All About the Brazilian Mastiff

A Brazilian Mastiff is a cross between a Mastiff and a Bloodhound. Another name for this breed of dog is Fila Brasileiro. Originally this large dog was bred in order to protect Brazil’s plantations. The ancestral history of the Brazilian Mastiff includes Bloodhounds, Mastiffs and Bulldogs of European origin. The result of this breeding is an amazing dog which possesses the fearless power of a Mastiff and the incredible scenting ability of the Bloodhound.

Learn About Brazilian Mastiff Dogs

The Brazilian Mastiff dogs were also used track, attack and then hold the intended prey until his master had arrived. Mastiff dogs have unique characteristics which set them apart from other canine breeds. Their leg and spine joints are loose to allow the dog to change his direction extremely quickly. This capability is the reason the Mastiff dog is such a good tracking dog.

Learn About Brazilian Mastiff Dogs

Another unusual characteristic for the Mastiff dogs is that they are probably the only breed that was purposely selected because of its dislike of strangers. Ironically, during a dog show the standard for this breed specifically states that the Brazilian Mastiff should not "allow the judge [a stranger] to touch it." The Brazilian Mastiff is a large dog that stands between 27 - 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs over 100 pounds.

Mastiff dogs need more supervision, training, and understanding than most other breeds of dog.

More about Mastiffs next time!
Sam