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More and more people world wide has a growing interest in the Brazilian Mastiff, for his unique qualities and personality. It is true that mastiffs are dogs built for fighting bears and wild animals alike, but through the ages, they have developed a gentle loving character that attracts many.

Still, what do you really know about this large breed dog?
How can we make a decision to own one?

The Fila Brasileiro is most often called Brazilian Mastiff or Fila Mastiff. In Brazil the Fila is also recognized as the cro boiadeiro (Brazilian Cattle Dog) and the Caberudo Boiadeiro das Minas Gerais (Large Headed Cattle Dog of the Minas Gerais).

The Brazilian Mastiff is believed to have originated from the English Mastiff. Over the last couple of hundred years there have been many varied dog breeds and mixed dogs breeding with the Fila to create the breed we know today. Yet a Portuguese herding dog known as a rafiero, a kind of an instinct bulldog and the St Hubert bloodhound are most often believed to be the ones involved in creating the dog we love and enjoy today.

In the past few years there has been a tendency to breed the Brazilian Mastiff with the milder tempered dogs favoring the gentle English Mastiff. The English Mastiffs have been easier to sell and proved to be a better financial investment for its owner.

Still, there are always the devotees who greatly fancy the Brazilian Mastiff which tends to have a prominent bloodhound character. The Fila Brailliero, as called in Brazil, tends to be smaller than the English Mastiff is more energetic and vigorous.

In succeeding years there were extensive mixtures created by breeding with the Neapolitan Mastiff, the Great Dane and the English Mastiff in a trial to get more exotic coat colors. We can often see the influence of these breeds, although nowadays Brazilian Mastiffs that are the apparent result of crossbreeding or mixed breeding in the past.

The Fila Brasileiro has one obvious trait that is considered to be important and highly appreciated. It is the intense antipathy to strangers. This sets this breed apart from all other various mastiffs and makes it a great guardian for people, estate and family. This also implies that the Brazilian mastiff is a type of dog that needs careful training.

It is not a breed for beginners, who own a dog for the first time.
Truth is it shouldn't actually be owned by anyone who hasn't owned or trained at least one other type of guardian dog before.

Just as with any guardian dog breed, the Brazilian Mastiff should not be left alone around strangers. Specific fencing is also recommended. A high fence of at least 6ft would prevent it from jumping out of the yard.
Special leashes and collars are also made for mastiffs. These accessories are important for dog's handling and training.

To summarize, the Brazilian mastiff, with all its force and might, is said to be a great family dog that loves children, is affectionate and the best guardian dog one can hope for.