Should we get a fila?

[Gempress]

All right, the big question has arisen. My husband and I are now seriously looking into buying a new house in the country, with at least 5 acres of land. But in this area, land basically requires a good guardian dog. This area is mostly wide-open ranchland and has a lot of wildlife, including coyotes, wild hogs, feral dog packs and numerous other small creatures.

Zeus has great prey drive against wild animals, but I know he couldn't handle a coyote pack or feral dog pack by himself. He also has absolutely no guarding instinct towards strange people, and I would like a dog who was also wary towards strangers.

The popular guardian breeds here are Anatolians and Great Pyrs, both purebreds and crosses. Very easy to find, and almost every litter comes from strictly working stock. But me wanting to be different, I was wondering if a fila would suit the purpose. I love filas but didn't want to deal with their stranger aversion while living in the suburbs. But I think that would be ideal for the situation that's apporaching now.

What do you fila people think? Would a fila be a good idea? Or does anybody else have other breed suggestions? Basically it needs to be large (the larger the better), a good guard dog, and good with livestock. We're planning on keeping a feeder steer or two once we get the place.

edit: I also think I should throw in that we plan on being in a new house by the beginning of next year. So we have time to do some shopping. Sorry for the long-winded post, but I figured that I should give as much info as possible.

 

[EliNHunter]

Omigosh... where the heck are you looking to live? Are the dogs outside 24/7? And need to fend for themselves or something?

 

[Gempress]

Oh no, they won't be outside 24/7. It'll be an inside/outside dog. But this is a very rural area, with few houses and a lot of land. This is also a huge sheep/goat ranching area, which makes for a lot of wild predators. One of my coworkers lives outside of town, and her cat was killed by a coyote one night. Right on the front porch! That's just scary to me, so I would like a good dog.

 

[EliNHunter]

I think you'd be fine with most large breed dogs like you've suggested, then. Good luck!

 

[oriondw]

You can also look into my breed as well Can be considred a furry filla on steroids, but that could be to much for your needs

But for any dog, untill it is around 2 years of age it wont be able to fend off a pack of feral dogs. So keep that in mind, a puppy is easy prey for them.

 

[EliNHunter]

I think you'd be fine with most large breed dogs like you've suggested, then. Good luck!

 

[Pug Heaven Kennels]

Filas are wonderful gaurd dogs and pets so that would be a wonderful decision!

 

[gsicard]

Hello Gempress,
Did you settle on your breed yet and if so can you tell us what your choice was.
Here is a quote from the profile on molosserdogs

The Brazilian Fila posesses one of the most unique personality traits in the canine world, traditionally known as Ojeriza, best described as "hatred of strangers". This is a serious guard dog, liking only its human family and nobody else. While many Filas are quite sweet and friendly as puppies, most of the pure ones grow up to be extremely intolerant of strangers. Famously loyal to its master and very protective of its family and territory, this breed requires experienced and responsible handling. Massive, well-boned and muscular, the Fila Brasileiro is a surprisingly agile and fast Moloss.

Please let us know if you have already found your dog of choice.

 

[Zoom]

Gem, I would heavily research and talk to Renee about this. They sound like wonderful dogs, and it would be neat to have another Fila person on the board.

 

[filarotten]

Ah Gem, I knew you would never leave a Velcro dog to fend for itself. I personally think you would be a great Fila owner. But, keep in mind they are protective of their family and you may have to revise your thinking a little bit. They are wonderful caring dogs. Not your usual run of the mill canine. They are very humorous at times, and as I am finding out, also have an OCD about housekeeping. Anything that is not in its place, is not acceptable to a Fila. If you don't mind making up the bed for his/her nap and getting used to barking if you put the dishes on the counter while answering the phone your half the way there. lol But seriously, I am only a new Fila owner as Brutie is only 9 mos old. But, I can honestly say....I am totally in love with this breed. They are so affectionate, loving and have an inner connection to what is going on in your life and are the greatest with children. So kind, and protective of children. You will have to socialize a great deal as you want your Fila to have a good confident, yet discerning attitude. I guess what I am saying... if your Fila growls at someone, don't take it as an aggressive move. But, rather a warning on your part. Something is wrong with this person. You have to learn to respect their insight, and be able to know their body language like the back of your hand. They(he/she) will also interpret your body language, they can read you like a book. I would suggest as a first time Fila owner getting the middle of the puppy pack so you can learn to interpret the Fila attitude as it progresses. Not a puppy born with a hard fila temperament at the beginning .Brutie was in the middle of the pact. Which I am seeing changes everyday, but it is giving me time to get to know his every move. He is getting more protective and confident the older he gets. I am watching him do this, I see that the wheels are turning in his head, and his is giving it a lot of thought, before he reacts. Which is good. They do require a firm but gentle touch. You don't want to kill the protective nature in these dogs, you want to build confidence, and at the same time you do want them to be socially acceptable. So I would say socialize the S#@$ out of them, and good training, very important. If you have a good vet, (I am blessed with one.) he/ she will want you in often for weight checks, or whatever to socialize. You don't want your Fila to wear a muzzle every time he/she sees the vet. As far as the coyotes, have you considered a Fila rescue. A full grown coyote pack could eat your Fila baby. Not that your fila wouldn't warn you, but as a puppy, it would try, don't get me wrong, but puppy teeth won't
rip and snort like a full grown dog. However I have to say , I think at 9 mos. Brutie could give a coyote a run for his money. Actually, it would lose, Roxie would be there also. Roxie would protect her baby and Brutie would protect her.(but, I really don't want this scenario to happen to my dogs) Think of a Fila, as a couch potato like Zeus, but with a lot more protective heritage behind it. Who knows, once Zeus is on actual land and has a partner in crime(lol) his black mouth cur back bone may come into play. He may surprise you.

