Are Fila Brasileiro Mastiffs usually aggressive or was that just a freak incident?

Question

I heard about the dogs that supposedly mauled that guy at Ving Rhames' house. Supposedly they were Fila Brasileiro Mastiffs. Are they known for aggression?

Answer 1

If you look at the job the dog was created to perform you will gain insight into its nature. Read about Filas here:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/filabrasileiro.htm

Now draw your own conclusions.

Answer 2

I have been raised with and owned and currently own a 6 year old Male Fila. Yes they Normally are like that, but that is what they were bred for. This is the ONLY dog breed that Judges will not touch in a dog show. There temperament and breed description confirms this. They are one of the only IF not the only dog breed that does NOT need to be trained for protection. It's natural to them.

Answer 3

Don't blame the breed, blame the way they were brought up and trained. I have had mastiffs for years, Neo mastiffs, and they are strong willed, however, if TRAINED RIGHT, they are not aggressive to the point of attacking. My dogs guard the house and bark at strangers, but they also will listen to my commands and are quite well behaved. Mastiffs were raised to guard property and people, as well as fighting dogs, centuries ago. I get so tired of peoplelabeling breeds like mastiffs, pits, and so on as mean attack dogs. If they are not trained, or worse, trained to be aggressive, mean and not socialized, then yes they can be dangerous. However, little yorkies, poodles and other fluffball dogs can also be nasty, mean little biters. It's all in the training. Many people obtain large powerful dogs as a status thing, having no idea about history, bloodlines or training, and then you end up with a nasty dog. Nobody wants to put the time and work into proper training, classes and work that it takes to have a socially acceptable, well behaved dog. Now, I am a huge dog lover, but you can never forget, dogs are dogs-wild animals that we have tamed. In their genes, they are wild animals.People have to remember that. If a dog is raised to fight and attack, you are bringing out the natural instincts for survival in a dog, fight of the fittest, pack leader and fight for food. Cute and sweet as they are- remember, if they were to live in the wild, I promise you they would not curl up on your lap and be adorable. It's the fault of the owners.

Answer 4

I have known several Fila's, and they all tended toward aggression.

Answer 5

Any large breed dog can be agressive, the best question would be "how was the dog raised?" Any dog can be taught to be mean, it's the owners who make them mean! I have known some of the biggest Teddy Bears that were Mastiffs! They have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Some Mastiffs are willful, obstinate, and dominant they want to be the boss and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through consistency, that you mean what you say.

Answer 6

Yes most are - although thats generalizing its what basically they were orginally bred to be

Answer 7

Hi,
What's this .
Any way .