What You Need to Know About Brazilian Mastiffs Imagine a cross between a Mastiff and a Bloodhound. Perhaps you know this dog by his other name, the Fila Brasileiro. This large dog was bred originally to protect the plantations of Brazil. The history of the Brazilian Mastiff though also includes the use of them on hunting trips. This dog has a unique characteristic for which it is known. It is probably the only breed that was purposely selected for its actual dislike of strangers. As fierce as they can be with strangers, the Brazilian Mastiffs are gentle with their own families. As with other types of Mastiffs they are tender and affectionate with the family they are charged to protect. If the Brazilian Mastiff has won your heart and you're considering owning one - beware.

What comes of all this is a dog with the amazing scent-detecting capabilities of the bloodhound along with a mastiff's fearlessness and power. This has made the Brazilian mastiff perfect for defending the cattle ranches of the Minas Gerais region. This dog not only has been able to keep cattle rustlers away, but has also kept cattle safe from the dangers of wild jaguars.

The history of the Brazilian Mastiff though also includes the use of them on hunting trips. These dogs were used to track, attack and then hold the intended prey until his owner arrived. In fact, the name Fila comes from Portuguese for "to hold."

Another interesting fact is that the Brazilian mastiff was used to track and capture runaway slaves at one point in history.