Fila's And Dobermans

[BIGWRIGHT]

German I would still like to find out some breeders that you know of that breed the working Dogo I am really interested in that breed even though I'm not a tail lover...:) So if you know of any good soild breeders of that breed please e-mail with their websites privately if you can. They are on my list. As far as the AMerican Bulldog the only thing I don't like is that you never know what you are getting I mean if you want a working American Bulldogg you have to really really search to see if you can find a breeder with that quality dog that will work and protect. Yes they come in many variety of colors and that's a plus but the character or working is what I really strive to have by my side when the heat is on and it's a life or death situation. That's the key thing in life and death where will this dog be behind you or in front ready to stop the drama before it starts. We all know that you cannot just buy a puppy add water and bam instant protection dog it takes work and time. Also their is a big difference between a Protection dog and a Guard dog. The fila is off my list because 1 being in the military I'm not always home and if it would be hard for me to control this dog then I don't want my wife to have to deal with a problem like that especially when her mother visits (I like my mother-in-law in one piece) or even my parents or friends. A protection dog should show no aggression unles warranted and should not be barking biting maniac all the time waiting to explode. Just alert and ready when ever needed. When they are not needed the just are the regular house pet and friend but when the time come act and out when told. I'm really stuck on my rotties but I would like to get out of the limelight every time people see my dog their is never a good word passed not to say that sometimes it is not deserved because of bad experinces with idoits with dogs that think all a dog should do is snarl growl and attack anything that moves.


Train don't abuse-

[German Vanegas]

Originally posted by BIGWRIGHT
So if you know of any good soild breeders of that breed please e-mail with their websites privately if you can. They are on my list.

I will.

Originally posted by BIGWRIGHT
As far as the AMerican Bulldog the only thing I don't like is that you never know what you are getting I mean if you want a working American Bulldogg you have to really really search to see if you can find a breeder with that quality dog that will work and protect.

It's just like with any other breed: it depends where you get the dog from. I know awesome American Buldogs lines, and I also know BIG dissapointments (Particularly the ones bred to be 130 to 140 lbs. ). Therefore, if you carefully select and screen out potential breeders, you will be able to wisely choose a good dog. However, I think that some breeders grossly overpriced their lines. I for one don't throw my hard-earned money away that easy. I shop around ;)

Originally posted by BIGWRIGHT
Also their is a big difference between a Protection dog and a Guard dog.

Indeed there is. Protection dogs are more sociable, while guard dogs are less sociable, although the latter does not translate into an antisocial dog, as is the case of the junkyard dog.

Originally posted by BIGWRIGHT
The fila is off my list because 1 being in the military I'm not always home and if it would be hard for me to control this dog then I don't want my wife to have to deal with a problem like that especially when her mother visits (I like my mother-in-law in one piece) or even my parents or friends.

Actually, a well-bred Fila strongly bonds with the family pack, including children, and can be handled by a female (providing she has the appropriate character and required knowledge to handle large dogs ;) ). Well-bred Filas are not "biting machines" but rather very protective dogs. Of course, if you make mistakes in rearing a Fila, then you will have some serious liability issues. That applies to most powerful working dogs too, and the Rottweiler is one of them ;)

Originally posted by BIGWRIGHT
I'm really stuck on my rotties but I would like to get out of the limelight every time people see my dog their is never a good word passed not to say that sometimes it is not deserved because of bad experinces with idoits with dogs that think all a dog should do is snarl growl and attack anything that moves.

Lucky you! You are "stuck" with one of the finest breeds there is, and so I am ;) Now, do you think that people will be more receptive to a Dogo Argentino? Guess again. For most people, Dogos resemble overgrown white pitbulls... Here in Houston, there is a dog park near-by my house, where dog lovers gather around everyday, and I know two Dogo owners whom have a real hard time getting accepted by the rest of the people. By the way, those two Dogo owners truly appreciate my knowledge about dogs in general, nevertheless, most other people are frightened by the looks of a Dogo (a.k.a. Argentinian mastiff). So you will be facing the same dilemma all over again: ignorance about breeds, lack of knowledge about canine behavior, and the stigma of irresponsible dog ownership :( ... The best thing to do is: be a proud good-will ambassador of the Rottweiler by showing other people what a wonderful dog you have! ;) It works! :)

[RottnKid1]

I agree with German - many people think Dogos are just large Pit Bulls.

As for Filas, it's extremely important that they're bred and raised correctly. I've dealt with some who weren't and it's quite difficult to gain their trust and respect. Once you do, they bond like glue and it's difficult to transfer that trust and respect to another owner. They're awesome dogs, but like the Rottweiler and other such breeds, only meant for special owners.

