Fila Brasileiro vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison

Fila Brasileiro vs Border Terrier - Breed ComparisonBorder Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Fila Brasileiro is originated from Brazil. Border Terrier may grow 35 cm / 13 inches shorter than Fila Brasileiro. Border Terrier may weigh 73 kg / 160 pounds lesser than Fila Brasileiro. Border Terrier may live 3 years more than Fila Brasileiro. Both Border Terrier and Fila Brasileiro has almost same litter size. Both Border Terrier and Fila Brasileiro requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Brazil
Height Male:
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Height Female:
28 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
4 - 10
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Russian Bear Schnauzer, Munich Schnauzer, Munchener, Riesenschnauzer
Brazilian Mastiff
Colors Available:
Tan and black, red or dark grey. Sometimes Grizzle - dark tipped hairs and overlay of color
red, black, Fawn, brindle
Coat:
Short, dense and springy
Short and dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

border terrierAs a working dog, the Border Terrier comes from the border country between England and Scotland. To be more specific, the dog originates from the rough hill country in the areas on both sides of the border between England and Scotland – an area known as 'The Border Country'. The breed was developed by the farmers, using the Terriers to help contain the fox population.

It is believed that they are related to other kinds of terriers which also came from this region such as the Bedlington- and Dandie Dinmont Terriers. The first Border Terrier was registered in 1913 with the British Kennel Club. Later, the Border Terrier Club was also formed. A club for these dogs was also registered in the United States in 1930.

fila brasileiroHailing from Brazil, and known also as the Brazilian Mastiff, nobody seems to be too sure of the exact origins of the large Fila Brasileiro but it is believed to be a cross between the English Mastiff, the Bulldog and the Bloodhound.

Other theories are that the dog comes from a mix of Portuguese and Spanish dogs and that they were bred to guard livestock from predators. Breeds that have no doubt contributed to the modern Fila are the Bullenbeisser, the Bloodhound, Mastiff and Rafeiro do Alentejo. All these dogs have characteristics such as excellent working dog skills, herding instincts as well as courage and tenacity.

The official Brazilian breed standard of the Fila was developed in the 1960s and the Fila Brasileiro Club of America was formed in 1984.

Description

border terrier puppy - descriptionThe Border Terrier is a small to medium sized dog, weighing roughly between 5- and 7kg and standing at anything between 28 and 40cm in height. With his dark brown eyes and keen, alert expression, and with ears dropping forward, people describe the head as being like that of an otter. He is a courageous worker and a loyal companion but some people may not take kindly to him wanting to dig under-, or climb over barriers to get out to follow a scent or to go exploring.

The Border Terrier is a rough coated dogs of medium size with narrow build. The dog’s height is slightly greater than the dog’s length. The coat can be tan and black or dark grey. Sometimes the coat is described as grizzle - dark tipped hairs which give an overlay of color to the tan or red coat. You can also possibly find some white on the muzzle or chest. He has a double coat, with the outer coat being short, dense and wiry. The tail is of medium length and the ears drop forward toward their cheeks.

fila brasileiro puppy - descriptionWith his huge head covered in loose skin much like that of a Blooohound, and a body resembling that of a Mastiff, the large heavily built Fila Brasileiro is a mastiff breed from Brazil. He stands at 60 to 75cm in height and he weighs roughly 55 to 80kg.

The ears of the Fila are large and droop down or are folded back, depending on his mood. The tail is long and slim. The coat of the dog is short and dense with the texture being quite smooth and soft. Colours of the coat can vary from solid fawn or black to red to brindle.

Temperament:

Perhaps the huge Fila wouldn’t be a good choice as a pet for the first-time inexperienced dog owner as he is a powerful, intelligent, self-assured, headstrong animal that will certainly need to have training and socialization if you want him as an obedient pet in your home.

He is a dog known for his courage and bravery. The Fila is loving and affectionate with his human family, being protective of them and not being too friendly with strangers. He isn't a particularly good pet choice with children in the home.

Some people, after buying a cute Fila puppy, put him out in the yard when he becomes large, and then they pretty much neglect him. This is cruel and irresponsible as he is a social, playful dog who wants to be part of his human family.

These dogs have some aggression in them and this makes them good watchdogs. They generally don’t show aggression towards their family but may snap at a stranger who tries to touch as he feels threatened.

Characteristics

border terrier dog - characteristicsA Border Terrier is a dog that has to be part of the family. You can’t just stick him in your back yard as he will just pine away with unhappiness. Boredom and loneliness will cause him to bark and he has a loud bark. He’ll become destructive – characteristics that aren’t his fault because he didn’t ask to be bought and just stuck away.

Train and socialize your Border Terrier so that he becomes the great dog he is intended to be. He gets on well will children who have been taught to be kind to animals and he will get along with other pets in the home. The Border Terrier is an affectionate, sensitive dog and once trained he is willing to obey your commands.

