Julius Kennels - Fila Brasileiro





			About the Fila Brasileiro Filas are descendants of the 15th-century English Mastiff, Bloodhound, Bulldog and Rafeiros. From the Bloodhound, he inherited loose skin and keen sense of smell. The Mastiff contributed compact body, courage and an ever-alert disposition. The Bulldog added the unforgiving impetuous temperament. In early history Filas held escaped slaves unharmed for the master. The Fila has vigor and authority to its elastic pacing gait. A very large, square, heavy and massive head holds deep, sad eyes. His honesty in his antipathy to strangers invading his territory or threatening his master seems more awe-inspiring than the word 'Ojeriza,' used to describe the Fila's aversion to strangers. This muscular, powerful breed is 23" to 29" inches tall, weighing a minimum of 90 pounds. Bitches according to the breed standard, must be between a minimum of 23" inches tall and a maximum of 27" inches tall, and weigh a minimum of 90 pounds at adulthood (approximately 3 years). Dogs according to the breed standard, must be a minimum of 25" tall to a maximum of 29" inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh a minimum of 100 pounds at adulthood . Below minimum height or weight for both sexes is a disqualification, to be somewhat larger than maximum is a minor fault. Filas from Eshabeta Kennels would be in these approximate weight ranges: bitches 135 - 145 pounds, Dogs 165-185 pounds. We have in our breeding program females weighting between 120 - 175 pounds, and males weighing between 155-203 pounds. Colors include all shades of fawn brindle and black (some dispute the color black). Up to one-quarter of the dog may be white, but white is only allowable on the tip of tail, feet and chest. The overall appearance is catlike. They walk with a rolling, lion-like gait. They can leap and run and stalk in a feline imitation of movement. Despite the no-nonsense attitude of the Fila, its devotion to its family is legendary. It does not permit familiarity of strangers. Clearly extensive socialization and obedience training are essential to give this breed a frame of reference for normal human interaction, so it will not mistake a pat on the back of its master, by a friendly stranger, as an attack. Filas are used as cattle drovers, jaguar, boar and bear hunters, as well as home and ranch guard dogs. They are not typically animal-aggressive. A Fila's primary bond is to its master and family, and for this reason they are not suitable as flock guardians, as they desire to be near their human flock. In fact, enormous dedication to their family has been observed as they present a docile, meek, sober, obedient and playful attitude, often extending a paw to touch you, requesting hugs and petting. A friend to you always. Filas are easily 'read' when they are reacting to a perceived threat. The cold-eyed stare, lowering of head, readiness, long body posture, low growl, all tell the world: 'Beware, I am watching your every move!". Filas should never be judged solely on appearance. Not only should a quality Fila be beautiful but it is essential they be of good character and temperament and have structural soundness. Due to the intensity of this breed's temperament, clearly they are not suitable for just everyone. Educated and responsible owners are a must. Borrowed from Dawna Berg





