The Banned Fila Brasileiro and Its Legal UK Counterpart: The English Mastiff

The UK's Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 introduced breed-specific legislation (BSL) to restrict certain breeds deemed potentially dangerous, including the Fila Brasileiro, alongside the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and more recently, the American XL Bully.

Owning a Fila Brasileiro in the UK requires a court-issued Certificate of Exemption, strict muzzling in public, and neutering, making it effectively prohibited for most.

In this blog, tailored for UK readers, we explore the banned Fila Brasileiro and compare it to its closest legal counterpart, the English Mastiff, highlighting their similarities and differences while reflecting on the implications of BSL.

The Fila Brasileiro: A Banned Guardian from Brazil

The Fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, originated in Brazil, likely from crosses including Mastiffs, Bloodhounds, and Bulldogs brought during the colonial period.

Bred for guarding farms, herding cattle, big-game hunting, and historically tracking escaped slaves, it stands 24-30 inches tall and weighs 90-180 lbs, with loose skin, a short coat in colors like brindle or fawn, and a distinctive camel-like gait.

Extremely loyal to family but wary and aggressive toward strangers—a trait called "ojeriza"—the Fila requires experienced handling and is banned in the UK due to its size, strength, and potential for aggression.

The English Mastiff: A Legal UK GiantThe English Mastiff, a legal UK breed recognized by the Kennel Club, traces its roots to ancient Britain and was used for guarding estates and even in Roman arenas.

As one of the foundational breeds in the Fila's ancestry, it shares a massive build (27-30 inches tall, 120-230 lbs), wrinkled skin, broad head, and short coat in apricot, brindle, or fawn.

Known as a "gentle giant," the Mastiff is calm, affectionate with family, and protective without the Fila's intense stranger aversion, making it suitable for experienced owners in quiet homes.

Both breeds have low exercise needs and face similar health issues like hip dysplasia, bloat, and short lifespans (6-10 years), but the Mastiff's established UK history as a companion and guard dog keeps it legal.

Key Comparisons

Size and Build: Both are giant mastiff-types with powerful frames, though the English Mastiff is often heavier.

Coat: Short and low-maintenance, with overlapping colors like brindle and fawn.

Purpose: Fila for hunting and aggressive guarding; Mastiff for passive protection.

Temperament: Loyal to family, but Fila is more aggressive to outsiders; Mastiff is docile.

Legal Status: Fila banned under BSL; English Mastiff fully legal.

Final Thoughts: BSL and Responsible Ownership in the UKThe Fila Brasileiro’s ban underscores debates on BSL’s effectiveness, as dog incidents persist regardless of breed, emphasizing training and ownership.

The English Mastiff shows similar traits can succeed with proper care. UK owners should consult local councils, focus on socialisation, and select ethical breeders for safe companionship.