Comment to 'question about socialization with a fila'
  • Rome, I will do my best to give you MY interpretation of an ojerza scale. Remember this is just my opinion. I'm sure others are different.

    • 1-3 Submissive, very friendly to anyone. Expects everyone to pet them. Would never defend you in any situation. (My German Shepherd is a great example).
    • 4-6. Middle of the road temperament. Observant, watchful. Would defend you if necessary and the threat was obvious. Is still trusting of strangers, likes to be petted. German Shepherds are supposed to be this way. (not mine).
    • 7-8. Suspicious of lots of people, but not overtly aggressive. Doesn't really want people to touch them. Will tolerate if told to. You could probably show this dog. This dog would have to be watched carefully to prevent a strike. Would bite in more unfamiliar situations. May even be fearful somewhat and show some signs of insecurity.
    • 9-10. My Fila. Shows distrust of strangers from 8wks and up. By 6mos. my Fila would walk in public and anyone that got close enough he would reach out in midstride to bite their leg. Cannot allow dog closer than 8-10ft from people without the possibility of a lunge to attack. If they meet his eyes at 15ft. he's growling and snarling. There is NO fear in this dog. They boldly meet a strangers stare and dare them to cross their comfort threshold. This dog goes through doors and windows if necessary to remove what THEY perceive as a threat, (regardless of training or what you're saying at the moment) whether it be big or little.

    Most people are not prepared nor equipped to handle a Fila with this much temperament. I have had a couple of close calls and mine stayed in an 8ft wooden privacy fence over an acre and a half of land. He busted the locked gate down once to get at the people doing work at my house. I lost him last month to bone disease. He was so crippled we had to help him walk into the Vet hospital. Yet, when it was time to examine him the vet suggested he let him sniff him (he has a nice basket muzzle and a prong and strong leash, he said. I'm not worried) When the vet was close enough, he stood on his hind legs, wrapped his arms around the man to hold him and beat the s##t out of him with his head.

    After the CAT scan the vet said he had no idea how he was walking, much less stood to attack him. Sorry for the length. In case you can't tell, this dog was the love of my life as far as dogs go. I'm getting another puppy in July. Hopefully, I will have healed emotionally by then. I just miss him so much. Oh, the reason I bought a Fila was because I was carjacked a few years ago and that really changes who you are emotionally. I used to call Hank my 9mm on 4 legs, that I didn't have to pull the trigger on .

    LOL Good Luck, Jen