[RottnKid1]

Originally posted by kekaufman
Never heard of a Fila Brasilerio before. looked it up, sorry folks but that is ONE UGLY DOG. Looks like some mad genetic scientist sewed a moose head on the beautiful body of a Rottie. Makes a Bassett Hound look elegamt.

To me, they bring to mind a Blood Hound.

BTW, I like the Bouvier Des Flandres, too. Yes, and the Presas, American Bulldogs, etc.:D

[BIGWRIGHT]

I'm not really into the Bouviers I met one of the top breeders of the breed in Washington state and to me they look like overbred sheep dogs and the grooming for these dogs would take forever. My wife and I are still discussing the Fila she really wants one and me I guess I have my doubts I have bene researching the breed for about two years and their are many good things about the breed the one thing that disturbs me is this a protection dog should never have to be put up while anyone is in your home. WIth the Fila you have to keep a constant eye out to make sure that whoever is in the vincinity of the dog respects the rules of the house "don't run up and pet my Fila let them come to you" Don't make allot of jerky moves around my Fila...he may take it as a threat against me" Now to defend the breed I subscribe to their magazine and if anyone knows of a forum about fila's let me know. The have a great sense of smell like the one that found a three year old little boy six miles from their home when noone could find him. How the defend without prejudice "Meaning you and your buddy may be friends and he may have known the puppy since birth but they only have one family so if your buddy ever decided to get crazy he would be downand out quick" Why I add this is because I was home in NY visiting my family when the neighbors across the street from my parents son was shot by his friend in his own home while his rottweiler and shepherd were thier and apparently the dogs let him leave the house because he was very chummy with the dogs. Not so with the fila you could feed this dog walk him whatever but he will never forget his family is it's first priority. Now a bad thing if your kids are playing around and you child is playing the dog may not see it as playing and may defend "Ok will defend as if your son was being hurt for real" Now the same thing can be said for my boxer he doesn't even like when my son and I rough house and will bark up a storm until we stop. My rottie has even jumped in front of me and my son when we were practicing his karate and barked at me saying ok dad enough. Now I have always owned large breed dogs that some people say they would never own but then again most people don't do much with their dogs but have them run the yard and say hey I have a rottweiler. My family and I are very responsible dog owners and I train my dogs at least three times a week with basic obediance being first.

In the right hands I think the Fila could be a good solid protector and with the right socialization a Fila could be a great all around dog "WITH THE RIGHT OWNERS" I'm not saying I'm getting one it takes me at least three years of research before I get a new dog (Ok I found my first Rottweiler but I did read about them afterwards) the point I'm trying to make is this though I have heard the Fila is the most dangerous dog and may never be what most of us want they may be a great breed in the RIGHT OWNERS HANDS. I think this website was very helpful in learning more about the Fila.


www.campingfilas.com

To be honest I think their will be a million new breeds popping up every day as long as you can find someone with a male or female anything but I think the good breeders of the Fila are trying to do the same as the reputable breeders of any other breed and and hopefully to protect their breed their are screening thier buyers to make sure they are responsible.

[RottnKid1]

Please don't get me wrong - Filas are great dogs in the right hands, but don't expect one to thrilled about strangers, or even those not in the immediate family (if they're not there often) coming to your home, even with socialization. When they're young, they can be quite friendly with a lot of people, but once they mature, they're much more discriminating. Just be prepared for a huge committment.

[Joanne in NJ]

Didn't Diane Heller get one right before she moved to the west coast? Is she on the forum anymore? I seem to remember an "incident"..... Was it that she got bit in the face? Anybody remember or Diane, are you still here?

[gparcels]

BIGWRIGHT, I have a friend who purchased a Fila from a good breeder if you want I can PM you his name it is on the web. My opinion on is breed, I think they are a great family companion as long as you know what is your responsibility is up front. When I was first introduced to his pup he was 12 weeks old and seemed to be pretty much like a normal puppy accept that he was very calm and not all that much playful. As the months went by and each time I was over when I would first knock on the door you knew that there was something BIG behind it. Each time I would be greeted by a very confident dog right up at me sniffing to make sure that I was ok to be there "And with the owner right at his side". I don't get to see my friend that much because of our jobs and travel distance but each time that I am there after the initial security check the dog has been ok with me and I am even able to pet him but the difference from the Fila and Rott for example is that most Rotts or other dogs will stick around and want more attention even though they are still keeping an eye on you. The Fila will just walk away and sit somewhere nearby and just watch what is going on. There have been times that I have walked from room to room without my friend there with me and the dog would just follow from a distance to see what I was doing. My opinion again they are a great breed but under no circumstances can you just leave this animal loose in the yard or house if someone is coming over, their is NO WAY that it would accept a total stranger. They can become as social enough to have people around with the owner there but it is going to be a big responsibility on your part. One thing in particular that I am impressed with is the bond that this dog has with its family I mean he his constantly at his owners side I thought my male rottie was bad but his Fila is his and his wifes shadow.
Good luck with your decision.

