The Dogue Brasileiro is a large and powerful breed, with males weighing between 110 and 160 pounds.
They originated in Brazil in the 16th century as a cross between a Bulldog and a Mastiff.
Their short, smooth coat requires minimal grooming and comes in a variety of colors including brindle, fawn, and black.
They are known for being loyal and protective of their families.
Temperament and Behavior
The Dogue Brasileiro is a gentle giant that makes a great family pet, especially with kids. They are good with children and other pets, but may need some socialization early on to be comfortable around small children and cats.
This breed is an excellent guard dog, always keeping a watchful eye out for strangers and warning them to stay away with a strong guarding instinct. You'll want to place a "Beware of Dog" sign on your home to let potential intruders know they're not welcome.
Despite their protective nature, the Dogue Brasileiro is not naturally aggressive and will only become defensive if provoked. They are easy to train because they are quick learners who are eager to please their owners.
Their temperament is balanced and alert, making them a loyal companion to their family. They are obedient, gentle, and affectionate with those they trust, but serious and watchful around strangers.
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Care and Feeding
To keep your Dogue Brasileiro in top shape, it's essential to feed them a diet formulated for a large breed with high energy levels. This breed has a tendency to gain weight, so measuring their food and feeding them twice a day is a must.
Their coat is relatively easy to care for, but a simple brushing with a soft bristle brush a couple of times a week can prevent excessive shedding and promote healthier skin. This is a great way to bond with your dog and keep them looking their best.
You should also trim their nails when needed, and brush their teeth a few times a week with a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste to keep their teeth clean and healthy. Regular ear cleaning with a cotton ball is also a good idea to prevent infections.
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Breed Maintenance
Their coat is easy to care for and they pretty much groom themselves for the most part.
All they need is a simple brushing with a soft bristle brush a couple of times a week to prevent excessive shedding and increase circulation for healthier skin.
Don't bathe them unless absolutely necessary or it will dry out their skin.
Clean their ears with a cotton ball once a week, looking for redness, mites, or built up earwax.
Trim their nails when needed.
Brush their teeth a few times a week with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste made specially for dogs.
Feeding
To keep your Fila Brasileiro in good shape, it's essential to measure their food and feed them twice a day. This will help prevent overeating and weight gain, which is a common issue in this breed.
Fila Brasileiros have high energy levels, so they need a diet that can keep up with their activity level. Their dietary needs will change as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years.
Asking your veterinarian for recommendations is crucial, as every dog is different and has unique needs. They can help you determine the best diet for your Fila Brasileiro based on their individual characteristics, such as weight, energy, and health.
Health
The health of a Fila Brasileiro is something to take seriously, and for good reason. These large breeds can be prone to some serious health issues.
Hip dysplasia is a common problem in many breeds, and Fila Brasileiros are no exception. It's a genetic condition that can lead to arthritis and mobility issues later in life.
Elbow dysplasia is another condition that can affect Fila Brasileiros, causing pain and stiffness in the joints. Regular exercise and a healthy weight can help prevent this condition from developing.
Entropion is a condition where the eyelids roll inward, causing discomfort and vision problems. It's a relatively common issue in Fila Brasileiros, and surgery may be necessary to correct it.
Bloat is a serious condition that can occur in Fila Brasileiros, causing the stomach to twist and cut off blood flow. It's a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
To keep your Fila Brasileiro healthy, it's essential to monitor their weight and ensure they're not overeating. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can also help identify any potential issues early on.
Here are some common health problems that can affect Fila Brasileiros:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Entropion
- Bloat
Exercise and Lifestyle
The Dogue Brasileiro needs a moderate amount of activity every day to stay happy and healthy.
They require at least 45 to 60 minutes of exercise per day to prevent boredom and anxiety, which can lead to bad habits like chewing on furniture and excessive barking.
Some fun activities for your Dogue Brasileiro to enjoy include hunting, swimming, and hiking, as well as going for a walk or jog around the neighborhood.
Activity Requirements
To keep your Dogue Brasileiro happy and healthy, you need to provide them with at least 45 to 60 minutes of activity every day. This is crucial to prevent boredom and anxiety.
If they don't get enough exercise, they can become lazy and overweight. This can lead to bad habits like chewing on furniture and barking excessively.
Some fun activities you can do with your Dogue Brasileiro include hunting, swimming, hiking, and playing fetch. They also love going to the local dog park and competing in agility or obedience training.
Use
The Dogue Brasileiro is a versatile breed that's perfect for an active lifestyle. It's mainly used as a guard dog and a protection sport dog, making it an excellent choice for those who want a loyal companion.
As The Urban Guardian, this breed is strong and compact, adapted to the modern urban environment. This means it can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to houses with yards.
The Dogue Brasileiro was created to be a great guard dog, so it's no surprise that it's naturally protective of its family and territory.
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Size and Space
The Dogue Brasileiro is a large breed, and as such, they require plenty of space to move around. Male Dogues typically stand 25 to 30 inches from the shoulder.
They can get quite heavy too, with males usually weighing in at 110 to 180 pounds. This is something to consider when deciding whether a Dogue Brasileiro is the right fit for your living situation.
Female Dogues, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, standing between 23 and 27 inches tall from the shoulder.
Breed Appearance
The Dogue Brasileiro is a strong and muscular dog with a well-balanced and athletic body.
Their coat is short, silky, dense, and hard, and can come in just about any color, but is usually black, brindle, tan, brown, white, red, or a combination of these. They usually have white patches on their chest, face, feet, ears, and tail.
Males typically weigh between 29 and 43 kg, while females weigh between 23 and 39 kg.
The breed has two coat variants: short and medium-length. The texture of the shiny coat is harsh and dense.
Here are some of the accepted colors for the Dogue Brasileiro breed:
- Brindle
- Brindle-and-white
- Black-and-tan
The Dogue Brasileiro stands about 20 to 24 inches tall on average, and ranges from 51 to 95 pounds in weight.
Size
When considering the size of a Fila Brasileiro, it's essential to know that they come in a range of sizes.
Male Fila Brasileiros typically stand between 25 to 30 inches from the shoulder.
Female Brazilian Mastiffs, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, standing between 23 and 27 inches tall from the shoulder.
The weight of a Fila Brasileiro can vary, but males usually weigh between 110 and 180 pounds.
Females tend to be lighter, weighing between 90 and 110 pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest dog in Brazil?
The Fila Brasileiro is a large working dog breed native to Brazil, known for its mastiff type and versatility in various roles. It's a popular choice for guarding, herding, and hunting, but also makes a loyal companion.
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