Which is Better Between the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro?

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Biewer Terrier Versus Fila Brasileiro: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Biewer Terrier and for the Fila Brasileiro. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Biewer Terrier or the Fila Brasileiro.

Biewer Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro: Overview

A very important difference between the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Biewer Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Fila Brasileiro is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Biewer Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Fila Brasileiro belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Biewer Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Biewer Terrier to the Fila Brasileiro based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro

Factor Biewer Terrier Fila Brasileiro
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 12 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Weight 4 to 8 pounds 90 to 180 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Height 7 to 11 inches 24 to 30 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 10.5 years
Average Price $2920 $1800
Price Range $2000 – $3000 $1800 – $1800
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Eye Examination prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Biewer Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Fila Brasileiro. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Biewer Terrier is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Biewer Terrier is a better pet than the Fila Brasileiro. So, you should get the Biewer Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro

    Below is a list of where the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro are most different:

    • Biewer Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Fila Brasileiros have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Biewer Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    The Similarities Between the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro

    The Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro are most similar:

    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.

    Size Comparison of Biewer Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro.

    Biewer Terriers weigh 4 to 8 pounds when fully grown. Biewer Terriers are 7 to 11 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Biewer Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro

    The lifespan of Biewer Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Biewer Terriers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Fila Brasileiros is between 9 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Fila Brasileiros is 10.5 years.

    Biewer Terriers live longer than Fila Brasileiros.

    Price of Biewer Terrier versus Price of Fila Brasileiro

    The average price of the Biewer Terrier puppy is $2920. The price of the Biewer Terrier typically ranges from $2000 – $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 81 Biewer Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1800. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1800 – $1800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Fila Brasileiro puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Biewer Terrier is more expensive than the Fila Brasileiro.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Biewer Terrier and Fila Brasileiro. For different price points, the charts show how many Biewer Terrier puppies or how many Fila Brasileiro puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Biewer Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Biewer Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Biewer Terrier puppy or the Fila Brasileiro puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Biewer Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro

    Biewer Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Biewer Terriers shed more than Fila Brasileiros?

    Biewer Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Biewer Terrier or the Fila Brasileiro

    Biewer Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Biewer Terrier or the Fila Brasileiro?

    Biewer Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Does the Biewer Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Fila Brasileiro?

    Biewer Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Fila Brasileiros have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Biewer Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Fila Brasileiros?

    Biewer Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Biewer Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Biewer Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Biewer Terrier vs. Fila Brasileiro

    Biewer Terriers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Fila Brasileiros have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Biewer Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Biewer Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Fila Brasileiros can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Biewer Terrier or the Fila Brasileiro?

    Biewer Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Biewer Terriers good family dogs? What about Fila Brasileiros?

    Biewer Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Biewer Terriers and Fila Brasileiros?

    Biewer Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Biewer Terrier Easier to Train than the Fila Brasileiro?

    Biewer Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Is the Biewer Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Fila Brasileiro?

    Biewer Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Biewer Terrier or the Fila Brasileiro?

    Biewer Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Biewer Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Biewer Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro better suits you and your family.