Cattle Driver

It was around 1913, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, that the Fila Brasileiro breed started to gain popularity as a cattle dog. It had already been well known for its talents as a guard dog and jaguar hunter . Actually it was in the southern part of Minas Gerais that this excellent working breed was best preserved by the farmers who selected the Filas for this special task. They were in the three basic colors of the breed: fawn, brindle and black.

Fila Cattle Driver in the USA

The tradition still continues in Brazil where Filas are considered great cattle herders. The first document showing Filas working with cattle comes from in 1817 illustration made by Prince Maximilian. It shows the Filas in the South of Bahia, in the valley of the São Francisco River, with ranchers wearing their regional leather garments.

The Fila Brasileiro, besides being a guard dog and jaguar hunter has also a natural instinct for herding cattle.

Attention:

If you wish to have a good Fila cattle drover, please follow the Brazilian ranchers' advice:

1. Never allow your Fila to be unattended when working with cattle.
2. Never start cattle work before your Fila is seven months of age. An accident may change the temperament of the puppy. The puppy may become either a coward or an overaggressive dog.

Photos courtesy of Camping Kennel

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