Santal Hound vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison

Fila Brasileiro is originated from Brazil but Santal Hound is originated from India. Fila Brasileiro may grow 30 cm / 12 inches higher than Santal Hound. Fila Brasileiro may weigh 68 kg / 150 pounds more than Santal Hound. Both Fila Brasileiro and Santal Hound has almost same life span. Both Fila Brasileiro and Santal Hound has almost same litter size. Fila Brasileiro requires Moderate Maintenance. But Santal Hound requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
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Brazil
India
Height Male:
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Height Female:
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
9 - 12 kg
19 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
9 - 12 kg
19 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
2 - 8
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Brazilian Mastiff
Seuta, Kukur
Colors Available:
red, black, Fawn, brindle
Reddish brown or yellow-brown
Coat:
Short and dense
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

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.

The Santal Hound has always been used for hunting and these Indian pariah dogs haven’t changed much over the years.

It is a small red Indian indigenous dog. It is named after the Santal tribe who used the dog for hunting. They sometimes refer to the dog as Seuta and Kukur.

When you do research on the Santal Hound, you will mostly find it among indigenous peoples. It isn’t only found in India but in Africa, being found among the different nomadic  hunting tribes in East Africa.

Description

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.

The Santal is considered a small to medium sized dog standing at between 40 and 45cm in height and weighing between 9 and 12 kilograms.

It is also slightly built with fine bones. The coat of the dog is reddish brown or yellow-brown, the eyes are almond shaped and brown and the muzzle is pointed. The ears of the dog are erect and point forward. The tail of this dog is usually curled over the dog’s back. The dog doesn’t really bark as such but howls instead. It has small paws and walks with a high-stepping style like a prancing horse.

Temperament:

These dogs are calm, independent, loving and loyal and also affectionate with their human family. He is cool with strangers.

They are alert, intelligent dogs and you certainly won’t have any trouble teaching him a few simple commands. He cleans himself like a cat. He seems to understand what you say as he always cocks his head to one side when you talk to him. He is a playful dog and will love to be involved with games with the children.

He can also get on well with other dogs in the family. He is capable of adapting to life in the city or the countryside just so long as his exercise needs are met.

Characteristics

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.

The Santal dog is an unusual dog with some unique characteristics. He hasn’t got any particularly exceptional characteristics either, but he promises to make you a good pet.

He is capable of providing you with lots of love, and on top of that he is a low maintenance dog too.

When you bring him into your home, you’re going to get yourself a loyal, loving pet and companion.

Health Problems

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.

Dogs stand a better chance of avoiding sickness if they are fed well and they get a fair amount of exercise. But our fur kids can get sick anytime really, and it pays to know about some of the dangerous diseases they can succumb to -

Canine parvovirus:

Your dog will have a fever, he will be lethargic and have diarrhea with vomiting. It is a contagious virus affecting dogs that come into contact with the feces of an ill dog. It attacks a dog’s internal organs, and although the vet will do everything possible to help your dog, parvo is often fatal.

There are vaccines to prevent your dog getting this terrible disease.

Heartworm:

Your dog will be coughing, have respiratory problems, lethargy and weight loss. These parasites are found in your dog’s heart and are spread by mosquitoes. Check with your vet about treatments to prevent this horrible illness.

Rabies:

Have your pet vaccinated against rabies, a deadly diseases spread by saliva and a bite from an infected animal. It is fatal and once your dog has this disease, there is no treatment.

Caring The Pet

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.

Diet:

Provide your Santal Hound with top quality food to ensure his health. While there are some excellent commercially manufactured foods on the market, it is important to choose the high quality ones that have natural, good ingredients in them.

Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are super tasty and nutritious. Your dog will love such simple, good food as it doesn’t upset his stomach.

If you can, try and include a little bit of raw meat to his diet occasionally as this can go towards ensuring he doesn’t get skin diseases.

Trim your dogs nails, check his eyes and ears for infection and check his teeth too.

Provide your dog with a warm, dry place to sleep.

Don’t allow your Santal Hound to have puppies. There are so many unwanted puppies all over the world. Rather have him or her spayed or neutered to avoid puppies that nobody wants. It is beneficial for his health too.

Comparison with other breeds

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