The Fila Brasileiro (Portuguese pronunciation: ), or Brazilian Mastiff, is a large working breed of dog developed in Brazil. The verb 'Filar' in Portuguese literally means 'hold, arrest, grab'. So 'Cão de Fila' (Fila dog) or 'Cão de filar' suggests that it is a 'catch dog', a dog that 'bites and does not loosen its grip'. A similar name is also found in two Portuguese dog breeds: the Cão de Fila de São Miguel and the extinct Cão de Fila da Terceira. Fila Brasileiros are prone to large breed ailments, including hip dysplasia, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. These dogs require plenty of exercise and hence are not very well suited to city life. Open country with fenced yards are very good for the dogs, as it gives them plenty of room to run and exercise.