The Dogo Argentino dog is a very beautiful, large and muscular breed of dog that was developed primarily for the purpose of big-game hunting, including boar. It is also known by some other names such as Argentine Dogo and simply as Dogo.
As the name suggests, the Dogo Argentino breed was developed in Argentina. The foundation stock which were used for creating this breed were Boxer, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Cordoba Dog, Great Dane, Spanish Mastiff, Pyrenean Mastiff, English Pointer, Irish Wolfhound and Dogue de Bordeaux.
Antonio Nores Martinez, a medical doctor, professor and surgeon, set out to breed a big game hunting dog that was also capable of being a loyal pet and guard dog in 1928. Antonio Martinez picked the Cordoba Dog to be the base for the breed. This breed is extinct today, but it was said that as a large and ferocious dog, it was a great hunter.
Nores Martinez continued to develop the breed via selective breeding to introduce the desired traits. Dr. Raul Zeballos brought the first six specimens of Argentine Dogo to the United States in 1970. On 1 January 2011 the AKC accepted the Argentine Dogo into their miscellaneous class to allow the process of full recognition to begin. The official AKC parent club, Dogo Argentino Club of America worked with the AKC to achieve full AKC recognition. On 1 January 2020 the AKC recognized the Dogo Argentino allowing it to compete in the Working Group.[1]
Dogo Argentino Dog Characteristics
The Dogo Argentino dogs are very beautiful in appearance and large in size. They are white-coated dogs with black spots on their skin and have a muscular and strong body that rarely has any markings on the coat. And any type of marking or spot on the coat is considered a flaw.
The length of the body of these dogs is slightly longer than the height. The length of the front leg is approximately equal to end-half of the dog’s height at the withers.
The head has a broad, slightly domed skull and the muzzle is slightly higher at the nose than the stop, when viewed in profile. The tail is set low, thick at the base and tapers to a point.
The Dogo Argentino dog breed has been described as looking similar to the American Bulldog, but very tall with a solid white coat. It has also been described as looking similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier, even though this breed is far smaller.
Average body height of the mature dog is between 24 and 27 inches at the withers for males, and between 24 and 26 inches for the females. Average live body weight of the mature dog is between 40 and 45 kg for males, and between 35 and 40 kg for the females.
Temperament
The Dogo Argentino dogs are big game hunters and they are also trained for search and rescue, police assistance, service dogs, guide for the blind, competitive obedience, military work and Schutzhund.
They are very intelligent and courageous with a strong, natural instinct to protect their home and family. They are very social dogs and are happiest when included in all family activities.
They generally make a strong distinction between familiar people and strangers. So, it is imperative that they will be well trained and socialized at an early age.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Dogo Argentino dog is between 10 and 12 years.
Feeding
How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. The Dogo Argentino dogs are large in size, and they are very active. So, their diet should be formulated for a large breed with high exercise needs. You can consult with a vet in your area for better feeding recommendations.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is very important for raising Dogo Argentino dogs. You should always keep up with your dog’s regular vet checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet will be able to help you to develop a caring routine that will keep your dog healthy.
The Dogo Argentino dogs are very active. So, it is very important to provide your dogs with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, as they may become bored, anxious and destructive if their needs are not met.
As with dogs of any other breed, you should keep up with regular vet checkups, keep their teeth clean, and groom them as needed. Check their ears weekly and trim their nails monthly. Ask your vet about your individual dog’s needs and make sure you keep up with at-home care.
Health
The Dogo Argentino dogs are generally healthy. But like all other dog breeds, they are also prone to certain health conditions. Their common health problems include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, glaucoma and laryngeal paralysis. Always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
| Breed Name | Dogo Argentino |
| Other Names | Also known by some other names such as Argentine Dogo and simply as Dogo |
| Breed Size | Large |
| Height | Between 24 and 27 inches at the withers for males, and between 24 and 26 inches for the females |
| Weight | Between 40 and 45 kg for males, and between 35 and 40 kg for the females |
| Good as Pets | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Color | White |
| Lifespan | Between 10 and 12 years |
| Good for Children | Yes |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Argentina |
