Fila Brasileiro Breed Profile

Head: Somewhat brachycephalic skull type, fairly large in size, yet always in proportion to the rest of the body. When viewed from above, the head appears trapezoid in shape. The topskull is broad, being approximately as broad (measured in front of the ears across the top) as it is long (measured from stop to occiput). When viewed from the front or in profile, the plane of the topskull appears just slightly arched. The occiput is fairly defined, more so in younger dogs. A median slight median furrow starts near the stop and disappears toward the occiput. The head exhibits powerful, yet smooth (never bulky or protrusive) muscling throughout. Slight wrinkling permitted when the ears are brought to alert. A vertical fold may run from the outer corner of the eye toward the corner of the mouth. Aside from this, the head should be fairly clean, without excess skin or wrinkle.

Eyes: Moderate in size, oval, almond, or lemon in shape, and amber (yellow) to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.

Ears: Moderately large in size, set fairly well back on the skull, and V-shaped, and somewhat long, although not overly pendulous. They may be shaped as a long drop, or long rose (folded). In repose, the ears align with the eyes at eye-level. When alert, the ears should be lifted above the line of the eyes. The ears are never small, short, or highly set.

Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight, or just slightly convexed. Upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, have good bone substance, never snipy or weak. The depth of the muzzle should never exceed the length. There is only a slight taper from the broad base toward the nose. The front line of the muzzle drops nearly straight down from the nose, appearing perpendicular to the bridge of the muzzle.

Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black. The nostrils are well-opened.

Neck: Moderate length allows for good head carriage, it is powerfully muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers very slightly, appearing more broad and truncated than tapered. A slight dewlap may be present, without excess skin or throatiness.

Chest: Of a fair length, deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well-pronounced, but not overly developed.

Body: Large, compact, deep, solid, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.

Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.

Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup, but as a natural extension of the topline. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level. It is never tucked or carried up over the back. The tail is of a moderate length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved.

Movement: Smooth, elastic, long strides that are efficient and effortless. The characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: The Fila Brasileiro still possesses a strong guarding instinct and a natural wariness of strangers. This coupled with a strong desire to bond with family and his sheer size and power means that early socialization and training is a must. Well-socialized and well-trained Filas can be a joy to be around. They are quiet, confident, and loyal. However, they will be quick to address any perceived “infractions” from those outside the family with a bite-now-question-later attitude. If socialized to other animals from puppyhood, Fila Brasileiros are very tolerant and protective of those animals, making them ideal livestock guardians. However, many caution that they are not a good fit for novice dog owners. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.