I hope we Fila owners can find a way to educate new judges here in the U.S. Osmosis doesn't seem to work as well I thank God [and Ozzy] that he obeys when I ask, even though he didn't like it.
it is sad that the judge obviously didn't read the standard. Typical of what I have experienced over the years with alot of judges. I had Sonny trained to stand for exam - although he allowed it less willingly as he aged and eventually almost bit a judge and he was dismissed from the ring. That was the last time I showed in a rare breed show and that was in 2006 - he was 5 1/2 then . Lily would not allow a judge to touch her unless I restrained her head and even then it was pretty obvious that she was not happy about it. Any judge who came in to try and touch the dogs I would usually have a talk with about the temperament and the standard. Sully has only been shown in the CAFIB show - and they respect the breed. I may show him at a rare breed show if the opportunity presents itself... but the rb shows are few and far between now ... You really should try to bring your dogs out to the CAFIB show this October - it would be worth the travel time I think for you :-)
Love to show in the venue. Love to see Sully in person. Love to travel and meet nice new Fila owners.
Been dismissed from the ring and was crushed that it happened. Stayed in the ring twice while my dog was a maniac the whole time and was crushed that I forced the issues that were going on in his brain. Guess I could call that a draw. I will persevere!
I have close calls, but I find the Show Superintendent in the morning, ask if they will alert the Stewards and Judges, and a lot of the time that works. We have more shows consistently on the West Coast that we are able to travel to, so the kids' brains get lots of exposure and their obedience practice on the grounds.
AKC has a program that provides breed specific seminars to educate attendees over a number of hours. I've read somewhere FCI does that also. I can only assume CAFIB does this also. Even if one doesn't want to support another "organization", education is always valuable in my opinion. I also wish there were organizations that had frequent health screening speakers so I could attend and learn.
There might be a special competition at Purina Farms in November that Ozzy will be qualified for, and maybe I could make a round robin to include the October show?!
I've heard we shouldn't talk to judges, what do you think?
Very nice video of your Fila participating in the show ring. He looks like a very nice dog.
Do Fila puppies nibble on your hands (and bite) like normal puppies? The reason I am asking is I saw this Fila puppy on You Tube in a stroller with a baby...and the puppy did nothing but lick the baby. Most puppies would bite, so I was surprised how loving the Fila puppy was with the baby.
I am looking for a Fila puppy, but I need to find one that I know is going to be safe and loving...not hard to handle. I have seen several Filas in my local PetsMart, some with no temperament to some with an extreme temperament. Any suggestions on selecting a puppy and finding the right breeder?
Please keep in mind that any advice that I give is coming from a novice. I have only had my fila, Cane for 2yrs. Of all the reading and talking I have done concerning fila I have never heard of a fila hurting their babies, they are extremely gentle with them considering their size. I was told that if you are part of their immediate family that you could cut their leg off with a butter knife. Once our bond developed Cane will let me do anything to him and a couple of the meds that I have had to use stings pretty good but he has never acted like he would hurt me.
Are you sure what your seeing at PetsMart are pure breed filas? We have some very good breeders/trainers out there that could take their dogs into a situation like that but I think most just wouldn't do it once the dog has reached maturity.
There are 2 Canes and I would think it is true of most filas. There is the Cane that is in the house and has the best manners of any dog that I have owned, as long as it is just family(those who live in the house with him) My son does not live at home and I have to really watch Cane. Most of the time Cane is not allowed out with him. Then there is the Cane that is out in the front yard or out in the car and if he sees what he thinks is a threat(and that is most humans) he is going to go off and you better be ready to control your dog. We have had the same neighbors since the day we brought him home and 2 years later he still reacts when they come outside. His hackles will come up and he'll snort or huff at them, that is on a mild day. If for some reason he perceives a threat from them you better be ready to control your dog and it is not always easy.
As far as picking a breeder...read the boards there are some bad ones out there. I am very happy with Cane and would recommend his breeder. I have also been impressed with Dianna of de la Luna Kennels. I have seen her in action with her dogs and I have spent some time on the phone with her. There are other good ones out there but I have met and seen these two.
Candace, Gotta say I agree with Robin's assessment on temper and I would wonder too about Petsmart unless they are dedicated training owners. It is possible to train the Filas to that degree, they are very intelligent in my experience. I will say I've heard one person say she had difficulty with her child, I didn't see it myself, but a mother's instincts are the 'Boss'. My Filas have always licked (YUCK!) more than bit from day one. The only difficulty I had with my children was with one dog, due to a high fever (caused by Parvo) over a week's period affecting the brain.
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I thank God [and Ozzy] that he obeys when I ask, even though he didn't like it.
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