Breed Comparison: Fila Brasileiro Versus Labrador Retriever

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Fila Brasileiro versus Labrador Retriever

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Labrador Retriever: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro and the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever.

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 Labrador Retriever

Fila Brasileiro versus Labrador Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the Fila Brasileiro and the Labrador Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Fila Brasileiro is a giant-sized dog while the Labrador Retriever is a large-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 Labrador Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Fila Brasileiro versus Labrador Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro to the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
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 3/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 55 to 80 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1270 $1290
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $850 – $1500
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 92.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
    		•

    *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 Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever

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

  • Fila Brasileiros are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Labrador Retrievers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs. However, Labrador Retrievers get along well with other dogs.
  • Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train. However, Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.
  • Fila Brasileiros not very playful. However, Labrador Retrievers are very playful.
  • Fila Brasileiros have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Labrador Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Labrador Retriever

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Labrador Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Labrador Retriever cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Labrador Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Labrador Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Labrador Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Labrador Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Labrador Retriever do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Labrador Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Labrador Retriever

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

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

    On the other hand, Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Fila Brasileiro Versus the Labrador Retriever

    The Labrador Retriever has a better temperament than the Fila Brasileiro.

    This is because the temperament score for the Labrador Retriever is 92.2 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 92.2 percent, the Labrador Retriever has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Fila Brasileiro and the Labrador Retriever by measuring the temperaments of 14 Fila Brasileiros and 842 Labrador Retrievers.

    Price of Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Labrador Retriever

    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 Labrador Retriever puppy is $1290. The price of the Labrador Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1500. However, the price of a Labrador Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1413 Labrador Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Labrador Retriever is more expensive than the Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro Labrador Retriever
    Average Price $1270 $1290
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $850 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Fila Brasileiro and Labrador Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many Fila Brasileiro puppies or how many Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retrievers

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers

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

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Fila Brasileiros and many Labrador Retrievers 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, Labrador Retrievers are also available for adoption. For example, Hemi is a Male Labrador Retriever that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Labrador Retrievers like Hemi that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Fila Brasileiro and the Labrador Retriever can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also Dennis, an adorable Male Labrador Retriever on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Better for Apartment Owners than the Labrador Retriever?

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Fila Brasileiro or the Labrador Retriever?

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Labrador Retrievers?

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

    Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Labrador Retriever?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Labrador Retriever

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

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Labrador Retrievers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Labrador Retrievers?

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

    Labrador Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Labrador Retrievers?

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

    Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Labrador Retriever

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Labrador Retrievers?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Labrador Retriever

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

    Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Fila Brasileiro Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labrador Retriever?

    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.

    Labrador Retrievers 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.

    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 Labrador Retriever vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Boerboel.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever

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

  • Golden Retriever (75 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Golden Retriever.
  • Aussiedoodle (73 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (77 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (79 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Shiloh Shepherd.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Korean Jindo Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus Bull Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Papillon     Fila Brasileiro versus Bouvier des Flandres     Fila Brasileiro versus Maltipoo     Fila Brasileiro versus Korean Jindo Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus German Longhaired Pointer     Fila Brasileiro versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Fila Brasileiro versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Fila Brasileiro versus Pyredoodle     

    Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labrador Retriever versus Bracco Italiano     Labrador Retriever versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Labrador Retriever versus German Shepherd Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Portuguese Water Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Cane Corso     Labrador Retriever versus Bich Poo     Labrador Retriever versus American Eskimo Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Bullmastiff     Labrador Retriever versus Greyhound     Labrador Retriever versus Irish Setter     

    Conclusion: Fila Brasileiro versus Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever better suits you and your family.