Brazilian Mastiff Dog Breed
The Brazilian Mastiff is a bloodhound/mix. A very interesting
combination indeed; These are mastiffs who also have
some of the traits of the bloodhound. This includes
the legendary noses of that breed. They also possess
the gentleness of the mastiff. Originating in Brazil,
these dogs are also known as Fila Brasiliero in Portuguese.
Once used as guards for Brazilian plantations, they
were brought to what is now the U.S. by conquistadors.
These gentle giants can easily weigh over 100 pounds,
and stand up to 30" tall. Having the flabby neck and
long face of bloodhounds, their fur varies in color
from reddish to black, even yellow. Brindled specimens
are the most popular however.
As most of their cousins in the Mastiff family, the
Brazilian Mastiff is very loving in nature. They can
be aggressive as well. They are gentle with children
and very protective of them. Mastiffs are very obedient
to their masters and very easy to train as well. The
have great pride and courage.
They are often used as hunting dogs, having inherited
the good hunting instincts from the bloodhound part
of their lineage. They are especially good at locating,
then immobilizing prey; the word "Fila" in their name
is the Portuguese for "hold".
They are far less likely to become overweight than most
mastiffs (a common problem seen in the breed), and tend
to be healthier and more athletic than your average
mastiff. This is another set of traits inherited from
their bloodhound relatives.
More than most other varieties, Brazilian Mastiffs are
not at all fond of strangers. The only sure way to get
on a Brazilian Mastiffs good side, it seems, is to spend
a lot of time with them as puppies if you want them
to remember and show that famed protectiveness towards
you.
It is best to keep your mastiff locked up if you will
have houseguests, as Brazilian Mastiffs have been known
to attack without provocation - this unfortunate quality
extends even to mastiffs entered in dog shows and the
judges.
Remember to be careful as you choose your new Brazilian
Mastiff puppy. You want to make sure that the breeder
is a good and trustworthy one. Some breeders have other
agendas when selling their puppies so it is wise to
get references first hand.
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