Is the Fila Brasileiro or the Spanish Mastiff better for families with children?

Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Spanish Mastiff?

The Spanish Mastiff sheds more than the Fila Brasileiro. If shedding is a concern, the Fila Brasileiro is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Fila Brasileiro or the Spanish Mastiff?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Fila Brasileiro or Spanish Mastiff bigger?

Fila Brasileiro and Spanish Mastiff are a similar size (Giant).

Which barks more, Fila Brasileiro or Spanish Mastiff?

Spanish Mastiff tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Fila Brasileiro is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Fila Brasileiro or Spanish Mastiff?

For apartment or flat living, Fila Brasileiro and Spanish Mastiff are an even match — either can work well.

Fila Brasileiro vs Spanish Mastiff: Which Sheds Less?

Fila Brasileiro vs Spanish Mastiff: full comparison

Trait	Fila Brasileiro	Spanish Mastiff
Size	Giant	Very Large
Energy level	Medium	Low
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Low	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Medium
Shedding	Medium	High
Barking	Medium	High
Protectiveness	Very High	Very High
Adaptability	Low	Low
Typical lifespan	10 years	10 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Fila Brasileiro is a genuinely giant dog that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. By comparison, the Spanish Mastiff is a genuinely giant dog that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Fila Brasileiro needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Spanish Mastiff needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Fila Brasileiro asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Spanish Mastiff wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Fila Brasileiro is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and gets on with children when raised around them. The Spanish Mastiff is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Fila Brasileiro carries a powerful guarding instinct, whereas Spanish Mastiff carries a powerful guarding instinct.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Fila Brasileiro and Spanish Mastiff are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Spanish Mastiff has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Fila Brasileiro and Spanish Mastiff are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Spanish Mastiff has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Fila Brasileiro has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Fila Brasileiro if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the Spanish Mastiff if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalised match from 300+ breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — in about 2 minutes.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Fila Brasileiro or the Spanish Mastiff better for families with children?: Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Spanish Mastiff are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Fila Brasileiro or the Spanish Mastiff?: The Spanish Mastiff sheds more than the Fila Brasileiro. If shedding is a concern, the Fila Brasileiro is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Fila Brasileiro or the Spanish Mastiff?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Fila Brasileiro or Spanish Mastiff bigger?: Fila Brasileiro and Spanish Mastiff are a similar size (Giant).
Which barks more, Fila Brasileiro or Spanish Mastiff?: Spanish Mastiff tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Fila Brasileiro is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Fila Brasileiro or Spanish Mastiff?: For apartment or flat living, Fila Brasileiro and Spanish Mastiff are an even match — either can work well.

Fila Brasileiro vs Spanish Mastiff