Brazilian Mastiff
A very unusual combination, the Brazilian Mastiff is in fact a mastiff/bloodhound mix. They have traits of both breeds; including the famed sense of smell bloodhounds are so well known for. They also have the protectiveness and gentleness with children so common in mastiffs. Hailing from Brazil, they are known (in Portuguese) as Fila Brasileiro. Formerly employed as guards for plantations, they found their way to North America with conquistadors.
This loving creatures weigh about 100 pounds or more and they stand about 27-30 inches off the ground. They have the hound dog look in the face with a large flabby neck. They have short hair that is very easy to manage. Their colors vary. You may want one that is reddish tan, how about black or maybe even yellow. Then there is the most popular and that happens to be brindle.
Sweet and loving like other mastiffs, they are however capable of aggression when needed. Very loyal and protective, they are excellent with children.
Brazilian Mastiffs still are seen in hunting, being as good at the job as their bloodhound relatives. They specialize in tracking down and catching prey while waiting for their owners to catch up; in fact, the “Fila” in “Fila Brasileiro” is from Portuguese and means “hold”.
More athletic than most mastiffs (another bloodhound trait) and less prone to the obesity which can plague the mastiff breed, they are healthy dogs. They get their protectiveness from the mastiff in their lineage.
In fact, the Brazilian Mastiff is well known to not like strangers at all. It doesn’t matter if they are intruders or not. You have to be around them when they are puppies and as they grow if you plan on becoming someone they won’t attempt to attack or become aggressive towards. Extremely loyal to his family and will be as gentle as he could be around children.
They will attack without permission so it is wise to hide him if strangers plan on staying as guests. Even the best of the best Brazilian mastiffs, the show quality, can become aggressive towards the judges. That is a scary thought. Imagine being attacked as a show dog judge? I think that I would keep the working dog category out of my choice of judging. That is to say the least.
If you are getting a new Brazilian Mastiff puppy, choose very carefully. Be certain that the breeder is reputable; don’t be afraid to ask for references.
Popularity: 1% [?]