 

[Gempress]

Who knows, once Zeus is on actual land and has a partner in crime(lol) his black mouth cur back bone may come into play. He may surprise you.

Partner in crime. That sounds about right. I've heard alot about the fila aversion to strangers, and that is perfectly acceptable for me out in the country. I'd actually prefer it. My husband was thinking a rottie or GSD, but there are so many unreliable bloodlines/temperaments out there that I don't want to risk it. I want a dog that does not have its guard instinct diluted, but at the same time is not indiscriminately aggressive.

Well, I'll talk to the hubby. It looks like we may be going fila shopping . One more question. How are they on the drool? I've heard that they are not as drooly as most mastiffs, which is a big plus to me. I'm not much for dog drool.

 

[filarotten]

Drool...I keep a drool towel by the door at all times. It never ceases to amaze me the things Brutus has hanging from his jowels when he comes in from outside. I have actually found hidden items there, green barrette, grass, ribbon, and some items I wasn't sure about. They can manufactur a really long string of droll when seeing food. Overall, not bad. You will get into the habit of a drool towel at the door.

 

[Renee750il]

Gempress, I think you'd be perfect for a Fila. Zeus would love one, lol! And a big plus for the Fila vs. many of the other molossers is that they are remarkably affable with other dogs, and they have a strong sense of family, whether two or four footed. Actually, if you're going to be building in a couple of years, you might want to consider getting a puppy about a year before you move.

I would never recommend Fila rescue for a first time owner. I also recommend that you try to get a look at an adult Fila or two. They are so disarmingly cute and cuddly as puppies that it's all too easy for a first time Fila owner to lose sight of what they do become and get a bit too lax on the rules and getting them out and socializing on a continuing basis.

 

[filarotten]

As always, you are right about the rescue Renee. A full grown adult would be tough for a new Fila owner. They do have a much different attitude than the babies. Brutie's mom wasn't overly friendly, by any means. She was actually quite intimidating.

 

[Barb04]

Renee & Filarotten are definitely good sources for Fila info.

I do think the Anatolian Shepherd is a good choice also. There is a reputable breeder in Texas who you might want to look into just in case. Here is his website:

http://www.luckyhit.net/anatolia.htm

Eric, who owns Lucky Hit, is very knowledgeable and I know would be more than happy to answer any and all of your questions. My husband talked to him many times before we got our Anatolian from a breeder in Tennessee who had the type of dog we were looking for.

I wish you all the best in your decision.

 

[Zoom]

NODIB (No One Does It Better) Kennels in Texas is a very good place to look. I'm not sure how close they are to you, but I've heard very good things about them. I think Renee agrees with me...

http://www.nodibkennels.com/

 

[Gempress]

Those kennels look great Zoom. Thanks. It's a bit of a drive, but it's worth it to get a good dog.

 

[Renee750il]

Those are good looking dogs, and they seem to have the right attitude. Clelia Kruel is also in Texas. Camping lines are some of the most highly regarded. http://www.campingfilas.com/

Brutus is a Camping dog, and there are several Camping dogs in Kharma's lines, along with Jaguara lines - another excellent strain.

 

[Gempress]

We are now seriously talking Fila. But just one more extremely important question. We are planning on a baby in the next years or two. Could a fila adapt to a new baby? How are they with children in general?

 

[Renee750il]

Fila typically love babies. The one thing you do have to watch for, though, is when other children are playing - if they are being rough, you have to make sure your dog understands it is play, but you're not going to be leaving children unattended when there are dogs there anyway.

But you will never, ever have to worry about anyone EVER doing anything to your child!

When Filarotten gets back you should ask her how Brutus is with her little grandson