[BIGWRIGHT]

That' she real problem I mean I hate to say it but my wife sometimes treats our dog slike babies and I have to remind her that though they are her babies they are still large dogs with power. She is very watchful of the dogs and responsible when I am away but their not the kind of dogs that will tolerate allot of people which in one way is good because it is true that most dogs once they get to know you will get comfortable with a person leaving room for error in a dogs judgement. Not a Fila your either friend or foe. Theirs no compromising this dog whatsoever they know their family and they will protect them with their lives. Now in the world today where it really is going crazy wouldn't that kind of proetction be what you want? Now I am not big on guns I own one but not big on them I always say give me a good dog over a gun any day I feel 90% of the time a dog will deter any trouble whatsoever. I also realize that the rottweiler has become more popular and way to familiar in a way people are getting smarter when it comes to ways of the rottweiler. I have even heard of a criminal purchasing hidden sleeves and other protection equipement when dealing with people dogs. That is all besides the point really the biggest thing is you have to make sure the breed you pick fits you and your lifestyle that you are responsible and know what this breed can do. An insurance agent once told me to take pictures of my dogs and put them in front of my house with a small wording of what my dog is and what it's used for and so forth instead of a beware of dog sign. He said he talke dto a lawyer who said he had a client who did this when his two rottweilers attacked aguy who broke in his shed and when the guy tried to sue the owner of the rottweilers his case was dismissed because the judge fel hey the guy warned you what he had it was your risk.

WIth the Fila we would have to really really responsible no mistakes know from the word go that this dog is not one that can be left alone with strangers not a dog to be left un attended when in public yet we would have the piece of mind knowing this dog is their for you and not shy or take allot of training to make sure they will protect you because we are all in aggreement that protection dogs aren't born they are made. I mean yes the bloodline helps and all that but training still has to be done with the Fila you the owner need the training to make sure you understand what you have and the important responsiblity that your dog is intrusting you with. That you know when he says he's not here for kids to slide on or just run up to without being introduced. Fila's are great dogs the responsibility like any other dog is inthe owner.

[BIGWRIGHT]

I think we all have our breeds that we like and dislike for our own reasons. My personal favorite is the Boxer a good working boxer like I have a real working dog from real working kennel is a great home protector but their are few breeders left that have these type of dogs. Their are so many new breeds out their all claiming to give 100% protection (if their is such a thing) Like I am very impressed now with the American Bulldog for working even though some praise them in many books as the new dog of the futire because their price is lower for some breeds I like their style and their drives. AFter talking to a few breeders I'm not sure if the Dogo will ever be on my list (Sorry German) I've talke dto a few breeders and the just don't sound confident that their dogs can do the job and most of their dogs have no working titles and I could only find one kennel that really works their dogs and even then I think it would be a hit or miss to find a true working pup out of two litters. The dobie is off my list because either they are to hard of a dog or just to soft. Though if you have ever read the Book Manstoppers the writer has one and praises the breed. The Shepherd the all around dog well if you look in dog World you will find 10,00 shepherd breeders all with titles but you have to wonder which ones are real and which ones are fake or just going off a dogs name that this pup will be a working dog. Filas talking to some main breeders their is a concern about them and strangers but you will never find a more protective or layal dog to the family than the Fila they will live by your side until they die. I started this whole thing to learn more about different breeds and I still want to trya nd work another breed but I think like any one trying to purchase any dog I need to do more homework I need to be sure if the dog and my family will be a good match I would rather do that than get the dog and find out it doesn't work out for either of us and then what? Rotties are still my favorite dog and they seem to be compared against many of the new breeds so I guess I will just have to see where my research leads me.




On another note I just have to say this since it's xmas already here in Japan merry Xmas to everyone and I hope that you are all blessed. We have all had a rough time and I think we needed a holiday. I just want all of you to know form the men and women serving you overseas we are hear to protect you all and we thank you for all your well wishes to us. Thank you for caring about us and what we do even though we are away from our families in the states your words and kindness say it all that you appreciate what we do and support us. God Bless you all.

[gparcels]

Happy holidays to everyone also...I think my number one choice is now the Rottweiler after many years of owning GSD's the rottie just moved to no.1. I am on my second I currently have 2 a male that is 6yrs old and a female that is 7mos and they are great family companions. If I had to choose another breed it would be possibly the Fila or GSD or maybe even a Presa, but I'm pretty sure I'll be sticking with the rotties.

[German Vanegas]

Originally posted by BIGWRIGHT
I have even heard of a criminal purchasing hidden sleeves and other protection equipement when dealing with people dogs.

