Fila Brasileiros are result of crossbreeding of the 15th-century English Mastiff, Bloodhound, Bulldog and Rafeiros. Like the Bloodhound, they have loose skin and superior sense of smell and also amazing tracking ability. The Mastiff contributed compact body, courage and an ever-alert disposition. The Bulldog added the headstrong and careless temperament. The Fila was used to return slaves to their slave masters, back when slavery was legal in Brazil. Because of its potential for aggression, it is banned in some countries like New Zealand and Australia.
physical appearance
The Fila looks a lot like a blood hound except they have shorter drooping ears. They have a smooth short coat in colors like fawn, black and brindle. They have a rectangular and compact figure and exceptionally agile. The skin is the most important characteristics of this breed. It is thick and loose all over the body, particularly around the neck where it'll form some kind of a dew lap. White markings of excessive size like the one shown in the first picture below is not a desirable quality in a Fila.
(top left) fawn Fila Brasileiro with white markings. (top right) Fila can be friendly with other animals as long as they are soialized from their early age. (bottom left) fawn Fila Brasileiro. (bottom right) black brindle Fila Brasileiro.
behavior
Outstanding courage, bravery, and remarkable determination are part of Fila's characteristics. When you earn the trust of a FIla, you and your whole family (or "the member of your pack") will certainly be his whole world. Filas are attentive that way. They do not need to be taught how to protect you, It is engrained in their gene. Fila is calm and obedient to his owners and family and extremely tolerant with children in his own family. He is always looking for the company of his master. He shows a calm disposition, self-assurance, and self-confidence, not being disturbed by strange noises nor when they've come to a new environment. This breed makes a wonderful guard dog but it will need a dominant owner who understands that in order for him to gain control over his Filas, he need to act as the pack leader .