My name is Tracy Shea. I have been involved in Filas for the last 10 yrs. I am a small kennel, breeding seldomly, when I feel I have a pair that would benefit the breed. I started in Filas, because I needed a guardian breed. I researched many breeds and contacted many breeders before I made my choice of the Fila. The Fila is a dog that requires the ultimate in responsibility. If you want to be involved in this breed, you have to be ready for the responsibility that comes with them. This breed is known for their aversion to strangers. A 15th century breed, their guardian abilities have bred true through the ages. A Fila will protect you, and will not like strangers. That is a given. A Fila will be totally devoted to you and love you and your family with all their heart. That is a given. I believe that a Fila needs to be socialized. Socializing does NOT mean that you make them like strangers. In fact, I prefer to call it "Desensitizing". It means that you expose them to as many outside environments and stimuli as possible. This is to have a well rounded dog who does not fear anything, nor do they consider every leaf that blows by a threat. I have dogs that are well socialized, and I can take them places and know they will not pose a hazard to those around them, as I have them completely trained and in my control. They basically 'ignore' those around them. But they are never totally ignoring anything. I also have dogs that are not socialized at all. These dogs have the same strict obedience training, however they hate to go out in public. So I keep them home and let them be happy. You need to decide what you want from and for your dog. If you feel they will be just as happy at home, not seeing anyone, then dont socialize. If you wish to have a dog you can take for walks and such, I strongly suggest you "socialize" them. I do not feel that we have room in society today for a dog that is out of control. Obedience is an absolute MUST. I currently only have five dogs in my kennel. Vesta's Carnivale Quadra Palhaco (aka Smitty or Granny) - my spayed bitch. Agata of Stonehenge, Smitty's daughter. Brynna of Stonehenge (aka Miri), Agata's daughter. Stonehenge Brioct (aka Jade). And Stonehenge's Sirius Revenge, my neutered male. You can see pics of all my dogs on the Current page, as well as them interacting on the Photo page. I only have litters once every two years or so. I do not breed specifically for sale, but only when I find 2 dogs that I feel are worthy of placing good quality Fila on this earth. The homes I choose for my pups are very important and screened fully. Before anyone ever decides to breed, they need to make sure that all genetic testing is done on their dogs (ie: hips, elbows, patellas, any other congenital defect that may affect their breed). They need to compete in a show ring, or at least have an impartial, certified judge of their breed give an honest evaluation. Breeding should never be done "just to make money". It is only a tool to better the breed. If you cannot produce better than what you have, you should not be breeding in my opinion. KNOW YOUR STANDARD INSIDE AND OUT and be willing to admit when you have a dog that does not fit nicely in that standard. I follow the FCI standard and my dogs are registered with FCPR or CBKC. There is alot of discussion in this breed in regards to FCI and CAFIB. I believe that all owners of Filas should know both standards well and study what both have to say. Learn about CAFIB, it is the history of our breed. Personally, I do not like the Bloodhound on steroids look of some of the CAFIB dogs. I do not like the Mastiff look of some of the FCI dogs. My "perfect look" is in between the two. Not overdone one way or the other. And that is the look I strive for. As for temperament, I wish to stay true to the Fila. I do not want unstable dogs. I do not want fearful dogs. I try and achieve dogs of stable temperament and extreme courage and loyalty. I will have both standards available on the website soon. I also feed a Natural Diet. This is the diet I recommend as being the best for my dogs and others dogs. If you have any questions on the natural way of feeding, please feel free to contact me.
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