Those are just urban legends, my friend ;) Nothing but b.s. No documented case has ever been brought up to be, except hearsay adorned with fables :p

Originally posted by BIGWRIGHT
He said he talke dto a lawyer who said he had a client who did this when his two rottweilers attacked aguy who broke in his shed and when the guy tried to sue the owner of the rottweilers his case was dismissed because the judge fel hey the guy warned you what he had it was your risk.

State laws vary tremendously from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. I advise anyone to check your own local laws, rather than trust "somebody told me, or, I heard that...". Make sure you know your own applicable state laws. Warning: Ignorance of the law is very-very rarely accepted as a defense.

Originally posted by BIGWRIGHT
Fila's are great dogs the responsibility like any other dog is inthe owner.

I concur entirely. Unethical unscrupulous breeding and irresponsible negligent dog ownership have nearly ruined the Rottweiler breed :( ... Will the Fila be next?!

[German Vanegas]

Originally posted by BIGWRIGHT
My personal favorite is the Boxer a good working boxer like I have a real working dog from real working kennel is a great home protector but their are few breeders left that have these type of dogs.

Oh yeah! A well-bred working Boxer (not the American type, bred for show conformation or in the backyard) is an awesome dog. You can still find proven protection lines in Germany, Czechoslovaquia, and Spain. They have "plenty of punch" in a medium-sized package!

Originally posted by BIGWRIGHT
Like I am very impressed now with the American Bulldog for working even though some praise them in many books as the new dog of the futire because their price is lower for some breeds I like their style and their drives.

Well, the American Bulldog, or Alabama Dog, is supposed to be the original British Bulldog, thus retaining that breed's legendary character, temperament, and traits of the past. Unfortunately, the British downsized the Bulldog, transforming this "once upon a time" working dog, into a "couch potato" with health ailments. What worries me about the American Bulldog is that, sadly enough, it has become the breed of choice of gansters, hoodlums, inner-city thugs, dog-fighters, etc. :( So the future of the AB is kind of gloomy. Nowadays these dogs are showing up everywhere... building a path to destruction to this otherwise great breed :(

Originally posted by BIGWRIGHT
AFter talking to a few breeders I'm not sure if the Dogo will ever be on my list (Sorry German) I've talke dto a few breeders and the just don't sound confident that their dogs can do the job and most of their dogs have no working titles and I could only find one kennel that really works their dogs and even then I think it would be a hit or miss to find a true working pup out of two litters.

Dogos are the "real McCoy". I know so. However, as in any other breed, careful selection of a reputable ethical breeder is of paramount importance. If you get the right one, you can't go wrong. Dogos meet or exceed most expectations ;)

Originally posted by BIGWRIGHT
The dobie is off my list because either they are to hard of a dog or just to soft. Though if you have ever read the Book Manstoppers the writer has one and praises the breed.

Dobermans were once one of the finest security dogs in the canine world... but wanton careless breeding ruined this wonderful breed :( Nevertheless, there are still proven working Doberman lines, here in the States as well as in Germany. I know of two fine people in Germany that breed Doberman up to the desired standards of the breed. A well-bred Doberman truly delivers ;)

IN MY "BOOK", ROTTWEILERS RULE! :)

[BIGWRIGHT]

Well German I have heard of one time it happening with a former working dog handler Robbing a house with a hidden sleeve while he kept the dog distracted his buddy got into the house. It was in washington state in tacoma. (The both were caught) but they did use the equipment. I still don't see the Dogo for what some of you see the dog as I mena they have no working titles that are available to view. I have even contacted some breeders and they were hesitant. I mean I like this breed really but I don't se ethe smae working potential that some of you see. Believe me I have tried to find a breeder that can say "My DOGO's will work and protect and here's the proof" I see nothing to prove that or even a breeder that will say that I think I would love to own this breed(except for the tail) but I have a rule I won't own a dog that won't protect me and my family and I hate the hit and miss theory maybe I'll get a good pup maybe I won't. I think breeders shopuld be forthcoming and just say sorry we don't have what your looking for. If anyone can show me or tell me a breeder of dogo's who can show me proof that their dogo's are workers and have the proof then I'll be sold on them but until then I can't consider them. Now I could be wrong but I would still need proof but if you look at the Fila they are the real deal with a clause "Educate before you by a Fila" But most times when a dog attacks someone it's usuallt because the owner doesn't respect the dog they have and set up the right protective barriers to protect their dog as well as their guests. That's the real issue you have to do both now the fila will not leave your side will not take party to strangers will not find comfort in the midst of just anyone who is nice to them. Their downfalls may be outweighed by their tenacity to protect their family as well as not turn on their owners which I have not heard of yet of anyone being attacked by a fila that they have raised as puppies.

[MARYDVM]

The total number of Dogos titled in French Ringsport is 4. Three of them came from one kennel in the US. Their most impressive performer was "Gator" FR2. If you do a search you should find their kennel name. These would be the folks to talk to about working Dogos.