Fila Brasileiro vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Fila Brasileiro vs Bull Arab - Breed ComparisonBull Arab is originated from Australia but Fila Brasileiro is originated from Brazil. Bull Arab may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than Fila Brasileiro. Bull Arab may weigh 30 kg / 66 pounds lesser than Fila Brasileiro. Bull Arab may live 3 years more than Fila Brasileiro. Both Bull Arab and Fila Brasileiro has same litter size. Bull Arab requires Low Maintenance. But Fila Brasileiro requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
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Australia
Brazil
Height Male:
63 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Height Female:
61 - 67 cm
24 - 27 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 46 kg
59 - 102 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 10
4 - 10
Size:
Large
Large
Other Names:
Australian Pig Dog • Aussie Pig Dog
Brazilian Mastiff
Colors Available:
white with black, liver or tan[
red, black, Fawn, brindle
Coat:
short, harsh coat double
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

bull arabIn the 1970’s feral pig hunters wanted a dog that could be aggressive in finding and capturing the pigs. The hunters crossed the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Bull Terrier and the Greyhound to develop the Bull Arab. It is believed that the hybrid is at least 50% Bull Terrier. It is also possible that there is some Doberman, Mastiff, Great Dane and/or Pointer in the hybrid as well.

The job of the Bull Arab is to hunt out the feral pigs, grab one by the ear and hold it until the hunter arrives. They have a strong sense of smell and that is how they find the pigs.

Mike Hodgens, an Australian, developed the hybrid and added some Bloodhound as well to get that ability to smell out the pigs at great distances. They are also capable of catching buffalo and cattle. Some Australians use the breed in cattle or buffalo ranching. They are registered with the DRA or Dog Registry of America, Inc.

fila brasileiroHailing from Brazil, and known also as the Brazilian Mastiff, nobody seems to be too sure of the exact origins of the large Fila Brasileiro but it is believed to be a cross between the English Mastiff, the Bulldog and the Bloodhound.

Other theories are that the dog comes from a mix of Portuguese and Spanish dogs and that they were bred to guard livestock from predators. Breeds that have no doubt contributed to the modern Fila are the Bullenbeisser, the Bloodhound, Mastiff and Rafeiro do Alentejo. All these dogs have characteristics such as excellent working dog skills, herding instincts as well as courage and tenacity.

The official Brazilian breed standard of the Fila was developed in the 1960s and the Fila Brasileiro Club of America was formed in 1984.

Description

bull arab puppy - descriptionMike Hodgens succeeded in developing a powerful, well built dog. The Bull Arab has a powerful head and muzzle. He has moderate length drop ears and bright eyes that match the color of his coat. His chest is neither shallow nor deep and his back is straight and strong. Their tails are tapered and pointed yet the base is thick. They are a double-coated dog. They can be white with black, tan or liver, flecked or bicolor.

fila brasileiro puppy - descriptionWith his huge head covered in loose skin much like that of a Blooohound, and a body resembling that of a Mastiff, the large heavily built Fila Brasileiro is a mastiff breed from Brazil. He stands at 60 to 75cm in height and he weighs roughly 55 to 80kg.

The ears of the Fila are large and droop down or are folded back, depending on his mood. The tail is long and slim. The coat of the dog is short and dense with the texture being quite smooth and soft. Colours of the coat can vary from solid fawn or black to red to brindle.

Temperament:

Perhaps the huge Fila wouldn’t be a good choice as a pet for the first-time inexperienced dog owner as he is a powerful, intelligent, self-assured, headstrong animal that will certainly need to have training and socialization if you want him as an obedient pet in your home.

He is a dog known for his courage and bravery. The Fila is loving and affectionate with his human family, being protective of them and not being too friendly with strangers. He isn't a particularly good pet choice with children in the home.

Some people, after buying a cute Fila puppy, put him out in the yard when he becomes large, and then they pretty much neglect him. This is cruel and irresponsible as he is a social, playful dog who wants to be part of his human family.

These dogs have some aggression in them and this makes them good watchdogs. They generally don’t show aggression towards their family but may snap at a stranger who tries to touch as he feels threatened.

