Longevity
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Fila Brasileiro is generally between 10 and 11 years, which corresponds to a decent longevity for a mastiff of this size. The quality of the diet, growth monitoring, well-balanced exercise and regular veterinary follow-up have a direct influence on its ageing.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The breed shows average to good robustness, with good overall resistance once adulthood is reached. On the other hand, like many large molossers, it requires real vigilance during growth and on everything related to the joints and the back.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
The main vigilance concerns the growth period, during which physical activity must be moderate and well supervised to protect the joints and the spine. Maintaining a stable weight is also essential to limit mechanical stress on a dog that is already very massive.
Hip dysplasia : This joint condition is one of the breed’s main points of vigilance, especially during growth and in dogs that are too heavy or overexerted too early.
Herniated discs : The Fila Brasileiro may be prone to it, which justifies monitoring gait, back pain, and the intensity of exertion.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
With its short coat and Brazilian origin, the Fila Brasileiro generally tolerates moderate heat better than prolonged damp cold. In hot periods as in cold periods, it must have suitable shelter, fresh water, and activity adjusted to the climatic conditions.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Fila Brasileiro shows a marked tendency to gain weight, which requires careful monitoring of the ration and body condition. Excess food intake and lack of exercise quickly worsen the strain on the hips, back and the entire locomotor system.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor growth and avoid overly intense exertion in the young dog.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the hips and back.
- Consult promptly in case of limping, stiffness, or back pain.
- Plan regular veterinary follow-up of locomotion and joints.
Vaccination
Brazilian Fila vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Brazilian Fila need? Like all dogs, Brazilian Filas should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Brazilian Fila vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Brazilian Fila booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Brazilian Fila need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Brazilian Fila
Veterinary monitoring focused on growth, joint condition and locomotion is particularly relevant in this breed. Specific attention paid to the hips and the spine, especially in young dogs and in case of locomotor discomfort, makes it possible to detect orthopedic problems earlier.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