The Border Terrier isn’t the greatest guard dog but is best known for his loving, devoted and loyal nature. He loves his food, and if you feed him well, provide him with a warm, dry place to sleep and provide him with lots of attention and exercise, you’ll have the most devoted and loving friend for life.

fila brasileiro dog - characteristicsThe Fila Brasileiro or Brazilian Mastiff is a powerful dog and it is believed that a large dog like this can be a danger to people if he isn’t trained and socialized.

He is therefore not recommended for first time dog owners or homes with small children. He is a dog that is particularly wary of strangers too.

When he has been properly socialized he can be loving, loyal and obedient because it is essentially how a dog is brought up as to how he turns out.

If you bring one of these big, beautiful dogs into your home, have him socialized as a puppy, treat him firmly, but kindly and you could have yourself an extraordinary pet.

Health Problems

border terrier puppies - health problemsBorder Terriers are a healthy breed and with good food and plenty of love and attention, they can reach 14 years of age. It is to be noted with this dog breed that he doesn’t show signs of pain or sickness easily so you want to watch him closely.

Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome - This is a disease which can be evident from 7 months of age already. The disease was once known as Spike's Disease, and its an hereditary disease of Border Terrier dogs. The cause of the disease is unknown but it is similar to canine epilepsy. It is thought that a contributing factor can be gluten, so a gluten-free diet will be recommended.

Heart defects can also affect Border Terriers, one of which is pulmonic stenosis. This is a narrowing of the valve which separates the right chamber of the heart from the lungs. It can ultimately lead to arrhythmia to congestive heart failure. He’ll have difficulty with breathing, suffer from abdominal distension and won’t be able to exercise properly.

fila brasileiro puppies - health problemsFilas are a dog breed who have a high rate of hip- and elbow dysplasia. This is a serious disease which can lead to lameness with your pet. Other orthopedic diseases with the breed include osteochondritis and luxating patella.

Also, as a deep-chested dog breed, your Fila also is at risk of getting the very serious gastrointestinal syndrome known as bloat. This is a common condition that can prove deadly for your pet. The Fila’s stomach will fill with gas, putting pressure on other organs and stopping blood flow to the heart and difficulty with breathing. Sometimes the stomach will twist. Get him to the vet immediately if you notice a swollen stomach, drooling or restless behaviour.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

border terrier dogs - caringBecause the topcoat of the Border Terrier is dense and harsh with a thick undercoat, he will require moderate grooming. He doesn’t shed too much. Brush your Border Terrier twice a week to remove dead hair and keep your dog’s coat healthy. As part of his grooming, keep his nails clipped as well as his teeth checked and brushed at least twice a week. Make use of specialized dog toothpaste and brush.

Diet

The Border Terrier can quickly put on weight so it is important to feed him according to the instructions on the packaging if you’re going to be feeding him with commercially manufactured dog food. Make sure its a quality brand and one which caters for his energy requirements.Dogs are individuals, and they don’t all eat the same amount. As a responsible dog owner, it is up to you to monitor your pet and understand his unique requirements.

Exercise and Space:

fila brasileiro dogs - caringThe Filas size makes it important that he have a good amount of exercise if you want to maintain his health and happiness. He isn’t a dog suited to city life as he is too large and will irritate his owners when cooped up in a tiny space with them. He isn’t demanding when it comes to exercise and activities all the time, but he should still be exercised regularly as he is inclined to become lazy .

Grooming:

Moderate shedding. Regular brushing twice a week will be required. Check ears for infection and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week.

Diet:

Nothing is set in stone as to what to feed your Fila Brasileiro, but a large dog will require quality food with a good amount of protein and fat according to size, age and activity levels.

Because a large breed dog is prone to hip dysplasia, look out for ingredients such as chondroitin and gludosamine which are specifically good for joint health. Try and avoid commercially manufactured food with common allergens such as soy, corn and wheat, artifical flavors and fillers.

A source of cooked rice, chicken and vegetables as well as some raw meat will be excellent for your big pet. Make sure he is never deprived of fresh, cool drinking water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Border Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Border Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Border Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Border Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Border Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Border Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Border Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Border Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Border Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Border Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Border Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Border Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Border Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Border Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Border Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Border Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Border Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Border Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Border Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Border Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Border Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Border Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Border Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Border Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Border Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Fila Brasileiro vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Fila Brasileiro vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Fila Brasileiro vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Fila Brasileiro vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Fila Brasileiro vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Fila Brasileiro vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Fila Brasileiro vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Fila Brasileiro vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Fila Brasileiro vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Fila Brasileiro vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Fila Brasileiro vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Fila Brasileiro vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Fila Brasileiro vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Fila Brasileiro vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Fila Brasileiro vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Fila Brasileiro vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Fila Brasileiro vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Fila Brasileiro vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Fila Brasileiro vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Fila Brasileiro vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Fila Brasileiro vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Fila Brasileiro vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Fila Brasileiro vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Fila Brasileiro vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Fila Brasileiro vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison