The Fila Brasileiro, a rare molosser breed, is the National dog of Brazil. Its legendary loyalty is expressed in a Brazilian saying: “Faithful as a Fila.” That said, this is not an appropriate choice for an inexperienced dog owner. This is a large, powerful, and intelligent dog, but a headstrong dog, and he or she needs a leader who can develop and manage all of those characteristics with firmness, consistency, and kindness. This is also a banned breed in some places, including England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

We always defer to breed experts, but we’ve read that Fila fanciers in America prefer a heavier dog with a broader head, looser facial skin, and less “ojeriza” (best interpreted as “sharp aversion”), while Brazilian and European fanciers lean towards a lighter framed Fila that looks more like a hound, has more ear leather, a pear shaped head, and a sharper temperament with plenty of ojeriza.

Image: Fila Brasileiro by ARTDOGshop