"An interest for the selection and improvement of a certain kind of dog, found quite commonly close to the Triangulo Mineiro region, started a little bit over three decades ago. These dogs conveyed a strong and robust disposition.  Also, they were used for handling cattle and protecting rural property due to their bravery and strong temperament.
The animals, of outstanding and established characteristics, were descended from dogs brought by colonizers during the time of slavery.  According to gathered information,  they were used for the purpose of capturing slaves and would heedfully obey their owners, from which the Fila dog name originates...
Little less than a quarter of a century has passed since the recognition of this breed as Official and having its original Registry open until 1974.  Throughout the years, it has undergone the influence of several currents of idealists with the introduction of other breeds, which to my view, did not bring many direct benefits. On the contrary, what is required for the future is a more refined breed selection,  more emphasized attention to choice of parents, intending to obtain that distinct phenotype closer to the ideal and also to establish the characteristics of the ideal dog.  Consistency of the breed is maintained  and highlighted through the inherent qualities of the purpose for which it is intended. It is important to guide the breeding of the Fila Brasileiro without ever forgetting that the animals must have controlled character and nerves, so that the Fila can deserve the affection and appreciation of all dog lovers and achieve its primary purpose of being a companion and a guard." 

O GRANDE LIVRO DO FILA BRASILEIRO
 1st. edition 1981 

But the poor dog, in life the firmest friend,

The first to welcome, foremost to defend,

Whose honest heart is still his master's own,

Who labors, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,

Unhonour'd falls, unnoticed all his worth,

Denied in heaven the soul he held on earth,

While man, vain insect!  Hopes to be forgiven,

And claims himself a soul, exclusive of heaven.

Lord Byron 

"Because the Fila is included in the “Guard” and “Working Dog” categories, it must be able to “guard” and ”work". Without these predicates, it would be like having a refrigerator that does not refrigerate and a radio that does not play. That is to say, it would be like dead weight, like everything that is useless."  CHARACTER, TEMPERAMENT and NERVOUS SYSTEM by Paulo Santos Cruz (published in "O Fila" number 17, of April of 1980)

Contact Information:

John West
Hermitage, Louisiana

Hermitagefilas@yahoo.com
e-mail checked daily