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Fila breeders in Texas?

Tubarao'smom

Well-Known Member
I agree with angelbears from my understanding and the reason I got Tubarao was because they do not go looking for trouble however, when presented with a threat they will eliminate it. Having a secure property is important because all it takes is one nosey neighbor or something like that. In fact I am now having to lock my gate, our property is gated however, the electricity meter man was freely coming onto the property until Tubarao has now decided that he is no longer ok with that. My point is, from my perspective you cannot truly understand what a fila is really like without having one or seeing one in person. I wish you lived closer because then you could see Tubarao. I read up on filas' for over a year before I purchased one, and no amount of reading/research could prepare me for the what having a fila really encompasses. They are amazing dogs and if you feel you are up for the added responsibility I hope you find a good quality fila. It seems you have the right idea in mind and are asking questions to help make an informed decision. With that said, if you decide a fila is not right for you i've heard that cane corso's are also good protective dogs.
 

iwannafila

Well-Known Member
Thank you to all of you for all the great info and advice! I'm not giving up on a Fila yet! Another reason I like the idea of a Fila is, I've read they are good with other pets if raised with them when they are brought in the household as a puppy. Is this generally true of Filas? Because we currently have a 2 year old male Shar Pei. It seems a lot of the other guardian breeds can be dog aggressive. I definitely don't want the headache of two dogs butting heads constantly
 

tojvan

Well-Known Member
Thank you to all of you for all the great info and advice! I'm not giving up on a Fila yet! Another reason I like the idea of a Fila is, I've read they are good with other pets if raised with them when they are brought in the household as a puppy. Is this generally true of Filas? Because we currently have a 2 year old male Shar Pei. It seems a lot of the other guardian breeds can be dog aggressive. I definitely don't want the headache of two dogs butting heads constantly
Yes it's true I have a shepherd and fila both intact with zero issues.
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
I couldn't agree more with Tubarao's mom. I thought I was prepared for a Fila. I had read everything I could, I went to see them in action at my breeders before I brought Cane home. BUT I don't think you are ever prepared until you jump in and own one. You really have to learn to read your Fila. With Cane when certain hackles come up and his tail comes up over his back and points at whatever is approaching. I know this is serious and get him the hell back in the house or back into the back bedroom. Other times we can be outside and a neighbor is out he will front me and put on a little show but he really isn't serious and can be easily called off. Usually he is in the easily called off mode. However, that can change in a second. If they think there is danger they can turn it on and you better be ready.
 

iwannafila

Well-Known Member
Angelbears, your last reply brings up another question! It kinda sounds like a Fila sees EVERYONE as a threat. That brings up the issue of socialization. I've read that over and over as well. Extensive socialization needed with this breed. I figure this means something totally different with a Fila, since they don't like a stranger touching them! Obviously socializing other breeds means, taking them around a bunch of different people, sights, sounds etc. I wouldn't have an issue of having a dog that is watchful of strangers, but maybe not as crazy about a breed that wants to attack anyone they see. From my research it does not sound at all like a proper Fila is a lunging maniac. Like you said, they give signs, and the owner has to be able to read them accurately. That sounds reasonable to me. This is one of the reasons, I would like to find a breeder, or go to a show, and observe these dogs personally to get a better idea of their temperament. I already figured what I've been reading wouldn't prepare me for what it would be like to own a Fila! It sounds like Fila owners love their dogs a lot! I would like to experience that connection with a canine companion! One other question, does your homeowners insurance skyrocket due to Fila ownership?
 

iwannafila

Well-Known Member
Tubarao'smom, I see your profile says you are located in north Texas. How far north? Up around dallas area? I want to see a Fila so bad!!!!!
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
First let me say that their are others here with far more knowledge than I have about the Fila and owning a Fila. Secondly, I'm surprised its ugly head has not risen yet, or that you haven't already gotten private messages but there is a huge divide in the Fila world. Cafib and the CBKC. Cafib believe that they have the only true Fila and black Filas are not allowed. CBKC allows black as a color. IMHO, they both put out a lot of bad dogs. Finding a proper Fila is not easy. Don't be fooled by either.

As far as socialization, it is important to get your Fila out while they are young and will accept strangers. A Fila usually doesn't come into their true temperament and ojeriza(hatred of people) until about 1 year of age. Cane came into his pretty early, around 9 months, about the time he went out the window but even at 9 weeks when we brought him home it was obvious that he did not like people to touch him. He didn't have the confidence yet to do anything about it.

You do want to get your puppy out and touched by as many people as you can while he will tolerate it. Don't worry that you will make him soft, you won't. I also think that your personality will have a lot to do with how your Fila reacts to different situations. I totally have the wrong personality. I'm very high strung and I become nervous when we encounter people. That basically tells the Fila that I'm not in charge so he will take it upon himself to take care of us. Those who do well with Filas are confident people who don't let most things bother them. The dog will relax and let you take the lead.

Yes, insurance can be a problem. I got Cane after I had had my insurance for a few years. They have not followed up to see if we have different or more dogs. I didn't find anywhere on the policy that said I had to inform them if I got more. I do have rental property and I do have a list of dogs that can't be on that property per my insurance and yes, Mastiffs are on the list.

