A Detailed Comparison of the Coton de Tulear and the Fila Brasileiro.

Coton de Tulear versus Fila Brasileiro

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Coton de Tulear Versus Fila Brasileiro: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear and the Fila Brasileiro.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear or the Fila Brasileiro

Coton de Tulear versus Fila Brasileiro: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Coton de Tulear belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Coton de Tulear versus Fila Brasileiro: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear Fila Brasileiro
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Life Span 14 to 16 years 9 to 12 years
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
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
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 1/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Height 8 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 30 inches
Weight 8 to 13 pounds 90 to 180 pounds
Average Lifespan 15.0 years 10.5 years
Average Price $2060 $1270
Price Range $1745 – $2500 $1000 – $1400
Temperament Score 78.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Exam
  • Eye Examination
  • 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 Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear is 94 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125.

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

    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 Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear and the Fila Brasileiro

    Below is a list of where the Coton de Tulear and the Fila Brasileiro are most different:

  • Coton de Tulears 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.
  • Coton de Tulears are good for new dog owners. However, Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Coton de Tulears adapt well to apartment living. However, Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Coton de Tulears get along well with other dogs. However, Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Coton de Tulears are very friendly towards strangers. However, Fila Brasileiros are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Coton de Tulears are very playful. However, Fila Brasileiros not very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Coton de Tulear and the Fila Brasileiro

    The Coton de Tulear and the Fila Brasileiro are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Coton de Tulear and the Fila Brasileiro are most similar:

  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Fila Brasileiro do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Fila Brasileiro are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Coton de Tulear and the Fila Brasileiro are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Coton de Tulear versus Fila Brasileiro

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Coton de Tulear and the Fila Brasileiro.

    Coton de Tulears weigh 8 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Coton de Tulears are 8 to 12 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.

    Price of Coton de Tulear versus Price of Fila Brasileiro

    The average price of the Coton de Tulear puppy is $2060. The price of the Coton de Tulear typically ranges from $1745 – $2500. However, the price of a Coton de Tulear can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 127 Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear is more expensive than the Fila Brasileiro.

    Coton de Tulear Fila Brasileiro
    Average Price $2060 $1270
    Price Range $1745 to $2500 $1000 to $1400

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Coton de Tulears. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Coton de Tulears. 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 Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear versus Adopting the Fila Brasileiro

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Coton de Tulears 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 Coton de Tulear named Chef that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Coton de Tulears like Chef on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Coton de Tulears, 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 Coton de Tulear and the Fila Brasileiro can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Coton de Tulears and Fila Brasileiros that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Coton de Tulear versus Fila Brasileiro

    Coton de Tulears do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Coton de Tulears shed more than Fila Brasileiros?

    Coton de Tulears 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 Coton de Tulear or the Fila Brasileiro

    Coton de Tulears do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Does the Coton de Tulear Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Fila Brasileiro?

    Coton de Tulears 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.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Coton de Tulear or the Fila Brasileiro?

    Coton de Tulears require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Do Coton de Tulears Bark and Howl? What about Fila Brasileiros?

    Coton de Tulears are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Coton de Tulears Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Coton de Tulears can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Can Coton de Tulears Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Coton de Tulears 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.

    Is the Coton de Tulear Easier to Train than the Fila Brasileiro?

    Coton de Tulears are fairly easy to train.

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Wanderlust Potential: Coton de Tulear vs. Fila Brasileiro

    Coton de Tulears 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.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Coton de Tulear or the Fila Brasileiro?

    Coton de Tulears are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Is the Coton de Tulear Better for Apartment Owners than the Fila Brasileiro?

    Coton de Tulears adapt very well to apartment living.

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Are Coton de Tulears good family dogs? What about Fila Brasileiros?

    Coton de Tulears 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 Coton de Tulears and Fila Brasileiros?

    Coton de Tulears get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Coton de Tulear or the Fila Brasileiro?

    Coton de Tulears get along very well with other dogs.

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Coton de Tulear

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear:

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (78 percent match with Coton de Tulear). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Cavachon (78 percent match with Coton de Tulear). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Cavachon.
  • Shichon (78 percent match with Coton de Tulear). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Shichon.
  • 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 Coton de Tulear vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Coton de Tulear vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Coton de Tulear vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Coton de Tulear vs Boerboel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Coton de Tulear Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Coton de Tulear versus Leonberger     Coton de Tulear versus American Bulldog     Coton de Tulear versus Lhasa Apso     Coton de Tulear versus Great Pyrenees     Coton de Tulear versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Coton de Tulear versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Coton de Tulear versus Boykin Spaniel     Coton de Tulear versus Pug     Coton de Tulear versus Jack Russell Terrier     Coton de Tulear versus Australian Kelpie     

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Kai Ken     Fila Brasileiro versus Leonberger     Fila Brasileiro versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Fila Brasileiro versus Boykin Spaniel     Fila Brasileiro versus Shiloh Shepherd     Fila Brasileiro versus Peek A Poo     Fila Brasileiro versus Chihuahua     Fila Brasileiro versus Chihuahua     Fila Brasileiro versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     

    Conclusion: Coton de Tulear 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 Coton de Tulear and the Fila Brasileiro better suits you and your family.