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I (Minida Dowdy) am a member and supporter of the FILA BRASILEIRO CLUB OF AMERICA (FBCA) and a Code of Ethics breeder since 1987. If you aren't already a member, purchase price of a dog from SouthLand will include your first years dues to the FBCA. I encourage all owners and fanciers of the Fila to join me in support of the FBCA. Our club newsletter is an important source of information for owners and future owners of a Fila Brasileiro. Remember, ownership of a Fila is NOT required to join the club. If you are seriously interested in the Fila, I would encourage you to join now (even before you purchase your dog) to get the maximum benefit from the information the FBCA can provide. An application to join is provided on this web site, please feel free to use it. This web site should answer many of your questions about the breed and about the policies of SouthLand Farms. If we do not have the dog for you, we would be happy to recommend breeders we trust to provide you with the highest quality dog available. If you should decide to purchase your fila elsewhere, let me make a few suggestions: BUY YOUR FILA FROM AN FBCA CODE OF ETHICS BREEDER and get any guarantees on your dog IN WRITING and signed by all parties. Your written contract will be your only recourse if a dispute arises. Protect yourself and investigate before you invest. . We suggest you concentrate on finding a breeder in whom you trust and wait for them to have the right puppy for you, rather than concentrating your search on finding a dog. A Breeders Directory is available from the FBCA secretary. REQUEST PROOF (PHOTOCOPIES) OF ANY TITLES the breeder claims including temperament tests, OFA certification, championships, etc. A reputable breeder will be proud of these accomplishments and be happy to provide you with such proof. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, VISIT THE BREEDER BEFORE YOU BUY THE DOG and see the parents, litter mates, and the puppy. If this is not possible, at least get a video tape of these dogs. Beware of breeders who will NOT allow you to see the parents or to handle the pups in a litter before you select your dog. Pick up your puppy in person, rather than having it shipped "sight unseen" to you. VISIT WITH AS MANY BREEDERS AS POSSIBLE BEFORE YOU SELECT YOUR DOG. Ask questions... don't be shy!! BEWARE of breeders who want you to purchase a dog TODAY, a fila should never be an impulse purchase. "Today's deal" should be just as good "tomorrow". NEVER BUY FROM A BREEDER IN WHICH YOU AREN’T FULLY CONFIDANT. The purchase of a puppy should be the beginning of a relationship... not the end of it. Responsible breeders support new owners as much as possible!! Don't buy a puppy because you "feel sorry" for it or to "rescue" it from a bad situation. You will just be rewarding the bad breeder and encouraging them to breed more puppies. Do not buy a puppy who appears to be in poor health or whose parents, litter mates, or kennel mates appear to be in poor health or kept in unsanitary conditions; you will just be setting yourself up for long term health problems and vet bills . DO NOT LET PRICE BE THE DECIDING FACTOR WHEN BUYING A FILA. As is often the case, you will probably get what you pay for. A "bargain" dog probably isn’t; but a high price may not be a guarantee of quality either.
Puppies from SouthLand Farms usually sell in the $500 to $750 range (pets) and $1500 to $2000 range (show/breeding) , depending on the individual puppy and are all fully guaranteed (see sample contract on this web site). They can be picked up in person or can be air shipped on a direct flight from Atlanta International Airport after 9 weeks of age (weather permitting). Should you have further questions or comments, or if you would like to discuss purchasing one of our dogs, please feel free to call me at home. I can usually be reached from 6pm- 10pm Eastern time. Please leave voice mail if we cannot take your call-- or try the cell phone 404-822-1147. I want to see you enjoy your fila as much as we do ours!!
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