Breed Comparison: Fila Brasileiro Versus Italian Greyhound

Fila Brasileiro versus Italian Greyhound

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Italian Greyhound: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro and the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound. 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 Italian Greyhound.

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 Italian Greyhound

Fila Brasileiro versus Italian Greyhound: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Italian Greyhound 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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Italian Greyhound: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro to the Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 14 to 15 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 6 to 15 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 14.5 years
Average Price $1270 $1930
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $1500 – $2250
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 81.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination at 36 months, recommend annual testing to age 10
  • Hip Dysplasia/Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • *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 Italian Greyhound. 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 Italian Greyhound is 82 out of 125.

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

    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 Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhound

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

  • Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Italian Greyhounds adapt well to apartment living.
  • Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Italian Greyhounds are good for new dog owners.
  • Fila Brasileiros are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Italian Greyhounds are very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Italian Greyhound

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Italian Greyhound cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Italian Greyhound do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Italian Greyhound are not easy to train.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Italian Greyhound are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Italian Greyhound are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Italian Greyhound have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Italian Greyhound require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Italian Greyhound have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Italian Greyhound

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

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

    On the other hand, Italian Greyhounds weigh 6 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Italian Greyhounds are 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Fila Brasileiro Versus the Italian Greyhound

    The Italian Greyhound has a better temperament than the Fila Brasileiro.

    This is because the temperament score for the Italian Greyhound is 81.5 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 81.5 percent, the Italian Greyhound has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Fila Brasileiro and the Italian Greyhound by measuring the temperaments of 14 Fila Brasileiros and 54 Italian Greyhounds.

    Price of Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Italian Greyhound

    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 Italian Greyhound puppy is $1930. The price of the Italian Greyhound typically ranges from $1500 – $2250. However, the price of a Italian Greyhound can be as low as $750 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 141 Italian Greyhound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Italian Greyhound is more expensive than the Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro Italian Greyhound
    Average Price $1270 $1930
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $1500 to $2250

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Fila Brasileiro and Italian Greyhound. For different price points, the charts show how many Fila Brasileiro puppies or how many Italian Greyhound 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 Italian Greyhounds

    A breakdown of the prices of Italian Greyhounds

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Fila Brasileiro puppy or the Italian Greyhound 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 Fila Brasileiro versus Adopting the Italian Greyhound

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Fila Brasileiros and many Italian Greyhounds 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 Fila Brasileiro named Maverick that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Fila Brasileiros like Maverick on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Fila Brasileiros, Italian Greyhounds are also available for adoption. For example, Jack is a Male Italian Greyhound that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Italian Greyhounds like Jack that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Fila Brasileiro and the Italian Greyhound can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also Beau, an adorable Male Italian Greyhound on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Italian Greyhound?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Italian Greyhounds adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Italian Greyhounds are very good for new dog owners.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Italian Greyhounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the Italian Greyhound?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Italian Greyhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Italian Greyhounds?

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

    Italian Greyhounds do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Italian Greyhound?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Italian Greyhounds are fairly easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Italian Greyhound

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

    Italian Greyhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Italian Greyhounds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Italian Greyhounds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Italian Greyhounds?

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

    Italian Greyhounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Italian Greyhounds?

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

    Italian Greyhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Italian Greyhound

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Italian Greyhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Italian Greyhounds?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Italian Greyhounds bark and howl, but not very much.

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Italian Greyhound

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

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Fila Brasileiro or the Italian Greyhound?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Italian Greyhounds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Italian Greyhound?

    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.

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

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

  • Whippet (78 percent match with Italian Greyhound). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Whippet.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Finnish Spitz     Fila Brasileiro versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Fila Brasileiro versus Chinook     Fila Brasileiro versus Siberian Husky     Fila Brasileiro versus Carolina Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus Bouvier des Flandres     Fila Brasileiro versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Fila Brasileiro versus Great Pyrenees     Fila Brasileiro versus Afador     Fila Brasileiro versus Miniature Poodle     

    Italian Greyhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Italian Greyhound versus Spanish Mastiff     Italian Greyhound versus Borzoi     Italian Greyhound versus Doberman Pinscher     Italian Greyhound versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Italian Greyhound versus Ibizan Hound     Italian Greyhound versus Kuvasz     Italian Greyhound versus Bedlington Terrier     Italian Greyhound versus French Spaniel     Italian Greyhound versus Shiba Inu     Italian Greyhound versus Dogo Argentino     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro versus Italian Greyhound. 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 Italian Greyhound better suits you and your family.