The Dogo Argentino is a large breed of dog that originated in Argentina where it was mainly used to hunt such large game as puma and wild boar. This breed is known by a variety of different names including the Dogo Argentino, the Dogo, Argentine Dogo and the Argentinian Mastiff. The Dogo Argentino’s roots can be traced back to 1928 when a doctor named Antonio Martinez set out to create a large dog that would be a loyal pet, fearless hunter and effective guard dog. He chose the Cordoba Fighting Dog as the base for his breeding program due to its large size, hunting capabilities and fearless temperament. In addition to the Cordoba Fighting Dog, Martinez used several other breeds in his breeding program. Some of the breeds he used included the Great Dane, Old English Bulldog, Spanish Mastiff, Boxer, Dogue de Bordeaux, Irish Wolfhound, Bull Terrier, Great Pyrenees and the Bull Terrier.
The Dogo Argentino is a large dog breed with well-defined muscles. They have strong necks and large heads with broad muzzles. Their ears are triangular and fold forward. Their white coats are short and dense. The coat is easy to care for, the only need to be brushed when necessary. The Dogo is a large dog that can weigh between 90 and 120 pounds when fully grown. It has short, stiff hair that is pure white in color. Although some of these dogs may have a small black marking on their heads, this is considered a fault in show dogs. It has a rather broad head with small eyes that can be light brown, hazel or dark brown. The Dogo Argentino’s muzzle is square-like, and its nose should be black. Although its body is quite muscular, its paws are not overly large. The ears can be cropped or left natural. Natural ears are rounded and floppy reaching just above the cheeks. The tail is typically left long and is naturally carried low.
Personality
The Dogo Argentino is a loyal, brave and affectionate dog. Dogos are fond of children and display their love for their owners with kisses. They need plenty of exercise in the form of daily runs or brisk walks. Dogos can be dominant and stubborn, so they need strong and consistent training. They can sometimes be aggressive towards other dogs, but usually don’t attack. The Dogo Argentino is an extremely loyal dog that will protect its family fearlessly. Despite its intimidating appearance, it can be very loving and gentle. If you choose one of these dogs for your home, be prepared to provide it with plenty of play and exercise. Dogos love to play and run, and it takes a lot to make them tired. As such, they do not fare well in small environments. While the Dogo gets along great with older children, due to its large size, it is not recommended for smaller kids. Additionally, the Dogo Argentino may not interact good with other household pets unless it was raised with them.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Mastiffs |
| Function: | Working |
| Origin: | South America |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Working |
| Life Span: | 10-12 Years |
| Nicknames: | Dogo Argentino, Dogo, Argentine Dogo, Argentinian Mastiff |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Dogo Argentino Build Information
The Dogo Argentino is a large dog breed with well-defined muscles. They have strong necks and large heads with broad muzzles. Their ears are triangular and fold forward. Their white coats are short and dense. The coat is easy to care for, the only need to be brushed when necessary. The Dogo is a large dog that can weigh between 90 and 120 pounds when fully grown. It has short, stiff hair that is pure white in color. Although some of these dogs may have a small black marking on their heads, this is considered a fault in show dogs. It has a rather broad head with small eyes that can be light brown, hazel or dark brown. The Dogo Argentino’s muzzle is square-like, and its nose should be black. Although its body is quite muscular, its paws are not overly large. The ears can be cropped or left natural. Natural ears are rounded and floppy reaching just above the cheeks. The tail is typically left long and is naturally carried low.
| Size: | Large |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | > 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Cropped |
Behaviour and Personality
The Dogo Argentino is a loyal, brave and affectionate dog. Dogos are fond of children and display their love for their owners with kisses. They need plenty of exercise in the form of daily runs or brisk walks. Dogos can be dominant and stubborn, so they need strong and consistent training. They can sometimes be aggressive towards other dogs, but usually don’t attack. The Dogo Argentino is an extremely loyal dog that will protect its family fearlessly. Despite its intimidating appearance, it can be very loving and gentle. If you choose one of these dogs for your home, be prepared to provide it with plenty of play and exercise. Dogos love to play and run, and it takes a lot to make them tired. As such, they do not fare well in small environments. While the Dogo gets along great with older children, due to its large size, it is not recommended for smaller kids. Additionally, the Dogo Argentino may not interact good with other household pets unless it was raised with them.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
| Energy Level: | Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
This is a dog that does not require extensive grooming beyond an occasional brushing with a bristle brush or hound glove. Additionally, you only need to bathe your Dogo if it becomes overly dirty. However, you will want to check its ears once or twice a month, and if necessary, gently wipe them out with the corner of a damp rag. Check your Dogo’s nails from time to time as well, and if they become overly long, clip the tips of them off using a pliers-style nail clipper. When clipping your pet’s nails, take extra care not to cut into the tiny veins that grow within each nail. If you do happen to nick a vein, apply a bit of styptic powder to the nail to stop the bleeding.
| Colors: | White |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Fine |
Dogo Argentino Common Health Conditions
Most all dogs have the potential to develop various genetic health issues, and the Dogo Argentino is not any different. There are several issues that can occur in the Dogo, and you will find the most common of them listed below. However, keep in mind that the majority of Dogos are quite healthy and can live between 10 and 12 years. The most common health issues: Deafness in One or Both Ears, Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Glaucoma and Laryngeal Paralysis. If you are looking for a dog that will make a great companion and guard dog as well, why not consider a Dogo Argentino. These are loyal dogs that are quite gentle despite their intimidating appearance. However, because of the the Dogo’s large size, it is not a recommended pet for people with young children.
Dogo Argentino Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The dog that starred in the 2005 movie “Bombon” was a Dogo Argentino named Gregorio. Dogos have been used for many purposes including tracking, hunting, guarding, detecting narcotics, competing in obedience and Schutzhund, leading the blind, and working for the military and police. The Dogo Argentino can be a bit stubborn requiring training at an early age.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | Yes |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | Yes |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
