Ok guys it's been a while since I've had to step in with my mod hat on, but it's on now.
DG has a history of making poor decisions, posts, whatever. That's a well known fact at this point. Let's leave most of that out of this thread. We're talking about a breed that is wholly unsuited for 99% of the population, so those reasons alone should suffice for any "cons".
Filas are amazingly in tune with their people, almost to the point of telepathy. They have a twisted sense of humor and more brains than is good for the people around them. They also are not forgiving of handler error, nor do they forget wrongs done to them. They require a completely different handling, socialization, etc.
One does not simply walk into a room that contains a Fila. Seriously. THink about that for people over, for vet trips, etc. I've hung out for multiple days with Renee's Fila Kharma and thanks to Renee's amazing handling and raising of Kharma, plus the adamantium bond those two share and the trust Kharma has in Renee and her decision making, we didn't have an issue and were even able to go out in public without a bloodbath. This is a very unusual situation and not one that should be expected from any other Fila.
THe ojeriza is no joke. It takes a very steady, very confident owner to earn the trust of a Fila to the point that it will be content to just watch and not go on the offensive with each new person it encounters. THese dogs get upwards of MASSIVE. Males will be around 200lbs, females mildly smaller. Don't even pretend that you'll be able to hold one back or drag it away.
For "feeling secure" in a remote location, I would go more for something like a Rottie or even just a loud-mouthed black/tan "shelter guard deluxe". Less liabilty. Unless you're running cattle, drugs or are in constant fear for your life from stalker ex's or zombies, a Fila is not the best choice.
