Terrier originated in Brazil. The Jack Russell Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, and Chihuahua are contemplated to be its ancestors.

Activities: The Brazilian Terrier is a highly energetic dog. It needs to play or have some exercises, otherwise it might get bored and become destructive. Aside from being a ratter and a companion dog, the Brazilian Terrier is also used in single and pack hunting. When pack hunting, the Brazilian Terriers surround their prey and terrorize the animal into submission.

Other Info: The Brazilian Terrier has a life expectancy of 12-14 years. It has a short coat that requires only little grooming. This breed is not suited to live in an apartment. It is a very active dog and is at its best when outdoors.