I'm in Cypress, right outside of Houston. Where are you located?
 

iwannafila

Well-Known Member
I am in Spring, TX. I was showing my mom videos I found on here, and she is kinda falling for Filas too! She's still a bit apprehensive about how protective they are, but she still seems to like them! One of the vids was a dog named Steve, pulling his owners gloves off his hands. Do the majority of Filas have that fun, goofy personality like that? Overall, we are just homebodies that love our dogs! I think this breed may be for us. Before I get a pup to join the Shar Pei, we will be moving though. I'm just gathering info now, to make sure when we are ready, we make the right decision no matter which breed we may choose! I want to thank all of you Fila owners that have replied to my questions. Trust me, it is greatly appreciated.
 

tojvan

Well-Known Member
Getting a fila should be a very serious decision. filas love their family to death, you can almost get away with anything with a fila, to this day I have never heard my pup growl at any of the family members, but there is also another side to it and one that every perspective owner should be aware of. It varies from individual to individual but filas hat strangers, literally hate then. It's one thing to read about it and another to actually encourage. Before you decide to get a fila I strongly encourage you to check out the thread FILA BRASILEIRO TRIGGER(pictures, videos etc) if you scroll I bit down I have videos of my fila showing how he behaves with family including my shepherd and how he perceives strangers. I think he is around 1 year old in that. Btw I own the CBKC fila.
 

iwannafila

Well-Known Member
Tojvan, I have made the decision that a Fila is not the right dog for me. But, now my research has to start all over!!!! I am still interested in getting a medium to large sized breed that's naturally protective. But, would ANY breed that meets that criteria have the same traits that made the Fila not the right breed for me? I guess the point I'm getting at is, I want my new addition to be a dog that wont stand around, and watch an intruder steal everything in the house. But, not as intense as a Fila. I have a feeling though, that dog doesn't exist. Fila and a few other breeds appear to be the only breeds that will actually protect you without extensive, expensive protection training. Are there any other breeds you would recommend I research? I've looked into Cane Corsos, but I've seen vids where they were tested by a decoy, and they didn't do anything.
 

Hector

Well-Known Member
Tojvan, I have made the decision that a Fila is not the right dog for me. But, now my research has to start all over!!!! I am still interested in getting a medium to large sized breed that's naturally protective. But, would ANY breed that meets that criteria have the same traits that made the Fila not the right breed for me? I guess the point I'm getting at is, I want my new addition to be a dog that wont stand around, and watch an intruder steal everything in the house. But, not as intense as a Fila. I have a feeling though, that dog doesn't exist. Fila and a few other breeds appear to be the only breeds that will actually protect you without extensive, expensive protection training. Are there any other breeds you would recommend I research? I've looked into Cane Corsos, but I've seen vids where they were tested by a decoy, and they didn't do anything.

Also remember just because a dog is a guardian breed, it doesn't mean they will protect under stressful situations. It depends on the individual and the amount of defensive drive and the strength of their nerves. Some dogs have defensive drive, but weak nerves and some dogs have defensive drive, but won't show it until they are brought out. Have you looked into a working bandog? If you check out Midgard mastiffs, you will know what I'm talking about.
 

iwannafila

Well-Known Member
I have looked into Bandogs a little bit in the past. I will check them out again. Thank you Hector. I have also looked at several LGD breeds, but they will not fit my situation. They need a job to do, and I will not have livestock or anything to keep them busy. I've really always wanted a Great Dane, but they don't fit due to no protective traits. My research will continue!
 

tojvan

Well-Known Member
I'll recommend two breeds that probable fit the bill first is a neopolitan mastiff, they make great estate guards andante very protective of their people, also are not fond of people. They will tolerate a stranger once the owner accepts them. The only thing is they can be head strong and dominant, as long as you can put rules boundaries and limitation it shouldn't be an issue. Another one is pressa canario which in another great guard dogs. Check out Cabeza Grande Kennel, they have great working pressas just tell them what your looking for. You might have to wait but you'll get the dog suitable for you.
 

tojvan

Well-Known Member
another thing i wanted to add was both these breeds are dominant breeds, so you have to make sure you are at the top of the pecking order to avoid any issues in the future
 

tojvan

Well-Known Member
Thank you. I will look into the Neapolitan. Pressa not so sure about!
Honestly if you just want a good guard dog, which is watchful but not very intense and a good companion English Mastiff would be perfect and im sure we have some excellent breders on this forum
 

Tubarao'smom

Well-Known Member
Yes Dallas area iwannafila. Tubarao just recently started to come into temperament previously I had a massive puppy who I could take to dog parks who would interact with anyone who approached him. Now, not so much. The turning point is here now and I am just now learning to read my fila so to speak. A fila is loyal beyond believe and will protect you with their own life if necessary, this is all instinct and not learned. I took Tubarao to the park over the weekend mind you this is not a typical park but rather lots of wide open space with people here and there. He saw people in the distance and his eyes were locked. He pressed his body against be and walked like he was stalking his prey. It was an amazing sight. No one ever got close enough thankfully but I could tell if they did he was no longer going to be okay with it. Having gone through the fast food drive thru recently and when the lady reached in to get the money he growled like i've never heard before, I finally realized he was no longer the fun loving puppy with strangers like he used to be. These are things that you can never truly understand until you have a fila and experience it for yourself. I commend you for doing a lot of research prior to purchasing one, they are a lifetime commitment their bond is second to none.