Breed Comparison: Fila Brasileiro Versus German Pinscher

Fila Brasileiro versus German Pinscher

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Fila Brasileiro Versus German Pinscher: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher 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 Fila Brasileiro and for the German Pinscher. 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 Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher.

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

Fila Brasileiro versus German Pinscher: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher are Working Dogs. This means both the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher 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.

Fila Brasileiro versus German Pinscher: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro to the German Pinscher 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 Fila Brasileiro German Pinscher
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 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 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1270 $2040
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $1150 – $2688
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 91.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • *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 Fila Brasileiro 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 German Pinscher. 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a German Pinscher is 78 out of 125.

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

    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 Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher

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

  • Fila Brasileiros not very playful. However, German Pinschers are very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus German Pinscher

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

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, German Pinschers weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. German Pinschers are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Fila Brasileiro Versus the German Pinscher

    The German Pinscher has a better temperament than the Fila Brasileiro.

    This is because the temperament score for the German Pinscher is 91.9 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 Fila Brasileiro has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.9 percent, the German Pinscher has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher by measuring the temperaments of 14 Fila Brasileiros and 37 German Pinschers.

    Price of Fila Brasileiro versus Price of German Pinscher

    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 reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the German Pinscher puppy is $2040. The price of the German Pinscher typically ranges from $1150 – $2688. However, the price of a German Pinscher can be as low as $500 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 10 German Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The German Pinscher is more expensive than the Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro German Pinscher
    Average Price $1270 $2040
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $1150 to $2688

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Fila Brasileiro puppy or the German Pinscher 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.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the German Pinscher?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

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

    German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the German Pinscher?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than German Pinschers?

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

    German Pinschers shed moderately.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the German Pinscher?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    German Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus German Pinscher

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

    German Pinschers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    German Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about German Pinschers?

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

    German Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and German Pinschers?

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

    German Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the German Pinscher

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about German Pinschers?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. German Pinscher

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

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the German Pinscher?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    German Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Pinscher?

    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.

    German Pinschers 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.

    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 German Pinscher vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the German Pinscher vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the German Pinscher vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the German Pinscher vs Boerboel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher

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

  • Australian Kelpie (79 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Australian Kelpie.
  • Belgian Malinois (80 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Belgian Malinois.
  • German Wirehaired Pointer (83 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs German Wirehaired Pointer.
  • Mudi (79 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Mudi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Maltese     Fila Brasileiro versus Irish Wolfhound     Fila Brasileiro versus Lhasapoo     Fila Brasileiro versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Bich Poo     Fila Brasileiro versus Samoyed     Fila Brasileiro versus Spinone Italiano     Fila Brasileiro versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Fila Brasileiro versus Beagle     Fila Brasileiro versus Lancashire Heeler     

    German Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Pinscher versus Chow Chow     German Pinscher versus Toy Fox Terrier     German Pinscher versus German Shepherd Dog     German Pinscher versus American Staffordshire Terrier     German Pinscher versus English Cocker Spaniel     German Pinscher versus Basset Hound     German Pinscher versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     German Pinscher versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     German Pinscher versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     German Pinscher versus Lagotto Romagnolo     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro versus German Pinscher. 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 Fila Brasileiro and the German Pinscher better suits you and your family.