The Fila Brasileiro has existed in rural regions of Brazil like Mato Grosso and Minas Gerais, for several centuries. The breed was originally created from Fila type dogs taken to the country by early Portuguese explorers, who settled and conquered the area. They were used to hunt large game, work livestock, protect farms and catch runaway slaves from sugar cane plantations. There is no denying that the breed has changed extensively in the last 50 years due to breeders adding Mastiff and Bloodhound blood, to create a larger and more imposing animal. This has effected the breeds functionality and has almost created a new breed entirely. The original working Fila Brasileiro was a lot lighter and looked a lot more like todays Fila de Sao Miguel and Spanish Alanos. Thankfully some lighter, working lines still remain in rural regions where they continue to do their original purpose even today. – MORE INFO COMING SOON!
