A Detailed Comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro.

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Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Fila Brasileiro: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Fila Brasileiro

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Fila Brasileiro: Overview

A very important difference between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a large-sized dog while the Fila Brasileiro is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Catahoula Leopard Dog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Fila Brasileiro: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog Fila Brasileiro
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 9 to 12 years
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 2/5
Height 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 30 inches
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds 90 to 180 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 10.5 years
Average Price $650 $1270
Price Range $400 – $800 $1000 – $1400
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 78.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125.

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

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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro

Below is a list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro are most different:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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.
  • The Similarities Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro

    The Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro are most similar:

  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro are not easy to train.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro not very playful.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Fila Brasileiro

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 to 26 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus the Fila Brasileiro

    The Catahoula Leopard Dog has the same temperament score as the Fila Brasileiro.

    This is because the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard Dog has a below-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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro by measuring the temperaments of 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and 14 Fila Brasileiros.

    Price of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Price of Fila Brasileiro

    The average price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy is $650. The price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog typically ranges from $400 – $800. However, the price of a Catahoula Leopard Dog can be as low as $100 and as high as $1650. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 247 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Fila Brasileiro is more expensive than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Fila Brasileiro
    Average Price $650 $1270
    Price Range $400 to $800 $1000 to $1400

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs. 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Adopting the Fila Brasileiro

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog named Moose that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Catahoula Leopard Dogs like Moose on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Catahoula Leopard Dogs, 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Jett is the name of another Catahoula Leopard Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Fila Brasileiros that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Fila Brasileiro?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Fila Brasileiro?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Fila Brasileiro?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Which one drools more, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Fila Brasileiro

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Does the Catahoula Leopard Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Fila Brasileiro?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Fila Brasileiro

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Easier to Train than the Fila Brasileiro?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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.

    How Kid-friendly are Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Fila Brasileiros?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed more than Fila Brasileiros?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.

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

    Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Fila Brasileiros?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Wanderlust Potential: Catahoula Leopard Dog vs. Fila Brasileiro

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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.

    Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good family dogs? What about Fila Brasileiros?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Fila Brasileiro?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog:

  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever (73 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
  • Hovawart (78 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Hovawart.
  • Boerboel (72 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Boerboel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Catahoula Leopard Dog versus American Eskimo Dog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Australian Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Pomchi     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Jack Russell Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Bolognese     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Vizsla     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Redbone Coonhound     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Boxerdoodle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer     

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Catahoula Bulldog     Fila Brasileiro versus Havanese     Fila Brasileiro versus Maltipoo     Fila Brasileiro versus Finnish Spitz     Fila Brasileiro versus Vizsla     Fila Brasileiro versus Boxer     Fila Brasileiro versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Fila Brasileiro versus Jack Russell Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Whippet     Fila Brasileiro versus Bichon Frise     

    Conclusion: Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Fila Brasileiro better suits you and your family.