Characteristics

bull arab dog - characteristicsThe Bull Arab is intelligent, calm and loyal. Like Pit Bulls in the U.S., the Bull Arab has a reputation for aggression against both people and animals. There is no data to support these claims. They have been used as therapy dogs and companion animals very successfully. They are great with kids and very affectionate. The breed is cited as being used for companion and therapy animals

fila brasileiro dog - characteristicsThe Fila Brasileiro or Brazilian Mastiff is a powerful dog and it is believed that a large dog like this can be a danger to people if he isn’t trained and socialized.

He is therefore not recommended for first time dog owners or homes with small children. He is a dog that is particularly wary of strangers too.

When he has been properly socialized he can be loving, loyal and obedient because it is essentially how a dog is brought up as to how he turns out.

If you bring one of these big, beautiful dogs into your home, have him socialized as a puppy, treat him firmly, but kindly and you could have yourself an extraordinary pet.

Health Problems

bull arab puppies - health problemsThis is an extremely healthy hybrid with no inherited issues, but they can possible have the same health issues as any of the parent breeds. This can include accidents while hunting, hip and elbow dysplasia and ear infections.

fila brasileiro puppies - health problemsFilas are a dog breed who have a high rate of hip- and elbow dysplasia. This is a serious disease which can lead to lameness with your pet. Other orthopedic diseases with the breed include osteochondritis and luxating patella.

Also, as a deep-chested dog breed, your Fila also is at risk of getting the very serious gastrointestinal syndrome known as bloat. This is a common condition that can prove deadly for your pet. The Fila’s stomach will fill with gas, putting pressure on other organs and stopping blood flow to the heart and difficulty with breathing. Sometimes the stomach will twist. Get him to the vet immediately if you notice a swollen stomach, drooling or restless behaviour.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

bull arab dogs - caringThis is a working dog so he needs to eat the right kind of quality dog food. In order to avoid bloat do not feed large meals but rather feed one to two cups of food two to three times a day.

Health issues

Displaysia – can cause lameness and arthritis

Ear Infections – check and clean regularly

Hunting Accidents – this is the biggest reasons for health problems with the Bull Arab.

Exercise and games

These are working dogs that are inactive when not working. They need a lot of exercise if they are not used for hunting. Agility, Tracking and hunting games, and field trials.

Exercise and Space:

fila brasileiro dogs - caringThe Filas size makes it important that he have a good amount of exercise if you want to maintain his health and happiness. He isn’t a dog suited to city life as he is too large and will irritate his owners when cooped up in a tiny space with them. He isn’t demanding when it comes to exercise and activities all the time, but he should still be exercised regularly as he is inclined to become lazy .

Grooming:

Moderate shedding. Regular brushing twice a week will be required. Check ears for infection and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week.

Diet:

Nothing is set in stone as to what to feed your Fila Brasileiro, but a large dog will require quality food with a good amount of protein and fat according to size, age and activity levels.

Because a large breed dog is prone to hip dysplasia, look out for ingredients such as chondroitin and gludosamine which are specifically good for joint health. Try and avoid commercially manufactured food with common allergens such as soy, corn and wheat, artifical flavors and fillers.

A source of cooked rice, chicken and vegetables as well as some raw meat will be excellent for your big pet. Make sure he is never deprived of fresh, cool drinking water.

Comparison with other breeds

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  5. Fila Brasileiro vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Fila Brasileiro vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Fila Brasileiro vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Fila Brasileiro vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Fila Brasileiro vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Fila Brasileiro vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Fila Brasileiro vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Fila Brasileiro vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
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  14. Fila Brasileiro vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
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  25. Fila Brasileiro vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Bull Arab vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Bull Arab vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Bull Arab vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Bull Arab vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Bull Arab vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bull Arab vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Bull Arab vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Bull Arab vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bull Arab vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Bull Arab vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Bull Arab vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Bull Arab vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Bull Arab vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Bull Arab vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Bull Arab vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Bull Arab vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Bull Arab vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Bull Arab vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Bull Arab vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Bull Arab vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Bull Arab vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Bull Arab vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Bull Arab vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Bull Arab vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Bull Arab vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison