Standards

This translation has been made by the CBKC Judge Clelia Kruel.

GENERAL APPEARANCE
Typically molossoid breed with powerful bones, rectangular and
compact structure but harmonious and proportional. Added to his massiveness
a great agility can be easily seen. Bitches must show a
well-defined femininity which differentiates them immediately from males.
 
CHARACTER AND TEMPERAMENT
Outstanding courage, determination, and bravery are part of
his characteristics. He is docile and obedient to his owners and family
and extremely tolerant with children. His faithfulness became a
Brazilian proverb. He is always looking for the company of his master. One
of his characteristics is his "ojeriza" towards strangers. He shows a
calm disposition, self-assurance, and self-confidence, not being disturbed
by strange noises nor when facing a new environment. An unsurpassed
guardian of property, he is also inclined, by instinct, to hunt big game
and to herd cattle.
 
GAIT
The Fila has a long reach and elastic gait which reminds one of the
great cats' movements. His main characteristic is the pace (camel's
gait), moving two legs of one side first, followed by the two legs of
the other side which causes a rolling lateral movement of the thorax
and hindquarters accentuated by the tail when it is raised. During the walk
he maintains the head lower than the back line. He shows a smooth, free,
and long reaching trot with a powerful stride. His gallop is powerful with
an unsuspected speed coming from such a large and heavy dog. The
Fila Brasileiro's gait is always influenced by its typically
molossoid articulations which give the impression, and in fact it is true,
of effectively permitting him sudden and swift changes in direction.
 
EXPRESSION
In repose it is a calm, noble, and full of self-assurance, never disclosing
a bored nor absent expression. When in attention, the expression
should reflect determination and alertness with a firm and piercing look
in his eyes.
 
HEAD
The Fila's head is heavy and massive, always proportionate to the body.
Seen from above, it resembles a trapezoidal figure in which the head
appears pear-shaped. From a side view, muzzle and skull should
have approximately the proportion of one to one, or with the first
being slightly smaller than the second one.
 
SKULL
The profile shows a smooth curve from the stop to the occiput which is
well-defined and salient, especially in puppies. From a front view the
skull is wide, ample with the upper line slightly curved. The lateral
lines descend slightly curved, almost in a vertical line, narrowing toward
the muzzle, never showing a stop.
 
STOP
From a front view it is practically non-existent. The medium furrow runs
up smoothly until approximately the halfway mark of the skull. From a
side view the stop is low, sloping, and virtually formed by the very
well-developed eyebrow ridges.
 
MUZZLE
Strong, broad, and deep, always in harmony with the skull. From a top view
it is full under the eyes, very slightly narrowing toward the middle of
the muzzle and slightly broadening again until reaching the front curve.
From a side view the bridge of the muzzle is straight or has a Roman nose,
but never in an ascendant line. The front line of the muzzle is close to
a perpendicular line in relation to the superior line, showing a
slight depression right under the nose. A perfect curve is formed by the
upper lips which are thick and pendulous, drooping over the lower lips
giving shape to the lower line of the muzzle which is almost parallel to
the upper line. The labial rim is always apparent. The lower lips are
close and firm up to the fangs and from there on they are loose with
dented borders. The muzzle has a great depth at the root but
without surpassing the length of the muzzle. The labial rim has the shape
of an inverted and deep U.
 
NOSE
Well-developed with broad nostrils not occupying entirely the maxilla
width. The color is black.
 
EYES
From medium to large size, almond-shaped, spaced well apart, from medium
to deep-set. The colors are from dark chestnut to yellow, always in
harmony with the coat color. Due to the profusion of the loose skin,
many individuals present drooping lower eyelids which are not considered
a fault as such detail increases the melancholic expression which is
typical of the breed.
 
EARS
Pendant, large, thick, V-shaped, broad at the base and tapering at the
end with rounded tips. They are inserted at the posterior part of the skull
in line with the medium level of the eyes when in repose. When roused the
ears go above the original position. The root is oblique with the front
border higher than the back border. The ears are drooping at the cheeks or
are folded back allowing the interior to be seen.
 
TEETH
Noticeably wider than long. They are strong and white. The upper scissors
are broad at the root and sharp at the edges. Canines are powerful, well
set and well apart. A scissors bite is the ideal, but a level bite
is acceptable.
 
NECK
Extraordinarily strong and well-muscled giving the impression of a short
neck. It is slightly curved on the top and well-detached from the skull.
The throat is furnished with dewlaps.
 
TOPLINE
The withers, standing in a sloping line, are set well apart from each
other due to the distance between the scapulas at a slightly lower level
than the croup. After the withers, the topline changes direction,
ascending smoothly to the croup, with no tendency to show a sway nor a
roach back.
 
CROUP
Broad and long, with an approximate angulation of 30 degrees to the
horizontal line, showing a smooth curve. It stands a little higher than
the withers. Viewed from the rear the croup must be ample and its width
is approximately equal to the thorax and may be even wider in females.
 
BODY
Strong, broad, and deep, covered by thick and loose skin. The thorax is
longer than the abdomen. The length of the body is the same as the height
at the withers plus ten per cent, when measured from the point of the
shoulder to the point of the buttocks.
 
THORAX
The ribs are well sprung, though not interfering with the position of
the shoulders. The chest is deep and large, descending to the level of
the elbows.
 
LOINS
Shorter and not as deep as the thorax, showing a separation of the
two component parts. The lower part of the loins is more developed in
the females. Viewed from above, the loins are narrower than the thorax
and croup, but should not form a waistline.
 
UNDERLINE
The chest is long and parallel to the ground in all its extension. The
tuck-up extends in a slightly ascending line but is never whippety.
 
FOREQUARTERS
The ideal shoulder structure should be composed of two bones of equal
length (scapula and humerus), with the former at an angle of 45 degrees
from the horizontal line and the humerus forming an approximate 90
degree angle with the scapula. The articulation of the scapula-humerus
forms the point of the shoulder which should be situated at the level of
the prosternum but a little behind it. In its ideal position the
shoulder covers the space from the withers to the prosternum and the point
of the shoulder should be placed halfway to this distance. An
imaginary perpendicular line coming down from the withers should cut the
elbow and reach the foot.
 
FORELEGS
Must be parallel, straight to the pasterns, and with powerful bones.
The carpis (pastern joints) are strong and apparent. The metacarpus
(pasterns) are short and slightly sloping. Length of the leg from ground
to elbow should be equal to the length from elbow to withers.
 
FEET
Formed by strong and well-arched toes which are not too close together.
The pads are thick, broad, and deep. The correct position of the feet
is pointing to the front. The nails are strong and dark, but they may be
white when this is the color of the respective toe.
 
HINDQUARTERS
The hindlegs are less heavy boned than the forelegs but never light as
a whole. The upper thigh has curved borders shaped by muscles descending
from the ilium and ischium, which trace the curve of the rear, and for
this reason the ischium must have a good length.
 
HINDLEGS
Parallel, with strong tarsis, metatarsis slightly bent, higher than
the metacarpis. The stifles and hocks are moderately angulated.
 
HINDFEET
A little more oval than the forefeet, but otherwise the description
is identical to that for the forefeet. They should not present dewclaws.
 
TAIL
Very wide at the root, medium set, reaching to the level of the
hocks, tapering rapidly at its end. When the dog is alert, the tail is
raised high, and the curve at the extremity is more accentuated. The
tail should not fall over the back or curl up.
 
HEIGHT
Measured at the withers:
Males: 65 to 75 cms. (25.5 inches to 29.5 inches)
Females: 60 to 70 cms. (23.5 inches to 27.5 inches)

WEIGHT
Males: minimum of 50 kgs. (l00 lbs.)
Females: minimum of 40 kgs. (90 lbs.)
 
COLOR
All solid colors are permitted except the disqualifying ones(white,
mouse grey, patched dogs, dappled, or black and tan). Brindles of a
basic color, may have the stripes of either less or with very
strong intensity. A black mask may or may not be present. In all
permitted colors white markings should be limited to the feet, chest,
and tip of tail. The white markings are not desirable on any other part
of the body.
 
 
 
SKIN
One of the most important breed characteristics is the thick, loose skin
over the whole body, chiefly at the neck, forming pronounced dewlaps, and
in many individuals the folds proceed to the chest and abdomen. Some dogs
show a fold at the side of the head and also at the withers descending to
the shoulder. When the dog is in repose the head is free of wrinkles.
When alert, in order to lift the ears, the contraction of the skin at
the skull forms little wrinkles along a longitudinal line of the skull.
 
COAT
Short, smooth, dense and tight to the skin.
 
 
TEST OF TEMPERAMENT
This is compulsory requirement for all individuals (after 12 months) in
order to obtain a registered championship title.
 
All champions must have a certificate of approval at the temperament
test. This type of test is made at all specialty shows. It is optional
at general shows, up to the judge's will, providing it is public and
takes place outside of the show ring.
 
The trial includes:
Attack with a stick. The dog is supposed to attack in front of the
handler, without being coached, and the exhibitor or handler will remain
in his position. It is forbidden to touch or to beat the animal.
 
Shooting test. There will be blanks fired at a distance of five meters
from the dog. The dog should express attention, show self-confidence and
self-assurance.
 
During all performances in the ring, the judge will analyze the behavior
and temperament of the entrant, paying attention to his expression. During
the temperament test the following should be observed:
 
 
The dislike of the animal to strangers.
The self-assurance, courage, determination, and braveness of each dog.
 

STANDARD CAFIB                    

Translated by CAFIB, Brasil
This is new standard of Fila Brasileiro written by Paulo Santos Cruz
and approved by CAFIB, which adopts it in all its judgements and dog
analysis, in order to fight against mixbreeding.


GENERAL APPEARANCE: A typical molosser dog. Great size: massive, with
strong bones, giving an impression of stout concentration of strength
and power, but neither seeming or being heavy, laggard or aphatic.


FIGURE: Massive, rectangular, but harmonious, well balanced,
symetric. Outstanding secondary sexual characters, clearly
differentiating males from females.

TEMPERAMENT: It is a courageous, determinate and daring dog. It does not
hide its aversion to strangers, or its traditional tenderness to its
owners and family. Consequently it is an unexceedable watch dog in the
cities, and an excellent herdsdog and a hunter of big animals in farms. As
a result of its temper, at dog shows it does not allow the judge(a
stranger) to touch it. And if it attacks the judge, such a reaction must
not be considered a fault, but only a confirmation of its temperament.
At temper tests, obligatory for dogs over one year old at shows, the
Fila attack must be in an ascending diagonal, in front of handler and
without showing dependence from him.


Temperament test CAFIB

NERVOUS SYSTEM: Calm, serene and showing assurance, self-confidence, even
in strange environments, without being frightened by noises such as
feasting shots at shows. But the shot must not be discharged at less than
five meters, and only to test dogs over one year old.

MOTION WALK: Wide, elastic and rytmical paces, but at the same time
seemingly heavy, just like the felids. While walking, its head must be at
the level of or below the back line. At walk, the main characteristic is
that the Fila firstmoves two legs of one side of the body and them
the opposite legs, aperfect camel step. As a result, there is an
alternate side swing of the thorax and hips, which is emphasized by the
tail when it is upwards.

TROT: Easy, soft, light, wide and efficient.

GALLOP: Powerful, reaching an unsuspected speed for a dog of such a size
and weight.
Fila movements, while walking, make evident its loose joints in the legs
and vertebral column, a characteristic of the breed. As a results, the Fila
is ableto change route suddenly and quickly, even at a gallop.

HEAD: Brachicophalir, great, heavy. Seen in profile, the lenght of the
muzzle is practically equal to that of the skull; good depth;
outstanding occipital; big and fallen ears; low forehead depression(
stop). Front view, it is wide. with a strong and convex muzzele the skull
is wide, lightly curved, allso at its sides.

SKULL: Seen in profile, it shows a light curve from the root of muzzle
towards the outstanding occipital. Full face, it is wide, large,
lightly curved. Its Sides go down in a very smooth, almost vertical,
curve, without showing swollen parotids ans never forming a step at
the muzzle. At this point there is just a light curve.

OCCIPITAL: Outstanding, well apart from the nape.

STOP: (Forehead depression of frontal cavity) Full face, it virtually
doesn´t exist in its place, there is a groove (depression) between the
eyes, in a smooth ascent up to the middle of the skull. Seen in Profile, it
is low, inclined, but perfectly visible, formed by the superciliary arches.

EARS: Fallen, big, thick, very large at the root, narrowing towards its
end, forming around edge. Its root is inclined: the fore edge is higher
than the back one. Its insertion is at the rearest part of the skull
and variable: low when the dog is at rest and high when it is on the
alert. Laterally fallen ears and rose ears are allowed.

EYES: A sad look when at rest, but energic and determinate when on the
alert. Of medium to big size, lightly egg shaped, profound, wide apart.
Their color varies from dark chestnut to yellow. In harmony with the
general color and pigmentation of the fur. Due to the loose skin, some
dogs present fallen low eyelids. This is not considered a fault, because
it just only increases its typical sad experession.

MUZZLE: Seen in profile, its length practically equal to the skull
length. Rectangular, but very deep. Nevertheless, its depth should never
be equal to or exceed its length. The forelinen must be straight, going
down lightly inclined backwards. At half the way, it forms a wide and
perfect curve down towards the lower line of muzzle, which is also defined
by the upper lips. These lips are thick and hang over the lower ones,
which are firmly fixed to the mandible(lower jaw), but loose at the
sides, showing indented edges. Visible lip(labial)commissure.
Full face convex muzzele curves(at front, medium and root), forming a
full muzzle, which assures good teeth roots implantation. As a result,
under the eyes, the muzzle is round in sequence it narrows very lightly up
to the middle curve and them it enlarges again up to the front
curve, originating a widely curved mouth gap. Nevertheless, seen from
above the muzzle must not belt at the region of the middle curve, which
is only perceptible.

NOSE: Wide nostrils, well developed, but never occupying the whole width
of the jaw. always black.

TEETH AND BITE: Teeth relatively small, but strong and clear. Upper fore
teeth(incisors)are wide at the root and thin at the end. Powerful
canine teeth, wide apart. Scissors shaped bite: this means that the
lower incisors close just scraping the inner surface of the upper incisors.

NECK: Generally kept low, it is extraordinarily developed and has
strong muscles, but apparently it is short. Its upper edge (nape) is
slightly convex, Forming the so called stallion curve. Under the throat it
has a parallel double skin, hanging loose, in a longitudinal position(dewlap).

TRUNK: Strong, wide and deep. The thorax is longer than the abdomen.

THORAX: Perfectly arched ribs, forming a wide and deep chest, but never
being an obstacle to the free motion of the shoulders. In a well
framed shoulder, the ribs must go down till the tip of the elbow.

FLANK: Less longer and deeper than the thorax, it must be well sculptured,
in order to make it possible to differenciate all its parts. Seen from
above, it must be less wide and full than the thorax and rump, but
without belting.

UPPER LINE: Open and low withers (plates), on account of the fact that
the plates(omoplates) are wide apart. Nevertheless, the withers must
be perfectly visible, forming a descending line. At the lowest point of
this descent line(hinge), it changes direction, going upward smoothly,
in a straight line, till the fore tip of the rump(ilium). So the upper
line is formed by two straight lines one till the end of the withers the
other one till the rump.

LOWER LINE: From the tip of the chest(manubrium of sternum) it does down,
in a wide and perfect curve, forming the forechest after that, a
straight line, parallel to the ground, follows till the rear end of the
sternum(xiphoid) and from this point it does up lightly in the males till
the penial sheath, and in the females till the flank lap, which is
more developed in them, hiding the ascending line of the abdomen
and influencing the lower line.

FORE QUARTERS-SHOULDERS: They are made up of two bones of equal size;
omoplate or scapula and humerus. The former at 45 degrees from the horizon
and the last one at 90 degrees from the plate. The joint of the omoplate
with the humerus forms the point of the shoulder, which must be at the
same level of the chest tip, but a little behind it. In the ideal
structure the shoulder should fill the space from the withers to the
sternum and the shoulder tip should be just at the middle of this
distance.
LEGS: Strong and straight bones. Apparent wrists (carpus), short and
slightly inclined metacarpus.
FEET: They are formed by strong and well arched fingers, not to
near, supported by thick pads put around a wide, deep and thick foot
pad. Fingers are in a correct position when they point ahead. The nails
are strong and dark-but can be white whenthis is color of the
respective finger. A perpendicular imaginary line going down from the
withers(plates) must reach the elbow and the foot. In the ideal structure,
the elbow(olecranium) should be at the sternum level.

HIND QUARTERS-RUMP: Structured by the wide and long iliac, forming an angle
of 30 degrees from the horizon. There is a smooth curve from the fore tip
of the rump(ilium) till the rear(ischium), or the rump end. The ilium tip
is at the same level or a little higher than the plates. A
horizontal imaginary line starting from the rump end(ischium) must reach
the shoulder tip and ahead of the chest tip. This distance defines the
length of the dog.
Viewed from behind, the hips must be as large as the thorax, mainly in
males. In the females the hips can be larger.
THIGH: Structured by the femur(thigh bone), which forms an angle
of approximately 60 degrees from the horizon or from the ground and an
angle of 90 degrees from the iliac. It is large, with convex edges, formed
by the muscles which go down the ilium and the ischium - the last ones
drawing the rump curve. This is the reason why the ischium should always
have a good length.
LEG: It is mainly formed by the tibia(shin bone). When the angulation is
good, the knee outstands and projects the hock backwards. Strong
and outstanding ankle(tarsus). The metatarsus(instep) is inclined and
higher than the metacarpus. Viewed from the rear, the hind legs must
be parllel and the inner part of the thigh should be very muscular.

FEET: They are little bit more egg shaped than the fore feet and equal
to these in the rest. They must not have dowelaws(ergots).

TAIL: Viewed in profile, it should not interfere with the rump curve on
the contrary, it must be well adapted to it, not outstanding too much.
Its insertion is medium. When the dog is excited, it goes up, but it
must never take an upright position or even fall over the back. At the end
it forms an open curve(hook curve), but it should never twist up. When the
dog is at rest, it falls straight, till the hock. Seen from rear, its
root must be very wide and strong, narrowing little by little down to its
end.

SKIN: It is one the most important characteristics of the breed, it must
be thick, loose all over the trunk, mainly in the neck, and forming a
dewlap at the throat. In many cases this dewlap goes down the chest
and abdomen. Some dogs have a ply(wrinkle) at head, sides, and also at
the withers and shoulders. When the dog is at rest, the head must not
present plies. When it is on the alert, the contraction of the skull skin
in order to raise the ears from little longitudinal plies. The forehead
must not have plies.

FUR: Low, short and flat coat. The hair is rough and thick, a
characteristic which can be easily detected by sight and touch. A
little thicker at the withers.

COLOR: The following colors are allowed

Yellow in all its shades, from the reddish brown(light bay) to red.
Yellow in all its shades, from the reddish brown to red, but with a gray shadow.
The first and second colors, but with black mask and ears, or only black mask.
Striped like a tiger, or "araca" (yellow hair with splitted black
stripes). Basic color equal to one of the previous ones with black stripes
or streaks. The streaks are thin, with the same width from the beginning
to the end and irregularly distributed all over the body. They also
have different lengths and link at the upper line of the body, along
the vertebal column, drawing a "V".
Striped with black mask and ears.
White with big brindled spots, like those described in item number 4.The
white color must be pure, without dark spots on the skin(making shadows).
Light gray, silver
Any of these colors with white spots, usually on the members, chest and
tail and not so frequently on the neck and muzzele, going up to the head.
Click here to see the Genotype and Phenotype of the colors of the fila brasileiro

HEIGHT: (at the withers) Mininum: males 65cm, females 60cm. Maxinum: males 70cm, females 65cm.

