Fox Terrier vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison

Fox Terrier vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed ComparisonFila Brasileiro is originated from Brazil but Fox Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Fila Brasileiro may grow 36 cm / 15 inches higher than Fox Terrier. Fila Brasileiro may weigh 71 kg / 157 pounds more than Fox Terrier. Fila Brasileiro may live 3 years less than Fox Terrier. Fila Brasileiro may have more litter size than Fox Terrier. Fila Brasileiro requires Moderate Maintenance. But Fox Terrier requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Terrier dog
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Brazil
United Kingdom
Height Male:
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
Height Female:
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
32 - 36 cm
12 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
8 - 9 kg
17 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
7 - 8 kg
15 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
4 - 6
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Brazilian Mastiff
Wire hair fox terrier Wirehaired terrier Fox terrier Wire
Colors Available:
red, black, Fawn, brindle
predominant white base with brown markings of the face and ears, and usually a black saddle or large splotch of color; there may be other black or brown markings on the body.
Coat:
Short and dense
rough, Broken
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
No
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

History

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.

fox terrierThe Wirehaired Fox Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier were for over 100 years the same breed of dog. Now it is believed that they are two separate breeds with two separate ancestry. It is an English creation with Dachshunds, Fox Hound, English Hounds, and Beagle in their background. It is also believed that the Wales, Durham and Derbyshire extinct rough-coated black and tan working terrier. The white terrier breeds that exist today are related to the Fox Terrier. In addition, it is recognized that terrier breeds of today such as the Jack Russel, the Rat Terrier, and the Miniature Fox Terrier are descendants of the Fox Terrier.

They are one of the oldest of the terrier breeds dating back to the 17tth century in the British Isles. They were primarily farm dogs guarding against the fox and vermin. Like any terrier they go to ground – digging, growling, barking and lunging at the den until the animal comes out and the farmer killed it. The breed was made popular in England through their living with royalty. The Nots Kennel had a lot to do with this as well. King Edward VII’ Wire Fox Terrier came from the Notts Kennel. The Best Champion of Crufts in 1911 was a Wire Fox Terrier, and Queen Victoria had one as well. The Wire Fox Terrier finally became a family dog in the 1930’s. During this time there were feature movies and comic strips that feature a Wire Fox Terrier, such as The Thin Man and The Adventures of Tintin.

The late 1900’s saw the population moving off the farms, out of the country and into the cities. This caused a decline in the popularity of the breed. Keeping terriers born to hunt in the city proved a challenge in the beginning. Their popularity is influenced as well by the breeds success in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York – second only to the Crufts Dog Show in England. Adding to their early success at Crufts, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier breed has won more Westminster Best in Show than any other with 14. Only five dogs have won at Westminster more than once and one of those is a Wirehaired Fox Terrier. A Smooth Fox Terrier won it three times.

Description

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.

fox terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wirehaired Fox terrier is a sturdy dog with features quite similar to the Smooth Fox Terrier. It is symmetrical with a short back, round, dark eyes, a body that is shorter and ears that are v-shaped. He is medium sized with a flat skull that narrows as it approaches the nose. The nose is black, and the muzzle also tapers to it. The breed has a high, docked tail outside the United Kingdom. The tail is natural in the United Kingdom. They don’t have a broad or narrow chest, but it is deep. Laid back shoulders and a short back are signs of good breeding. Their legs are strong, and their feet have tough, cushioned pads.

Characteristics

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.

Children friendliness

fox terrier dog - characteristicsThe Wirehaired Fox Terrier is good with children but if teased and frustrated he could bite. Children should know how to play with them and not to tease them.

Special talents

He is great at performing tricks, tracking, agility, watch dog, competitive hunting or field trials.

Adaptability

The Wirehaired Fox Terrier is quite adaptable and can live anywhere. He is not a big dog but remember he is very high energy.

Learning ability

The breed is very smart but being independent thinkers, they can be difficult to train at times. Consistency and patience are needed when training the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. They get bored easily and if training sessions are not fun you will lose them. This is a breed that loves people but need constant supervision and companionship.

Health Problems

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.

fox terrier puppies - health problemsThis is basically a healthy breed, but there are some potential issues that could arise:

  1. Cataracts
  2. Causes a cloudiness and can cause blindness
  3. Luxating Patellas
  4. “Floating Kneecaps” – dislocated kneecaps. Causes lameness and arthritis
  5. Legg-Calve-Perthes Syndrome
  6. Causes a very serious muscle loss in the dog’s legs
  7. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
  8. Causes lameness and arthritis
  9. Epilepsy
  10. Causes seizures
  11. Shoulder Dislocation
  12. Causes pain and arthritis
  13. Mast Cell Tumors
  14. Cancer – could be fatal
  15. Post Nasal Drip
  16. Just annoying
  17. Deafness

This is possible in white terriers

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding the puppy

fox terrier dogs - caringGive them two meals maybe three per day. Total food per day divided into the number of meals is 1/8-1/4 cup day.

Feeding the adult

Once again feed one-two meals per day and don’t overfeed. Total of ½ cup day

Games and Exercises

Being a terrier, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier needs a lot of exercise. He is energetic and playful. He loves to play ball, take interesting walks, and play in fenced areas. He needs to be in either a fenced area or on a leash as he will chase any small animal that he sees moving. But if you leave him unsupervised in a fenced area, don’t forget he is a terrier. He is likely to dig under or climb over a fence that isn’t entirely secure.

He loves earth dog trials, agility, tracking, hunting, flyball, and running. He hardly ever walks. He can play ball chasing for hours if you let him. Exercise is bonding for you and your Wirehaired Fox Terrier.

Comparison with other breeds

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  5. Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Fox Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Fox Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Fox Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Fox Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Fox Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Fox Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Fox Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Fox Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Fox Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Fox Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Fox Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Fox Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Fox Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Fox Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Fox Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  22. Fox Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Fox Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Fox Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Fox 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