Dogo Argentino Dog Breed Information

Group

Working

Weight

36-45kg

Height

58-68 cm

Lifespan

9-15 years

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About the Dogo Argentino

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

Dogo Argentinos have been excellent partners for many people whose day jobs require them to have a canine on their side. If you’re wondering whether the breed might be right for you then this guide will be able to help you decide.

Our comprehensive Dogo Argentino breed guide covers nearly all aspects of the breed including its history, care needs, temperament, and feeding needs.

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.

What is a Dogo Argentino Breed?

The Dogo Argentino is an Argentinian sporting dog breed that is muscular and large. The breed sports a pure white coat, although some examples may have a black spot on their heads.

The breed is most used as a working dog in fields like search and rescue, police work, and military work. They are particularly rare and it is unlikely that a breeder will be found easily.

Who is a Dogo Argentino 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 exercises such as runs, walks, or even dog sports such as obedience and agility training as they are high-energy dogs.

Dogo Argentino Grooming & Shedding

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 them having a shorter coat.

Do Dogo Argentinos bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Dogo Argentino dog?

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.

Are Dogo Argentinos easy to train?

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.

How do Dogo Argentinos behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Dogo Argentino have any common health issues?

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

The Dogo Argentino is generally a healthy dog breed; however, they are predisposed to a few health problems such as:
Deafness: About 10% of Dogo Argentinos are affected by deafness in one or both ears, a significant genetic concern for the breed. This condition can impact training and communication.
Hypothyroidism: This endocrine disorder, where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, is relatively common in large breeds like Dogo Argentinos. It can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues.
Glaucoma: Dogo Argentinos are at risk for glaucoma, a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss. Early detection is crucial for effective management.
Laryngeal Paralysis: This condition affects the ability to breathe and bark properly, and it can lead to severe respiratory issues. Genetic predisposition makes this a concern in the breed.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is common in many breeds, including Dogo Argentinos, where the hip joint doesn’t fit correctly. This condition can cause arthritis and mobility problems as the dog ages.

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 does a Dogo Argentino need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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 USD for a puppy.

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

Dogo Argentino FAQs

What is the bite force of a Dogo Argentino?

The Dogo Argentino has one of the strongest bite forces of any dog breed. Its bite force measures 351 kilograms of force per metre squared.

The extreme power in the breed’s jaws aided them in hunting large game, which means a full-force bite could be particularly painful and cause severe injuries!

How do you tell if your dog is a Dogo Argentino?

Dogo Argentinos are not easy to misidentify as they are very large and entirely white. They are quite a rare breed and therefore it is unlikely you will run into one randomly.

Many regions like Australia have banned the breed as well, which means you will likely only come across one if you find a Dogo Argentino club in a region in which they are not banned.

Do Dogo Argentinos have blue eyes?

Dogo Argentinos can occasionally have one or two blue eyes, although this is not particularly common and is often considered to be an unwanted characteristic by breeders.

Most Dogo Argentinos have dark brown or dark hazel eyes.