Pet Wiki

Fila Brasileiro

Also called Brazilian Mastiff

Recognised breedFCI group 2Short profile

From Brazil.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, malefrom 50 kg1
Weight, femalefrom 40 kg1
Height, male65 to 75 cm12
Height, female60 to 70 cm12
Sizegiant

Standard gives minimum weights only: at least 50 kg for males and 40 kg for females.

Devoted to its family
Very tolerant of children
Calm and self-assured
1

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

Coloursbrindlefawnblack12

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

  1. 1

    It moves with a pace like a camel, swinging both legs on one side together, which gives a rolling motion to its body.1

  2. 2

    Its first written standard dates to 1946 and was the work of Dr Paulo Santos Cruz.2

  3. 3

    The breed was once used for herding cattle and hunting big game on Brazilian farms.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Fila Brasileiro' comes from Portuguese, where 'Fila' means 'to hold' or 'to catch', reflecting the breed's historical use as a guard dog and cattle herder in Brazil.2

Name ideas for your new friend

ZaraTatuSolLuaCacauTigreBrisaXaráJadeFogoSambaCéu

A day in the life told by a Fila Brasileiro

I start my day guarding the sunlit porch. My humans come out, and I lean into their legs, rumbling a soft welcome. The children tumble into the yard, and I watch them, a steady sentinel. When the postman approaches, I stand tall, giving a low woof. My family laughs and calls me off. Later, we stroll the field; I walk close, checking every sound. At dusk, I lie by the fire, head on my paws, content. This is my home, and I protect it with quiet love.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

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 a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Fila Brasileiro. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Fila Brasileiro, and at what times?

Feed adult Fila Brasileiro at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stomachs empty within a few hours, so regular mealtimes are best. Follow the food label for amounts and ask your vet for guidance.3

What should a Fila Brasileiro eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality large-breed dog food. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always check with your vet for the best diet plan.4

How often should I bathe a Fila Brasileiro?

Bathe your Fila Brasileiro at least every three months, or more often if needed. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days. Use a dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Fila Brasileiro need brushing?

Brush your Fila Brasileiro weekly with a soft brush. Its short coat needs only occasional brushing, and Furry Diary's plan suggests every 7 days. This keeps the coat healthy and reduces shedding.15 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Fila Brasileiro's nails, and how often?

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days as a guide. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. Ask your vet or groomer to show you if you are unsure.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Fila Brasileiro need?

Your Fila Brasileiro needs daily walks and play, plus space to roam. Originally a working farm dog, it benefits from a clear role and regular exercise. Furry Diary's plan recommends daily exercise.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Fila Brasileiro's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Fila Brasileiro live?

The lifespan of a Fila Brasileiro varies, typically around 8 to 10 years for large breeds. For exact information, ask your breeder or vet.

Is a Fila Brasileiro good with children and other pets?

The Fila Brasileiro is deeply loyal and gentle with its own family, including children, but reserved with strangers. Early socialisation is important for good behaviour with other pets. It is best for experienced owners.1

Can a Fila Brasileiro be left alone?

This breed forms a strong bond with its household and may not do well when left alone for long periods. Early training and a clear routine can help, but it is best suited to owners who are often home.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 225 Fila Brasileiro fci.beused for group, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, gait
  2. Fila Brasileiro - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition, uses
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.