In Brazil a Fila Brasileiro to become a Brazilian Champion must have a certificate of approval of his performance at the temperament test. This type of test is held at all by Fila specialty clubs shows affiliated the Brazilian Confederation of Cynophilie (C.B.K.C.). It is optional at general national shows of all the breeds organized by Kennel Clubs affiliated the (C.B.K.C.). This option is up to the judge's discretion. The test must be public and takes place outside of the show ring.
The trial includes:
Any Fila dog over twelve months old may compete in a temperament test. The main objective is to measure the dog's capacity to recognize a potentially threatening situation and show how the dog defends himself and his owner in the face of a threat. In Brazil two sticks and the shooting blanks from a starters pistol, at the same time, are used, at a distance of one yard. Only the dogs that stand their ground or that defend their handlers by charging are approved in the test.
In the United States - the temperament test is more extensive. Some other evaluations are made, asking the handler and his dog to pass around bystanders, to stop in front of them and shake hands. If the dog shows a calm disposition, it is a positive indication. On the other hand, if he retreats from harmless strangers, he shows lack of boldness.
The dog's confidence and steady nerves are also evaluated by rattling pot lids or a can filled with small stones while the dog is passing by. The following reactions are possible:
Another reaction to visual stimuli is used with the umbrella test. An umbrella is opened abruptly at an approximated distance of five feet from the dog. The possible reactions are:
It is important to note how the dog recovers from stress. If a dog reacts strongly and adversely to a stimulus but recovers quickly, this is a positive indication.
In order to test how self-confident the dog is, two plastic bags filled with some newspapers are laid flat on the floor. The handler should walk with the dog at his side, on the plastic bags. The dog must step on the plastic bags, following his handler normally, without fear.
The two final tests are the same of the sticks and of the fired gun used in the Brazilian Temperament Test. All these tests are performed only on dogs over twelve months old.
At the test involving firing a blank pistol, a dog may be very brave and react by barking or even trying to bite the hand holding the gun or he may be timid and back away behind the handler. Others just stop, prick up their ears, and search for the cause of the noise. For sure all of them will be initially startled by the sound. It is how they react afterwards and how they deal with the stimulus that is important. Many times a test of courage will depend on the dog's past experience. If a dog reacts in a negative way to the firing, he may be trained to overcome his fears by hearing it from a great distance at first, and bringing the experience gradually closer to him, to the point that he will remain indifferent to the noise.
These tests has been used extensively for schutzhund examination and for dogs used in police work. Any hysterically aggressive reaction is undesirable.
There will be seven (7) tests for the dog to pass. They are as follows:
Objective is to determine the dog's reaction to strangers in nonthreatening situations.
1. Neutral stranger: A stranger to the dog and handler passes by, ignoring both.
2. Friendly stranger: A stranger to the dog approaches the dog and handler and speaks to the handler, shakes hands, and leaves. The stranger is NOT to touch the dog.
The objective is to determine the reaction to noise and measure the dog's alertness and curiosity to the rattling of a can or jug with solid objects inside.
3. Acoustic stimuli: The handler and dog walk past a stranger who rattles a can.
4. Gun test: Dog and handler have their backs turned to the assistant who will fire blanks from a distance of approximately five (5) meters.
Objective is to test the dog's reaction to a sudden visual stimulus and to measure the dog's investigative hehavior and startle/recovery time.
5. Umbrella test: The handler and dog approach a sitting assistant who is relaxed and motionless. When the dog is approximately five (5) meters from the umbrella, the assistant will smoothly open and lower the umbrella to the ground. The dog should be willing to investigate the umbrella. The handler may encourage the dog for a limited amount of time to do just that.
Objective is to measure the reaction to unusual footing and the willingness to acompany the handler.
6. Strange footing: The handler and dog walk lengthwise over a strong 6' x 15' plastic sheet laid flat, or over an open exercise pen laid flat on level ground.
Objective is to test the dog's capacity to recognize a potential threatening situation and show how the dog defends himself and his master in a positive manner when faced with threat.
7. Threat to handler: The dog must wear a buckle collar and a strong lead, (NO CHOKE COLLARS). If the handler appears to have trouble controlling the dog, the dog may be double lined with an assistant. An unfriendly stranger will approach the dog and handler with a stick and appear to attack them. At NO TIME is the dog or handler touched or beaten with the stick.
Any Fila which shows cowardice or aggression to its owner is immediately disqualified and cannot pass the Temperament Test.
Photos courtesy of Camping Kennel
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