At a glance the quick version
Standard gives minimum weights only: at least 50 kg for males and 40 kg for females.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, smooth, dense
A short, close-fitting coat that feels smooth and soft, over a heavy mastiff frame with loose skin.12
Personality what they are like
Deeply loyal and gentle with its own people, including children, while naturally reserved with strangers, especially on home ground. At rest it comes across as calm and confident.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Originally a farm and estate dog that worked cattle and guarded property, so it benefits from space, daily walks and a clear role.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat needs only occasional brushing.1
Company who they like around
Forms a strong bond with its household and is suited to experienced owners who can provide early, steady socialisation.1
The story where it all began
The Fila was developed during Brazil's colonial period on plantations and cattle farms from dogs brought over from Europe, working as a cattle, hunting and guard dog. Dr Paulo Santos Cruz drew up its first formal standard in 1946.2
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 225, Group 2, Section 2.1 Molossoid breeds, Mastiff type.1
- Confederação Brasileira de Cinofilia
- Maintains a national breed standard.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Fila Brasileiro. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 225 Fila Brasileiro fci.beused for group, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, gait
- Fila Brasileiro - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition, uses
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.