Country/Date of Origin: Brazil/1800s
The Fila developed as an all-around working dog on the great cattle estancias of Brazil. They descend from Portuguese herding dogs that were introduced in colonial times, English Mastiffs, old style Bulldogs and Bloodhounds. The resultant mixture is a tough, bold guardian that can also hunt jaguar, drive cattle and act as a tracker in police work.
Still little known outside of its native Brazil, the Fila has a reputation for being fierce. It is banned in England under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
FCI Group: 2 (Working)