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

Fila Brasileiro versus Pekingese

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Pekingese: Introduction

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

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

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 Pekingese

Fila Brasileiro versus Pekingese: Overview

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

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro to the Pekingese 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 Pekingese
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 3/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Life Span 9 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 7 to 14 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1270 $1930
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $1288 – $2500
Temperament Score 78.6 percent 93.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data 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 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 Pekingese. 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 Pekingese is 77 out of 125.

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

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 Pekingese 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 Pekingese

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

  • Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pekingeses adapt well to apartment living.
  • Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Pekingeses are good for new dog owners.
  • Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom. However, Pekingeses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Fila Brasileiros do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Pekingeses do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Fila Brasileiro and the Pekingese

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pekingese are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pekingese do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pekingese are not easy to train.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pekingese not very playful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pekingese gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pekingese are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Pekingese have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Pekingese

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

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

    On the other hand, Pekingeses weigh 7 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Pekingeses are 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Fila Brasileiro Versus the Pekingese

    The Pekingese has a better temperament than the Fila Brasileiro.

    This is because the temperament score for the Pekingese is 93.3 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 93.3 percent, the Pekingese has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Fila Brasileiro and the Pekingese by measuring the temperaments of 14 Fila Brasileiros and 15 Pekingeses.

    Price of Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Pekingese

    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 Pekingese puppy is $1930. The price of the Pekingese typically ranges from $1288 – $2500. However, the price of a Pekingese can be as low as $700 and as high as $7500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 138 Pekingese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Pekingese is more expensive than the Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro Pekingese
    Average Price $1270 $1930
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $1288 to $2500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pekingeses

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

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

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

    Also Happy, an adorable Male Pekingese on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

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

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pekingeses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Pekingeses are very good for new dog owners.

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

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

    Pekingeses can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Pekingeses do not get along well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Pekingeses?

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

    Pekingeses shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Is the Fila Brasileiro Easier to Train than the Pekingese?

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Pekingeses are fairly easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Pekingese

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

    Pekingeses can be left alone only for a short time.

    Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pekingeses Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pekingeses cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Are Fila Brasileiros good family dogs? What about Pekingeses?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Pekingeses?

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

    Pekingeses do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Which one drools more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Pekingese

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Pekingeses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Fila Brasileiros Bark and Howl? What about Pekingeses?

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Pekingese

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

    Pekingeses 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 Pekingese?

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Pekingeses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

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

    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.

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

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

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Mal Shi (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Mal Shi.
  • Pomeranian (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Pomeranian.
  • Pomsky (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Pomsky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Schnoodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Australian Shepherd     Fila Brasileiro versus Harrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Beagle     Fila Brasileiro versus Lancashire Heeler     Fila Brasileiro versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Fila Brasileiro versus Cocker Spaniel     Fila Brasileiro versus American Foxhound     Fila Brasileiro versus Boerboel     Fila Brasileiro versus Boston Terrier     

    Pekingese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pekingese versus Finnish Lapphund     Pekingese versus Norwegian Buhund     Pekingese versus Azawakh     Pekingese versus Tibetan Spaniel     Pekingese versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Pekingese versus Cavachon     Pekingese versus Shiloh Shepherd     Pekingese versus American Eskimo Dog     Pekingese versus Rottweiler     Pekingese versus Collie     

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