			Abbreviated Breed Standard for the Fila Brasileiro Official FCI Standard translated by CBKC/FCI/SKC Judge Clelia Kruel to the English language GENERAL APPEARANCE Typically molossoid breed with powerful bones, rectangular and compact structure but harmonious and proportional. Added to his massiveness a great agility can be easily seen. Bitches must show a well-defined femininity which differentiates them immediately from males. CHARACTER AND TEMPERAMENT Outstanding courage, determination, and bravery are part of his characteristics. He is docile and obedient to his owners and family and extremely tolerant with children. His faithfulness became a Brazilian proverb. He is always looking for the company of his master. One of his characteristics is his "ojeriza" towards strangers. He shows a calm disposition, self-assurance, and self-confidence, not being disturbed by strange noises nor when facing a new environment. An unsurpassed guardian of property, he is also inclined, by instinct, to hunt big game and to herd cattle. GAIT The Fila has a long reach and elastic gait which reminds one of the great cats' movements. His main characteristic is the pace (camel's gait), moving two legs of one side first, followed by the two legs of the other side which causes a rolling lateral movement of the thorax and hindquarters accentuated by the tail when it is raised. During the walk he maintains the head lower than the back line. He shows a smooth, free, and long reaching trot with a powerful stride. His gallop is powerful with an unsuspected speed coming from such a large and heavy dog. The Fila Brasileiro's gait is always influenced by its typically molossoid articulations which give the impression, and in fact it is true, of effectively permitting him sudden and swift changes in direction. EXPRESSION In repose it is a calm, noble, and full of self-assurance, never disclosing a bored nor absent expression. When in attention, the expression should reflect determination and alertness with a firm and piercing look in his eyes. HEAD The Fila's head is heavy and massive, always proportionate to the body. Seen from above, it resembles a trapezoidal figure in which the head appears pear-shaped. From a side view, muzzle and skull should have approximately the proportion of one to one, or with the first being slightly smaller than the second one. SKULL The profile shows a smooth curve from the stop to the occiput which is well-defined and salient, especially in puppies. From a front view the skull is wide, ample with the upper line slightly curved. The lateral lines descend slightly curved, almost in a vertical line, narrowing toward the muzzle, never showing a stop. STOP From a front view it is practically non-existent. The medium furrow runs up smoothly until approximately the halfway mark of the skull. From a side view the stop is low, sloping, and virtually formed by the very well-developed eyebrow ridges. MUZZLE Strong, broad, and deep, always in harmony with the skull. >From a top view it is full under the eyes, very slightly narrowing toward the middle of the muzzle and slightly broadening again until reaching the front curve. >From a side view the bridge of the muzzle is straight or has a Roman nose, but never in an ascendant line. The front line of the muzzle is close to a perpendicular line in relation to the superior line, showing a slight depression right under the nose. A perfect curve is formed by the upper lips which are thick and pendulous, drooping over the lower lips giving shape to the lower line of the muzzle which is almost parallel to the upper line. The labial rim is always apparent. The lower lips are close and firm up to the fangs and from there on they are loose with dented borders. The muzzle has a great depth at the root but without surpassing the length of the muzzle. The labial rim has the shape of an inverted and deep U. NOSE Well-developed with broad nostrils not occupying entirely the maxilla width. The color is black. EYES From medium to large size, almond-shaped, spaced well apart, from medium to deep-set. The colors are from dark chestnut to yellow, always in harmony with the coat color. Due to the profusion of the loose skin, many individuals present drooping lower eyelids which are not considered a fault as such detail increases the melancholic expression which is typical of the breed. EARS Pendant, large, thick, V-shaped, broad at the base and tapering at the end with rounded tips. They are inserted at the posterior part of the skull in line with the medium level of the eyes when in repose. When roused the ears go above the original position. The root is oblique with the front border higher than the back border. The ears are drooping at the cheeks or are folded back allowing the interior to be seen. TEETH Noticeably wider than long. They are strong and white. The upper scissors are broad at the root and sharp at the edges. Canines are powerful, well set and well apart. A scissors bite is the ideal, but a level bite is acceptable. NECK Extraordinarily strong and well-muscled giving the impression of a short neck. It is slightly curved on the top and well-detached from the skull. The throat is furnished with dewlaps. TOPLINE The withers, standing in a sloping line, are set well apart from each other due to the distance between the scapulas at a slightly lower level than the croup. After the withers, the topline changes direction, ascending smoothly to the croup, with no tendency to show a sway nor a roach back. CROUP Broad and long, with an approximate angulation of 30 degrees to the horizontal line, showing a smooth curve. It stands a little higher than the withers. Viewed from the rear the croup must be ample and its width is approximately equal to the thorax and may be even wider in females. BODY Strong, broad, and deep, covered by thick and loose skin. The thorax is longer than the abdomen. The length of the body is the same as the height at the withers plus ten per cent, when measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks. \| THORAX The ribs are well sprung, though not interfering with the position of the shoulders. The chest is deep and large, descending to the level of the elbows. LOINS Shorter and not as deep as the thorax, showing a separation of the two component parts. The lower part of the loins is more developed in the females. Viewed from above, the loins are narrower than the thorax and croup, but should not form a waistline. UNDERLINE The chest is long and parallel to the ground in all its extension. The tuck-up extends in a slightly ascending line but is never whippety. FOREQUARTERS The ideal shoulder structure should be composed of two bones of equal length (scapula and humerus), with the former at an angle of 45 degrees from the horizontal line and the humerus forming an approximate 90 degree angle with the scapula. The articulation of the scapula-humerus forms the point of the shoulder which should be situated at the level of the prosternum but a little behind it. In its ideal position the shoulder covers the space from the withers to the prosternum and the point of the shoulder should be placed halfway to this distance. An imaginary perpendicular line coming down from the withers should cut the elbow and reach the foot. FORELEGS Must be parallel, straight to the pasterns, and with powerful bones. The carpis (pastern joints) are strong and apparent. The metacarpus (pasterns) are short and slightly sloping. Length of the leg from ground to elbow should be equal to the length from elbow to withers. FEET Formed by strong and well-arched toes which are not too close together. The pads are thick, broad, and deep. The correct position of the feet is pointing to the front. The nails are strong and dark, but they may be white when this is the color of the respective toe. HINDQUARTERS The hindlegs are less heavy boned than the forelegs but never light as a whole. The upper thigh has curved borders shaped by muscles descending from the ilium and ischium, which trace the curve of the rear, and for this reason the ischium must have a good length. HINDLEGS Parallel, with strong tarsis, metatarsis slightly bent, higher than the metacarpis. The stifles and hocks are moderately angulated. HINDFEET A little more oval than the forefeet, but otherwise the description is identical to that for the forefeet. They should not present dewclaws. TAIL Very wide at the root, medium set, reaching to the level of the hocks, tapering rapidly at its end. When the dog is alert, the tail is raised high, and the curve at the extremity is more accentuated. The tail should not fall over the back or curl up. HEIGHT Measured at the withers: Males: 65 to 75 cms. (25.5 inches to 29.5 inches) Females: 60 to 70 cms. (23.5 inches to 27.5 inches) WEIGHT Males: minimum of 50 kgs. (l00 lbs.) Females: minimum of 40 kgs. (90 lbs.) COLOR All solid colors are permitted except the disqualifying ones(white, mouse grey, patched dogs, dappled, or black and tan). Brindles of a basic color, may have the stripes of either less or with very strong intensity. A black mask may or may not be present. In all permitted colors white markings should be limited to the feet, chest, and tip of tail. The white markings are not desirable on any other part of the body. SKIN One of the most important breed characteristics is the thick, loose skin over the whole body, chiefly at the neck, forming pronounced dewlaps, and in many individuals the folds proceed to the chest and abdomen. Some dogs show a fold at the side of the head and also at the withers descending to the shoulder. When the dog is in repose the head is free of wrinkles. When alert, in order to lift the ears, the contraction of the skin at the skull forms little wrinkles along a longitudinal line of the skull. COAT Short, smooth, dense and tight to the skin.





