Filas And Tatras: Check Out These Rare Breeds

The Fila Brasileiro is the only dog breed that's hands-off to judges. The Owczarek Podhalanski is a "thinking dog" known for often being a step ahead of its owners - physically and mentally.

If the names and brief characterizations haven't intrigued you, there are undoubtedly others that will in Canine Rarity Shows' Pacific Northwest Cluster next Saturday and Sunday at the Tyee Hotel in Olympia, beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day.

Anita Bryant (no, not that one), president of the Washington, D.C.-based organization, estimates the event - one of 10 major shows nationwide this year conducted by the all-women's organization - will attract approximately 100 entries from throughout the West Coast.

Joining the Fila Brasileiro and Owczarek Podhalanski are such other breeds as the Cane Corso, Anatolian shepherd, Dogue de Bordeaux, Beauceron, Thai Ridgeback, Lundehund, Chinook, Coton de Tulear, Leonberger, Peruvian Inca Orchid, Kyi-Leo, Lowchen, German pinscher and who knows what else.

"If you like unusual dogs and want access to breeders and people in the know, this is an excellent opportunity to get educated," says Bryant.

Dawna Berg, owner of Eshabeta II Filas kennel in Arlington, says, "Filas are not for everyone. They are highly territorial and always alert to signs of perceived aggression from strangers.

"Filas often see things a bit differently than you or I. For instance, when a friend rushes up to slap me on the back or give me a hug, we may construe it as a friendly gesture. The Fila, however, sees it as threatening."

Consequently, Fila ownership mandates alertness and vigilance. Because of this natural aggressiveness, judges are not required to handle the breed in the show ring. Most choose to get within a safety net of two feet, says Berg. Because of its aversion to strangers, owners must always accompany their Fila to the examination room during veterinary check-ups, as well.

"I take dogs to public places a lot and they do great because they are off their own turf. At home, everyone must be evaluated by the dog. When introducing a Fila to a stranger, take it to the person, otherwise to the dog it is an invasion of its territory."

Berg, one of the premier Fila breeders nationally, estimates there are almost 5,000 of the short, smooth-coated (the standard calls for brindle and all solid colors except white and mouse gray) Brazilian dogs in this country.

Known as the national dog of Brazil ("faithful as a Fila dog" is an old Brazilian proverb; filar means to hold or secure in Portuguese), her kennel's offspring average 135 pounds for females and 160 for males. Show and breeding quality animals sell for $1,200; pet stock $800.

Early socialization is critical for the fearless Fila, emphasizes Berg, who labels that a trademark of her breeding program. "Our adults all live on the farm and are in the house regularly. We do obedience and agitation work on a weekly basis, which stimulates their minds as well as their bodies. Also they're exhibited at rare-breed shows, which places them around all sorts of strangers."

The standard requires that to gain a championship title, Filas must first pass a temperament test.

One breeder adds, the Fila is for "owners with responsible attitudes, not a macho personality."

Brazilian dog-show judge and Fila breeder Clelia Kruel characterized the breed: "Faithful, obedient, gentle to children, aggressive to strangers, unsurpassed guardian, cattle driver, jaguar hunter, police dog, excellent for schutzhund and eager to please."

This Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jean-Claude Van Damme of dogdom, has even been utilized for training in guerrilla and counter-guerrilla tactics and trailing and apprehending runaway African slaves in its homeland.

Created in the 19th century, it boasts a mix of mastiff and bloodhound. The hound ancestry is reflected by loose skin about the head and neck, tracking prowess and melancholy expression; the mastiff background is accented by its size, strength and confidence.

"By virtue of numbers, it's not the rarest breed you'll see," admits Berg, "but from a temperament standpoint, it's in a rare-breed class by itself."

From a sheer registry standpoint, the Owczarak Podhalanski ranks among the rarest breeds that will be showcased in Olympia. A Polish native, its United States population numbers only 150 to 200, according to Carol Wood, of Spokane.

Wood and her husband, Turner, were awarded a gold medal of honor in 1992 by the Polish Kennel Club for their contributions to the breed and educating Americans about the animal, also known as a Polish Tatra sheepdog.

Weighing from 80 to 130 pounds, this pure white worker is noted for its prowess as a herder and guardian of sheep and goats, plus a companion and watch dog for city folk.

"It's highly intelligent and independent," says Carol Wood, "and will outwit you if you're not careful. "It needs an owner who is intelligent, preferably with big-dog experience. That person must be an alpha leader, yet fair and loving and consistent with all rules."

Like the Fila, the sheepdog is reserved around strangers and territorial at home, where it's generally cheerful and relaxed. Wakeful and vigilant during the night, it sees its role as a patrolman, if left outside. "It will bark at anything out of place or unusual," adds Wood.

As many herding breeds, the hardy Tatra sheds its undercoat profusely in late spring, Wood warns. The remainder of the year it manages to stay remarkably clean due to its self-cleaning coat, from which dirt tends to dry and fall away.

While it's not childproof, the Tatra is generally very gentle and well-behaved with children and is compatible with other companion animals.

Show or breeding animals sell for $2,000 to approved homes; sterilized pet-quality counterparts are priced $1,000. While suburban homes with large yards are suitable for the Tatra, country settings are preferred.

Like many other large breeds, both rare and mainstream, the Tatra is prone to hip dysplasia. "That's where breeder quality and knowledge is critical," concludes Wood.