Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff): Key Differences
Short answer: The Fila Brasileiro, or Brazilian Mastiff, and the Boerboel are both powerful guardians, but the Fila is known for a much stronger distrust of strangers. The FCI standard describes a "natural aloofness towards strangers." The Fila is legally restricted in some countries, including the United Kingdom. The Boerboel is heavier and is a calm, discerning guardian that should recognize when there is no threat.
Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro at a glance
Trait | Boerboel vs Fila Brasileiro |
Origin | Boerboel: South Africa Fila Brasileiro: Brazil |
Original job | Boerboel: Farm and homestead guardian; first line of defense against predators Fila Brasileiro: Property guardian, big game hunting and cattle herding |
Height | Boerboel: Males 24 to 27 in; females 22 to 25 in Fila Brasileiro: Males about 25.5 to 29.5 in; females about 23.5 to 27.5 in (FCI) |
Weight | Boerboel: 150 to 200 lb Fila Brasileiro: Males at least 110 lb; females at least 88 lb (FCI) |
Coat | Boerboel: Short, dense and smooth; low grooming Fila Brasileiro: Short, smooth and dense; loose skin |
Registry group | Boerboel: AKC Working Group Fila Brasileiro: FCI Group 2 (not AKC recognized) |
Guarding style | Boerboel: Calm, confident home and family guardian Fila Brasileiro: Courageous, very aloof with strangers |
Boerboel height comes from the AKC breed standard and weight from the AKC breed weight chart. Typical lifespan reflects what we see in the breed. Fila Brasileiro figures come from the breed standards and AKC resources listed under Sources.
Size and build
The FCI standard sets male Filas at 65 to 75 cm, about 25.5 to 29.5 inches, and at least 50 kg, about 110 lb. Male Boerboels stand 24 to 27 inches, and the breed weighs 150 to 200 lb. The Fila can be taller and has much looser skin. The Boerboel is more compact and heavily muscled.
Temperament and guarding style
The FCI standard describes the Fila as docile and "extremely tolerant with children" with its own family, but with "a natural aloofness towards strangers especially in its own territory." In practice, many Filas do not accept strangers at all, which makes visitors, vet visits and public outings harder. The AKC Boerboel standard asks for a dog that is "calm, stable and confident" and that "should recognize a threat or lack thereof."
More on how Boerboels behave with family, children and visitors is in our Boerboel temperament FAQ.
Training and handling
Both breeds need early, ongoing socialization. With a Fila, managing the dog around strangers is a lifelong job. A well-socialized Boerboel can usually accept visitors that its owner welcomes.
Our puppies start that work early through Cold River HomeStart™, the early foundation every Cold River puppy receives, and our Boerboel training FAQ covers house training, leash work, mouthing and more.
Exercise, work and performance
Filas were bred to guard, hunt big game and work cattle. Boerboels were bred as all-around farm guardians and today do well in strength sports.
Performance is how we measure the breed at Cold River. Cold River's Sun Wukong and Cold River's Mr. Wednesday both pulled 22,039 lb at a UPF event on May 9, 2026, the heaviest pull in any weight-pull federation's published results. Sun competes at about 164 lb and Wednesday at about 186 lb. The full results and sources are on our world record page, and our dog weight pulling guide explains how the sport works.
Health and lifespan
Both are giant breeds, so hip and elbow screening and lean condition are important. Boerboels generally live 9 to 11 years. For growth, lifespan and bloat prevention in Boerboels, see our Boerboel size, growth and health FAQ.
Which breed is right for you?
Choose a Boerboel if:
You want a guardian that can accept welcome guests
You want a breed recognized by the AKC
You want more mass and muscle
Choose a Fila Brasileiro if:
You want an extremely stranger-wary property guardian and have the experience to manage it
You live where the breed is legal and insurable
Whichever breed you choose, pick a breeder who can show you health results and what their dogs actually do. Our guide on how to choose a Boerboel breeder covers what to ask.
Common questions
Is a Fila Brasileiro the same as a Brazilian Mastiff?
Yes. Fila Brasileiro is the Portuguese name for the breed often called the Brazilian Mastiff.
Is the Fila Brasileiro banned?
It is banned or restricted in some countries, including the United Kingdom. Rules vary by country, state and city, so check local laws and insurance before getting any large guardian breed.
Thinking about a Boerboel?
Start with our puppy application, see our available puppies, or read the Boerboel puppy price FAQ. To compare the Boerboel with more breeds, see Boerboel vs other breeds.
Sources
By Cold River Boerboels. Updated October 2026.
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