Which is Better between the Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro? A Very Detailed Review.

Dachshund versus Fila Brasileiro

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Dachshund Versus Fila Brasileiro: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dachshund 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 Dachshund 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 Dachshund 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 Dachshund or the Fila Brasileiro

Dachshund versus Fila Brasileiro: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dachshund belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Dachshund versus Fila Brasileiro: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dachshund 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 Dachshund Fila Brasileiro
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 12 years
Weight 16 to 32 pounds 90 to 180 pounds
General Health 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
Height 8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 30 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 10.5 years
Average Price $1730 $1270
Price Range $1000 – $2000 $1000 – $1400
Temperament Score 69.4 percent 78.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • 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 Dachshund 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 Dachshund is 69 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125.

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

    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 Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro

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

  • Dachshunds are good for new dog owners. However, Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Dachshunds adapt well to apartment living. However, Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro

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

  • Both the Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro are not easy to train.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dachshund versus Fila Brasileiro

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

    Dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds when fully grown. Dachshunds are 8 inches to 9 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 Dachshund Versus the Fila Brasileiro

    The Fila Brasileiro has a better temperament than the Dachshund.

    This is because the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro is 78.6 percent while the temperament score for the Dachshund is 69.4 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 69.4 percent, the Dachshund 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 Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro by measuring the temperaments of 49 Dachshunds and 14 Fila Brasileiros.

    Price of Dachshund versus Price of Fila Brasileiro

    The average price of the Dachshund puppy is $1730. The price of the Dachshund typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Dachshund can be as low as $200 and as high as $24000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 698 Dachshund 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 Dachshund is more expensive than the Fila Brasileiro.

    Dachshund Fila Brasileiro
    Average Price $1730 $1270
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1000 to $1400

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dachshunds. 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 Dachshund 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 Dachshund versus Adopting the Fila Brasileiro

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dachshunds 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 Dachshund named Mr. Pickles – Courtesy Post – So Ca that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dachshunds like Mr. Pickles – Courtesy Post – So Ca on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Dachshunds, 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 Dachshund and the Fila Brasileiro can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Easley (Needs A Foster) is the name of another Dachshund (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

    Can Dachshunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dachshunds 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 Dachshund or the Fila Brasileiro

    Dachshunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Is the Dachshund Easier to Train than the Fila Brasileiro?

    Dachshunds are not easy to train.

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dachshund versus Fila Brasileiro

    Dachshunds can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Can Dachshunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dachshunds 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 Dachshund or the Fila Brasileiro?

    Dachshunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Dachshunds shed more than Fila Brasileiros?

    Dachshunds shed moderately.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dachshund or the Fila Brasileiro?

    Dachshunds are moderately easy to groom.

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

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

    Dachshunds are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Are Dachshunds good family dogs? What about Fila Brasileiros?

    Dachshunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Is the Dachshund Better for Apartment Owners than the Fila Brasileiro?

    Dachshunds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    How Kid-friendly are Dachshunds and Fila Brasileiros?

    Dachshunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Dachshund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Fila Brasileiro?

    Dachshunds 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.

    Do Dachshunds Bark and Howl? What about Fila Brasileiros?

    Dachshunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dachshund vs. Fila Brasileiro

    Dachshunds 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 Dachshund

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dachshund 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 Dachshund:

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (71 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Lhasa Apso (71 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Lhasa Apso.
  • Manchester Terrier (75 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Miniature Pinscher (72 percent match with Dachshund). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Miniature Pinscher.
  • 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 Dachshund vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Dachshund vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Dachshund vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Dachshund vs Boerboel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dachshund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dachshund versus Peek A Poo     Dachshund versus Puggle     Dachshund versus Mastiff     Dachshund versus Bull Terrier     Dachshund versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Dachshund versus Akbash     Dachshund versus Irish Water Spaniel     Dachshund versus Lhasapoo     Dachshund versus Pekingese     Dachshund versus Brittany     

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Fila Brasileiro versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Fila Brasileiro versus Weimaraner     Fila Brasileiro versus Beagle     Fila Brasileiro versus Afador     Fila Brasileiro versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Fila Brasileiro versus Carolina Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus Keeshond     Fila Brasileiro versus Golden Retriever     Fila Brasileiro versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     

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