A Detailed Comparison of the Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro.

Bull Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro

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Bull Terrier Versus Fila Brasileiro: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bull 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 Bull 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Bull 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 Bull Terrier or the Fila Brasileiro

Bull Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Bull 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.

Bull Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bull 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.

Factor Bull Terrier Fila Brasileiro
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 9 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Height 21 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 30 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Weight 35 to 75 pounds 90 to 180 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 10.5 years
Average Price $1820 $1270
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $1000 – $1400
Temperament Score 91.6 percent 78.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Kidney Disease
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bull 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 a Bull Terrier is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125.

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

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

  • Bull Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Bull Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Fila Brasileiros are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Bull Terriers are very easy to train. However, Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.
  • Bull Terriers are very playful. However, Fila Brasileiros not very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro

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

  • Both the Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Bull 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 Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Bull Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro

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

    Bull Terriers weigh 35 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Bull Terriers are 21 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 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.

    Temperament of the Bull Terrier Versus the Fila Brasileiro

    The Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Fila Brasileiro.

    This is because the temperament score for the Bull Terrier is 91.6 percent while the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro is 78.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and they are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 91.6 percent, the Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 78.6 percent, the Fila Brasileiro has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro by measuring the temperaments of 83 Bull Terriers and 14 Fila Brasileiros.

    Price of Bull Terrier versus Price of Fila Brasileiro

    The average price of the Bull Terrier puppy is $1820. The price of the Bull Terrier typically ranges from $1500 – $2000. However, the price of a Bull Terrier can be as low as $350 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 238 Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Bull Terrier is more expensive than the Fila Brasileiro.

    Bull Terrier Fila Brasileiro
    Average Price $1820 $1270
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1000 to $1400

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Bull 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 Bull 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    Adopting the Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Fila Brasileiro

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Bull Terriers and many Fila Brasileiros are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Bull Terrier named A581012 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Bull Terriers like A581012 on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Bull Terriers, Fila Brasileiros are also available for adoption. For example, Maverick is a Male Fila Brasileiro that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Fila Brasileiros like Maverick that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Cheeto is the name of another Bull Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Bull Terriers and Fila Brasileiros that are available for adoption on petfinder.

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

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

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

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

    Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

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

    Bull Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bull Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro

    Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

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

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

    Bull Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Do Bull Terriers shed more than Fila Brasileiros?

    Bull Terriers shed moderately.

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

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

    Bull Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Bull Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

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

    Bull Terriers 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.

    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.

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

    Bull 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 Bull Terriers and Fila Brasileiros?

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

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

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

    Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

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

    Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bull Terrier vs. Fila Brasileiro

    Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Bull Terrier:

  • Field Spaniel (74 percent match with Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Field Spaniel.
  • Westiepoo (73 percent match with Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Westiepoo.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Bull Terrier vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Bull Terrier vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Bull Terrier vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Bull Terrier vs Boerboel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Bull Terrier and how the Fila Brasileiro compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Bull Terrier and of the Fila Brasileiro to other breeds:

    Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Bull Terrier versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Bull Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Bull Terrier versus Bordoodle     Bull Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     Bull Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     Bull Terrier versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Bull Terrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Bull Terrier versus Swedish Vallhund     Bull Terrier versus Newfoundland     

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Italian Greyhound     Fila Brasileiro versus Dogo Argentino     Fila Brasileiro versus Akita     Fila Brasileiro versus Bernedoodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Australian Cattle Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus Beaglier     Fila Brasileiro versus Chinook     Fila Brasileiro versus Komondor     Fila Brasileiro versus Labrador Retriever     Fila Brasileiro versus Pomchi     

    Conclusion: Bull 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 Bull Terrier and the Fila Brasileiro better suits you and your family.