Can Fila Brasileiros Be Guard Dogs?

Looking to get a Fila Brasileiro puppy and want to know whether a Fila Brasileiro can be a good watch dog or if Fila Brasileiro Dogs are protective of their owners?

According to dog trainers, Fila Brasileiro Dogs score 5 star out of 5 in the scale of breeds that are considered the best watch dogs.


Can Fila Brasileiros Be Guard Dogs?

Can Fila Brasileiros Be A Watch Dog?

    This dog is not recommended to be a watchdog.

    Training a Fila Brasileiro To Be a Watch Dog

    Many people get a dog because they want additional safety and security around their houses. A guard dog, or a canine that will really stop an intruder, usually takes special breeding and training, but there are many dogs that are superb watch dogs.

    A watch dog basically informs their owner to someone coming close to their property. Even if your pet dog isn't a police dog, most barking dogs will deter an intruder even if they aren't large. Most guard dogs also make fantastic watch dogs, but not all watch dogs make good guard dogs.

    Top 5 Best Guard Dogs

    1. Doberman Pinscher - The Doberman Pinscher is German breed originally used for safeguarding, police and military work. They are large, powerful dogs that will alarm their owners to questionable activity and can make very good guard dogs as well.

    2. Cairn Terrier - Although little, the Cairn Terrier is intense. They are strong-willed, feisty little terriers that are really observant of their surroundings and will alarm their owners to any novel activity in no time. Because of this, they make exceptional watch dogs.

    3. Rottweiler - The Rottweiler is a large German guard dog breed that is greatly loyal to its family but wary of strangers. Although, they are not a great choice for novice pet dog owners.

    4. German Shepherd - They are fantastic guard dogs that will notify their owners of any strangers just a little too close to their homes.

    5. Akita - They will quickly alert their owners to any uncommon activity. They are powerful dogs that are not well-suited for the newbie owner, but are almost unparalleled in their loyalty to their owners.

Can Fila Brasileiros Be Guard Dogs

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 Lost Pets Facebook Groups Here.

3. Call the local vet clinics to see if someone has handed 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. Register 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 animal to the local Animal Pound near to your area.

5. Take the animal to the local Vet Clinic who usually scan the animal’s microchip and call 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 contact 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.