Dogo Argentino Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Dogo Argentino?

The Dogo Argentino came about in the 1920s as an Argentinian man named Antonio Nores Martinez wanted a large and fearless dog to accompany him on big game hunts.

He began to selectively breed the now-extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog with other breeds to reduce the desire for it to fight other dogs so that it would cooperate when used to hunt big game in a pack.

The breeds used to create the Dogo Argentino include the Boxer, the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Bulldog, the Mastiff, the Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound. This led to the creation of a breed that was capable of hunting big game and was friendly and loyal enough to keep as a companion and watchdog.

The breed is rather rare, which explains why it only made its way to the U.S. in the 1970s and was only recognised by the American Kennel Club in 2020.

Unfortunately, Dogo Argentinos are still used as fighting dogs owing to their impressive strength and fearless personality and like Pit Bulls are banned in some regions due to their perceived aggressive nature.

Who are Dogo Argentino dogs best for?

Dogo Argentinos are best for experienced owners as it is a strong and large breed that can become exceptionally unruly without proper training.

Prospective owners with small dogs, younger children and even other animals should probably steer clear of this breed. The Dogo Argentino's background as a hunting dog means that it will be prone to chasing small animals like rabbits.

The breed is also not known for being welcoming to other dogs, which means that it would be wise to take your dog to a puppy kindergarten class.

It would also be a good idea to get a Dogo Argentino puppy, as this will help your dog become more used to the other dogs you have before it can act aggressively when it becomes larger.

Prospective owners should still be wary as if your new dog does not get along with your other dogs a plan will need to be made before one of your animals ends up injured or worse!

The breed makes an excellent hunting companion and was adept at taking down large wild boar. Hunters will be treated to a loyal and smart dog that will listen and behave well on a hunt, as it's what the breed was originally bred for.

Those working in emergency fields like the police, the military or search and rescue will also benefit from having a Dogo Argentino as their companion, as the breed has also been used extensively in these fields in the past.

It is also imperative that owners keep their dogs active through regular exercise such as runs, walks or even dog sports such as obedience and agility training as they are high energy dogs.

How much grooming does a Dogo Argentino need?

The Dogo Argentino has a short straight coat that doesn't require much in the way of maintenance.

The large size of the breed may cause brushing to take slightly longer than usual but, thankfully, this should normally only take place around once a week.

The breed should only be bathed once every few months or as needed if they are dirty. Dirt will also be a lot more noticeable owing to their pure white coats!

White dog hair will also be rather noticeable on any black furniture or clothing you might have, as the breed does shed quite a bit despite it having a shorter coat.

Do Dogo Argentino bark much?

Dogo Argentinos aren't particularly prone to barking but may do so to warn their owners if they become aware of any strangers or intruders.

If your Dogo Argentino does develop a habit of barking, it may be because they are lacking physical and mental stimulation.

If this is the case, it is important to exercise them more and attempt to train the behaviour out before it becomes a habit.

Do Dogo Argentino bite?

Dogo Argentino puppies may be nippy during playtime, which should be trained out as soon as possible in a puppy obedience class as it could become a serious problem later.

This dog breed is large and if not well trained could become dangerous for you, your children or your other pets.

What is the temperament & personality of a Dogo Argentino?

Dogo Argentinos normally have a friendly nature when dealing with their owners but can be suspicious of strangers in their homes due to how territorial they are.

They do not make great companions for other dogs and animals as they have a strong prey drive as a result of their hunting backgrounds.

They will need a lot of mental stimulation and exercise for them to be well behaved and apartment living will not be a good fit for them because of this.

What is the weight & size of a Dogo Argentino?

The Dogo Argentino is one of the more giant breeds as it normally stands between 58 and 68cm tall and can weigh between 36 and 45kg.

How much training does a Dogo Argentino need?

The breed is not known for being easy to train for novice owners, as they can be strong-willed and their physical strength may allow them to overpower their owners.

The breed should therefore be schooled as early on as possible as this will improve their receptiveness to training. For a Dogo Argentino to be well behaved, they need a trainer who is firm but won't resort to force or violence, as this will only encourage an aggression or obedience problem.

If they are well-trained and socialised early on, the breed can be very loyal and friendly dogs. Their use as working dogs shows that this breed can be well-disciplined if trained correctly.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Dogo Argentino?

The Dogo Argentino is generally a healthy dog breed; however, they are predisposed to a few health problems such as:

• Deafness is one of the major issues that the breed is prone to. 10% of Dogo Argentinos are deaf in either one or both ears.

• Hypothyroidism

• Glaucoma

• Laryngeal Paralysis

• Hip dysplasia

What is the lifespan of a Dogo Argentino?

Dogo Argentino owners can expect their dogs to have a life expectancy of between 9 to 15 years.

How much should you feed a Dogo Argentino?

The Dogo Argentino dog breed is large and energetic, which means that it will need two relatively large meals per day.

It may be useful to visit a veterinarian or a nutritionist to ensure that you aren't over or underfeeding your dog.

What is the price of a Dogo Argentino in Australia?

Unfortunately, it is illegal to own or obtain a Dogo Argentino in Australia as the breed is viewed to be aggressive. This is owing to its background in hunting and dog fighting.

The rarity of the breed can cause some prospective owners in the U.S. to shell out between $1000 and $4000 U.S for a puppy.

There are also various organisations in a few countries that will allow prospective owners to adopt an adult Dogo Argentino.