The Fila Brasileiro (Portuguese pronunciation: (fee.luh  bruh.zi.lee.eh.row) is a Brazilian breed of large working dog of mastiff type (beleived to have been created by crossbreeding English Mastiffs, Bulldogs, and Bloodhounds during the 1600s). They are thought to descend from European dogs brought to Brazil during the Colonial period, with little or no influence from indigenous South American dogs from the Pre-Cabraline era. The Fila Brasileiro were bred and raised primarily on large plantations and cattle farms where they originated.  To protect cattle, they were taught to hunt down jaguars, and other animals.