The Magnificent Brazilian Mastiff

A bloodhound and mastiff mix. Can you imagine? These beautiful mastiff dogs can sniff out something as well as being as gentle as possible. They are originally from Brazil and have the original name of Fila Brasileiro. When they were first around, they were made to watch out for the plantations, then they were later brought to the United States by a group called the 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.

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”.

These are an athletic breed although some Mastiffs are not athletic at all and they even are known to become obese. Again they get their athletic abilities from the bloodhound side. The guarding side comes from the Mastiff. Mastiffs are very watchful dogs and although they aren’t aggressive in nature, they will guard their family.

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.

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.

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.