Padrões de Raça

Fila Brasileiro

Brazil.

29.09.2016.

Watch Dog.

Group 2 - Sheepdog
,Section 2 : Molossoid breeds
,2.1 Mastiff type
,Without working trial

Jennifer Mulholland & Raymond Triquet.

Typically a molossoid breed. Powerful bones, rectangular and compact structure, but harmonious and well proportioned. Displays, together with a massive body, a great amount of concentrated agility which is easily perceived. Bitches must show a well defined feminity which clearly distinguishes them from males.

The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull.

The length of the body, measured from the point of the sternum to the point of buttock, is equal to height at the withers plus 10%.

Courage, determination and outstanding braveness are part of its characteristics. With its owners and family it is docile, obedient and extremely tolerant with children. Its loyalty is proverbial, insistingly seeking the company of its master.
One of its characteristics is its aloofness towards strangers. It displays a calm disposition, distinctive self-assurance and self-confidence, remaining unperturbed by strange noises or circumstances. An unsurpassed guardian of properties, it also instinctively indulges in big game hunting and cattle herding.
Expression: In repose it is calm; noble and full of self-assurance. Never displaying a bored or absent expression. When alert, its expression should reflect determination conveyed by a firm, penetrating look.

The Fila head is big, heavy and massive, always proportionate to the whole body. From a top view it resembles a trapezoid figure into which a pear shape is inserted.

Extraordinarily strong and muscled giving the impression of a short neck. Slightly curved at the upper side and well detached from the skull. Dewlaps at the throat.

Strong, broad and deep, covered by thick and loose skin.
The thorax is longer than the abdomen.

Very wide at the root, medium set, tapering rapidly to reach the hocks. When the dog is alert, the tail is raised high and the curve at the extremity is more accentuated. Should not be carried curled over the back nor touch it.

Long and elastic feline-like strides whose principal characteristic is the pace; a two beat lateral gait in which the legs of each side move back and forth exactly as a pair (“camel’s pace” or amble) causing a rolling or rocking motion of the thorax and hips accentuated by the tail when carried erect. When walking, it carries the head lower than the back line. The trot is smooth, free and effortless with a long, powerful and reaching stride. The gallop is powerful, attaining unsuspected speed for such a large and heavy dog. Due to its articulations, typical of molossoids, the Fila’s movements not only give the impression but actually allow him to make sudden and rapid changes of direction.

One of the most important breed characteristics is the thick, loose skin over the whole body, chiefly at the neck forming pronounced dewlaps and many times it can extend to the brisket and abdomen. Some individuals present a fold at the sides of the head, also at the withers running down to the shoulders. If the dog is in repose, the head should be free from wrinkles. When alert, the dog raises its ears and the contraction of the skin on the skull forms small longitudinal wrinkles between the ears.

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Short muzzle.

Small ears.

Highly set ears.

Excessively light coloured eyes.

Wrinkles when the dog is in repose.

Undershot bite.

Double chin (folds in front of dewlap).

Sway back.

Very narrow croup.

Curled tail carried over the back.

Chest insufficiently deep.

Pronounced deviation of pastern or rear pastern.

Over angulated hindquarters (sickle hocks).

Short steps (poor reach).