			Temperament Test Click here for a printable PDF version of the Temperament Test guidelines (8k) Dog Must Wear a Buckle Collar & Strong Lead (No Choke Collars Allowed). There will be seven tests for dog to pass: • Neutral Stranger • Friendly Stranger • Umbrella Test • Strange Footing • Rattling Can and Gun Test • Threat to Handler/Dog BEHAVIOR TOWARD STRANGERS Objective is to determine the dog's reaction to noise and measure its alertness and curiosity. Neutral Stranger - A stranger passes the dog and handler, ignoring both. Friendly Stranger - A stranger approaches the dog and handler, speaks to handler, shakes handler's hand, and leaves. The stranger is not required to touch dog. REACTION TO ACOUSTICAL STIMULI The objective is to determine the reaction to noise and measure dog's alertness and curiosity. Rattling Can Containing Stones - Dog and handler walk past a stranger who shakes the can. Gun Test - Assistant will fire blanks at a distance of 5 meters (about 16 ft.) from the dog REACTION TO VISUAL STIMULI Objective is to test the dog's reaction to a sudden visual stimulus and to measure the dog's investigative behavior. Umbrella Test - Handler and dog approach a sitting assistant who is relaxed and motionless. When the dog approaches umbrella, assistant smoothly opens and lowers it to the ground. Dog should investigate umbrella. Handler may encourage the dog for a limited time. FOOTING TEST Objective is to measure the reaction to unusual footing and willingness to accompany handler. Handler and dog walk lengthwise over a strong plastic sheet laid flat, or over an opened dog pen laid flat on level ground. SELF-PROTECTIVE/AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR Objective is to test dog's capacity to recognize a potential threatening situation and show how the dog defends himself and his owner in a positive manner when faced with a threat. If handler anticipates trouble controlling the dog, a second leash attached to a suitable object (vehicle or post) may be used. An unfriendly stranger will approach the dog and handler with a stick and appear to attack. At no time is the dog or handler touched or beaten with the stick. DISQUALIFICATION - Any Fila showing cowardice or aggression to its owner is immediately disqualified and cannot pass the Temperament Test.





			General Faults Cryptorchid or monorchids, the use of artificial products, or a dog which has been changed in appearance by artificial means, albinos, lack of typicity, etc. DISQUALIFICATION Aggressiveness toward his owner Cowardice Pink nose Overshot bite Undershot bite showing the teeth when the mouth is closed Lack of one canine or one molar, other than the third one Blue eyes (porcelain like) Cropped ears or docked tail Croup lower than the withers All dogs that are white, mouse grey, patched, dappled or merle or black and tan Under minimum height Lack of loose skin Lack of camel's pace VERY SERIOUS FAULTS Small head Tight upper lips A pronounced stop from a front view Protruding eyes Lack of two teeth except the PIS (first pre-molars) Lack of dewlaps Apathetic or timid dogs Negative sensitivity to shooting a gun Roach back Level topline Excessive tuckup Cowhocks Straight hocks (lack of angulation at the hindlegs) Light bones Lack of substance Over maximum height White markings exceeding l/4 of the body Lack of pigmentation at eye rim Round eyes Square figure SERIOUS FAULTS Short muzzle Small ears High set ears (when in repose) Excessively light colored eyes Wrinkles on skull when the animal is in repose Undershot bite Lack of two teeth Folded skin under throat that is not dewlap Swayback Narrow croup A curled tail carried over the back Chest lacking depth Deviation of metacarpus or metatarsus Over-angulated hindlegs Short steps MINOR FAULTS Anything in disagreement with the standard that does not fall into the above three categories NOTE: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

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