Fila Brasileiro Physical Appearance

Wanting to adopt a Fila Brasileiro Dog and need to know what is the general appearance of Fila Brasileiro or what are the common colours of a Fila Brasileiro?

Know more details about the colors, weight and height of Fila Brasileiro Dogs from this page.


Fila Brasileiro Appearance

Fila Brasileiro Size, Height and Weight

    Consider the personality traits and appearance of the Fila Brasileiro, as this breed is not for everyone. Use this information below to see if a Fila Brasileiro would suit your lifestyle and household.

    Size of Fila Brasileiro: The Fila Brasileiro Dog is a large to giant sized dog.

    Height of Fila Brasileiro:
  • Male: 26–30 inches (65–75 cm)
  • Female: 24–28 inches (60–70 cm)

  • Weight of Fila Brasileiro:
  • 90-110 pounds (41-50 kg)

    The Common Colours of Fila Brasileiro Dogs

  • Black
  • Brindle
  • Red
  • Yellow


Fila Brasileiro Appearance

Fila Brasileiro Information

Though large in size, the Fila does not appear static. Rather it is harmonious, cat-like and above all powerful. The expression is noble, solemn, dignified but somewhat melancholic. The Fila appears self-assured and calm but is never absent in expression. When at attention, the gaze of the Fila Brasileiro is firm, alert and unwavering. Another typical characteristic of the breed is its gait, which is similar to that of a camel, moving two legs of one side at a time. The gait gives it a typical rolling lateral movement on the throat and the hindquarters which is accentuated when the dog's tail is raised. The head is typically lower than the backline. The characteristic carriage and gait has earned it great success in dog shows.

The Brazilian Mastiffs are known to be naturally protective. It is also known for its extreme wariness of strangers and agility when protecting or defending its master. The dedication and obedience of the Fila Brasileiro has found its way into Brazilian saying "As faithful as a Fila". The Fila Brasileiro temperament is what characterizes the dog. The Portuguese word for their temperament is Ojeriza, which directly translated into English means dislike and distrust. The socialization period (about the first year with the first 6-8 months being the most important) of the dog's life is crucial to the temperament of the individual dog. If the pup is exposed to a lot of people in a positive manner (known as 'socializing'), the pup (keeping in mind the dog's natural protective instincts) can be encouraged to behave in a calm manner in public, but emphasis should be placed on the fact that socialization is done differently from other breeds. Despite extensive socialization, the fila is instinctively protective and will naturally guard and protect its owner, their family members and the family pets; this is not something that needs to be trained, it is an innate trait. Strangers should not be left unattended with a Fila and, like all other guardian breeds, it may not be the best choice for those who have frequent visitors to their homes. Lack of all socialization with strangers at a young age will result in a dog which is very anti-social.

What to do if you lose your Fila Brasileiro

If your Fila Brasileiro Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Report your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Register the lost pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups Here.

3. Phone the nearby vet clinics to see if anyone has brought in your lost pet.

4. Telephone the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Pounds.

What to do if you find a lost Fila Brasileiro

If you find a Fila Brasileiro Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Report the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Register the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Contact the Local Authority to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the pet to the local Animal Shelter near to your suburb.

5. Take the animal to the local Vet Clinic who can scan the animal’s microchip and locate the registered owner of the pet.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must call your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.