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Original Fila Brasileiro

Original Fila Brasileiro

The Original Fila Brasileiro (OFB) or Old Brazilian Fila is a rare working farm dog breed from Brazil. The remaining Old Fila dogs preserved on farms in the interiors of Brazil are being gathered to become a formalised breed. The Original Fila Brasileiro is recognized by the SOBRACI in Brazil, and despite the similar name, it is a breed apart from the modern Fila Brasileiro. The term "Fila dog" has historically been used as a description of the duty or purpose of a dog. In Portuguese the verb filar means "to grasp strongly with the teeth". The Fila Brasileiro is considered dangerous and is banned in England and Wales.

Life Span 10-14 years
Weight 10-30 kg

What to Know Before Buying an Original Fila Brasileiro

Finding a responsible Original Fila Brasileiro breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells dogs commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.

Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Original Fila Brasileiro. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.

Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Original Fila Brasileiros appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.

Looking for an Original Fila Brasileiro breeder?

Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.

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