Character and Temperament:

For his own people the Fila Brasileiro is a very affectionate, gentle and obedient dog. One of the characteristics of the Fila is the "ojeriza" great distrust of strangers. He shows a calm behavior, trust and selfsureness are not disturbed by strange noises or a new environment. It attaches itself very strongly to his owner and family and it is very very difficulty when he is put up for adoption later in his life.  They are confident, courageous and very hard for themselves. The Fila is very watchful and has an natural urge to protect and guard. He is very territorial and guards and defends the house and garden, including all those who love him. Should there be uninvited guests or the Fila has the impression that his boss is threatened than he will not hesitate to attack. At home they are usually very quiet. These dogs have an exceptional nose and some of their hunting instinct may not be denied.

For the Fila, the own children will not be a problem, playmates for your children, however can not be left alone with the dog.

Dealing with pets will have few problems if the Fila is been introduced to them in an early age, but new pets are generally not easily accepted. Fila Brasileiro's are known for their distrust of strangers. They can do this, depending on their individual nature and extent of socialization, through expressing themselves either evasive or aggressive towards strangers. 

It goes without saying that a busy residential area, therefore is not an ideal environment for a dog of this breed.

Regular visitors, while the owner is at home, indicating that it is in order, are generally accepted. Towards other dogs outside the dogs of their own pack, but especially those of the same sex, a Fila often very dominant.

Dealing with the Fila Brasileiro:

Care:

The Fila has relatively little coat care. It is enough to brush the coat once a week with a rubber massage clove during the changing coat period.
Fila's need a soft bed to prevent ugly calluses on the pressure areas especially the elbows.

Education:

Fila Brasileiro's are not suitable for nonconsequent people or people with little or no experience with dogs. They have a character that for many is difficult to understand. A future Fila owner must both mentally and physically be very strong, have a natural superiority and enough insight into the nature of dogs and dog behavior in general to accomplish a positive education. The education must be done in full harmony and with great understanding to be breed.
The future Fila-owners must understand and know that dogs can react very quickly. A good socialization is very important and asks a lot of time and effort of the owners.

Movement:

In the best case, a dog of this breed should be kept in a well fenced area or garden where he can exercise according to his own needs. Every now and then you can take him on the leash to go with  him to some new unchartered territory and take some other impressions.


TEMPERAMENTSTEST:


Mandatory in Brazil, for all fila's (over 12 months). To achieve the Champion title, all champions must have h a certificate of the passed temperament test. These test are placed on special (CAFIB) shows. If they do not pass this test they will loose the title for champion.


The test consists of:

1) Attack with a stick.
The dog must show a frontal attack when provoced, regardless of the handler who remains motionless. It is absolutely forbidden to touch the dog or hit him.

2) Test Shoot.
At a distance of 5 meters from the dog blanks are fired, he stands still, is alert, and shows self-confidence.

3) Throughout the course of the exhibition, the judge takes notice of the behavior of the animal, in particular its expression and specially during the temperament test:
a) his mistrust of strangers
b) his selfconfidence, courage, determination and bravery of the specimen.