Understanding the Health and Temperament of the Fila Brasileiro

Quick answer

The Fila Brasileiro is a courageous and determined breed known for its extreme loyalty to family members and a protective nature toward strangers. While they are docile with their owners, they require experienced handling and consistent daily engagement. Health-wise, owners should be vigilant regarding joint health, digestive stability, and eye comfort, ensuring a lean body condition to support their frame throughout their life.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, leading to abnormal wear and discomfort. This is well recognised in the breed. At home, you might notice your dog struggling to rise after resting, a change in their gait, or a reluctance to engage in jumping or climbing stairs. Your vet will perform a physical examination to check for joint laxity and will typically use radiographs to confirm the condition. The most common mistake owners make is waiting too long to seek an evaluation, hoping the dog will simply grow out of a limp. Early intervention allows for better management of comfort and mobility.

Elbow Dysplasia

Similar to the issues seen in the hips, the elbow joint can also suffer from developmental irregularities. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You may observe your dog favoring a front limb or showing signs of stiffness after exercise. A veterinarian will examine the range of motion in the elbow and rely on imaging to assess the joint surfaces. Because this can lead to chronic discomfort, it is vital to keep your dog at a lean body condition to reduce the mechanical stress placed on these joints. Avoid the mistake of allowing your dog to become overweight, as extra weight significantly exacerbates the strain on dysplastic joints.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)

Gastric dilatation-volvulus is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists. This is well recognised in the breed. You will notice your dog attempting to vomit without success, pacing restlessly, or showing a visibly distended and hard abdomen. This is a true emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention. The vet will stabilize the dog and likely use imaging to confirm the twist before proceeding to surgery. The most dangerous mistake is assuming the dog is just uncomfortable or has an upset stomach and waiting until the next morning to seek help. If you suspect bloat, go to an emergency clinic immediately.

Entropion

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You might notice your dog squinting, excessive tearing, or redness around the eyes. A veterinarian will perform an ophthalmic examination to check the eyelid position. If left unaddressed, this can cause significant pain and damage to the cornea. The vet may recommend surgical correction to reposition the eyelid. Do not attempt to use over-the-counter eye drops to manage the discomfort, as these do not fix the structural issue and may mask worsening damage.