WEIGHT: Males around 50kg, females 40kg.

FAULTS: Everything that is far from the ideal described in this standard.
The fault turns to be graver in the direct ratio of this distance.

GENERAL DISQUALIFICATIONS:

Cut ears
Cut tails
Flesh color nose
Prognathism influencing the fore line of the muzzle
Any dental lack
White without any spot of another color
White(basic color)with black spots
Jet Black
Slate black
Jet or slate black with white spots
Mouse(rat)gray
Bluish gray
Gray(basic color) with black spots
Mouth gap in acute angle
Temper without a positive reaction to attack
Strong negative sensibility to shot


MIXBREEDING DISQUALIFICATIONS: Important notes:
1st: Here are listed the most common faults. To make it easier to
understand them, they are divided by items like the general aspect, head,
etc. On account of the great variety of genetical heritages and
consequently of phenotypes, the judge will not find a group of
these characters it just one dog. So the judge must disqualify a dog
whenever he finds one or more of these faults, and when he gets convinced
of mixbreeding by the intensity and representativity of them
2nd: There are dogs with somatical(physical) details which denounce
several mixbreedings. This fact must not be a surprise to the judge,
because it only proves the extension and the variety of
miscigenation(mixbreeding)with several(and not only just one)breed.

A) NEOPOLITAN MASTIFF MIXBREEDINGS:
1- A strongly brevilineous type, with short legs, wide chest. Concave
upper line, resulting in high and plane rump and high insertion of tail,
which is short, tending to twist up and fall over the back. Lower line
in opposite curves, concave in the thorax (thorax like a sleeping net)
and convex in the abdomen(tucking up).
2- Wide skull, its curves go down the arched sides of the head just like
in a ball. In contrast, the muzzle seems narrower. High insertion
ears, Round "stop", formed by the frontal bone, which is high at the
forehead, Mouth gap in acute angle. Viewed in profile, the muzzle depth
is equal to or bigger than its length. Full face it is narrow. So the
nose occupies all its front. Without convex curves. Transversal loose skin
at throat. A boring expression with half closed eyes and open mouth,
showing the tip of the tongue.
3- Slate black color, gray as a basic color, with black stripes lead gray.


B) GREAT DANE MIXBREEDINGS:
1- Square figure, longilineous, long legged, long necked and with
scarce dewlap at the throat. As a result of short sternum, the lower
line tucks up in a diagonal(herring thorax). Very big flank lap, even
in males. Firm joints and hard motion. Rump without inclination. Thin
tail. Opened shoulders, going onward and placed just under the neck.
2- Narrow head. Big and large nose. Not very deep head. Plain and flat
skull small "stop" narrow and thin ears, highly inserted. Eyes tending
to blue. Long muzzle, with lower line parallel to the upper one.
3- Jet black color, mouse gray or bluish gray, gray, as basic color,
with black spots, white with black or gray spots, or with spots of these
two colors. Low fur, with very thin hair, too close to the body.


C) ENGLISH MASTIFF MIXBREEDINGS:
1- Huge shape, tending to square. Straight back. Withers higher than the rump.
2- Full face, the head is wide, seeming narrow between the ears, which
are small, in a "V" shape, thin, highly inserted(practically at the top of
the skull line), and almost always black. Globular forehead, abrupt
"stop", formed by the frontal bone. Wrinkled skin at forehead.
Little outstanding occipital. Viewed in profile, the muzzle length is half
the skull length(1 to 2). Deep at the root, but less deep at the tip,
where the upper lip is not so deep. The fore line forms a right angle with
the upper line and is vertical. It may be inclined forwards, as a result
of pincers shaped bite or inferior prognathism. Prominent chin, resulting
in an inclined fore line. Black mask.
3- Yellow apricot as a basic color, with too many large and egg shaped
stripes put together, forming black stains. They are so numerous that
the visible parts of the basic color are practically of the same width of
the stains, giving a false idea of striped or a dark tigerlike color.