The Filo Brasileiro dog
was developed during the 15th Century in Brazil , with the purpose to be
a large working breed that was useful for herding, guarding and hunting. One
theory of how this dog originated is that the dog was the result of selective
breeding between Spanish and Portuguese dogs such as the Spanish Mastiffs or
other large breeds brought to Brazil
during the Iberian Union. Another theory is that the Filo Brasileiro developed through careful breeding involving the English Mastiff, the Bulldog, and
the Bloodhound. You can see many of the Bloodhound characteristics in
the Filo Brasileiro, especially around the face. The Filo Brasileiro was
ideal for large plantation or cattle owners not only as a working dog with the stock but also as a guard dog who was very
territorial and would protect their master's
property with a vengeance. This dog was used to hunt down the elusive jaguar,
manage the cattle and hunt down other animals. When slavery was legal in
Brazil, this dog was used to hunt down runaway slaves, and hold them unharmed
until their master arrived. This dog is surprisingly fast and agile for their
size, and is dedicated and intensely loyal to their master. While charming and
affectionate to their family, this dog has a natural suspicious nature and
needs an experience owner to bring the best out in the dog. There are some
countries that have banned this dog due to its size and level of aggression,
but often more so because some owners were unable to handle this dog in the
right way, giving rise to a stigma over this regal animal. But in the right
hands, this dog is intelligent, loyal, sensible, reliable and very strong.
