Dogo Argentino

Where do dogo Argentinos come from?

Understanding the dogo Argentino’s history is the foundation of understanding the breed.

The man responsible for the dogo Argentino was only 18 years old when his breeding efforts began. Antonio Nores Martinez was an Argentine (as the breed’s name might imply) with an intense devotion to his craft.

Dr. Martinez bred the dogo Argentino primarily from the Fighting Dog of Cordoba, a breed that is now extinct. The physical qualities of the breed were impressive, but the doctor sought a dog that could cooperate with a pack and wanted to hunt more than fight.

Since sport hunters in Argentina preferred using small blades over firearms, they needed pups who could find, chase, and hold down big game such as wild boars and pumas. The new breed would need size, strength, exceptional stamina, a great sense of smell, and speed to chase down fast prey.

The dogo Argentino was carefully mixed with several breeds to achieve the perfect traits. Pointers, Great Danes, Bull Terriers , Pyrenean Mastiffs, Boxers, and Bulldogs were all involved.

The dogo Argentino was mostly found in Argentina until the mid-20th century, when it expanded across South America to a lesser extent.

Only recently has the breed found its way to other parts of the world, including the United States, where it was only recognized officially by the American Kennel Club in 2020.

What are the potential health conditions for dogo Argentinos?

For such a large dog, the dogo Argentino is quite healthy in general. There are always certain predispositions with every breed, though.

In this breed’s case, pigment-related deafness is the big one. About 10% of dogo Argentino suffer from it.

Glaucoma and Laryngeal paralysis can also become a problem for some dogos. When you find a dogo Argentino and want to make it a family member, check with the breeder or shelter for health test results.

Other potential health issues:

Hypothyroidism

Hip dysplasia

Personality of the dogo Argentino

How well do dogo Argentinos get along with their owners?

Like most dogs, the dogo Argentino has great potential to be a family companion. Dog owners will find them fiercely loyal to the pack with proper training. However, these dogs were also bred to hunt independently, so don’t expect an overly clingy companion.

Are dogo Argentinos aggressive towards strangers?

As sporting dogs bred for hunting, these beasts have a strong prey instinct and potential for aggression. Most of the time, the dogo is happy and sweet, but strangers and small animals or large animals of the same gender can raise concern.

Expect a dogo Argentino to be cautious around strangers, both human and animal, with special sensitivity to the presence of smaller animals.

Training, including lots of socialization, is needed to keep their instincts in check.

Do dogo Argentinos make good guard dogs?

A dogo Argentino can make an excellent, if quiet, watchdog. It will guard your family loyally and bravely in any situation. While the breed isn’t usually very vocal, their physical presence is often enough to deter intruders.

Will a dogo Argentino be a fun dog to have around?

These dogs are affectionate with family and playful, but they are also a lot of work. Those who can handle the breed’s training needs and provide lots of exercise are in for an enjoyable and rewarding pet parent journey.

Are dogo Argentinos good with children?

Dogo Argentinos are loyal and affectionate to their human family, regardless of the human’s age or size. Children who are not part of the family should be slowly and carefully introduced.

How are dogo Argentinos with other dogs?

Interacting with other dogs is a challenge for this breed. Due to the breed’s high prey drive, smaller animals such as cats and small dogs can be an exceptional circumstance. In general, dogo Argentinos do best without other animals in their home.

How to care for a dogo Argentino

What is a dogo Argentino’s coat like?

Dogo Argentinos have a short, smooth, white coat. No markings are officially recognized, but black spots are common (and very cute), even if “officially” considered a flaw. Some owners even prefer these spots as they reduce the risk of pigment-related deafness.

How are dogo Argentinos with other dogs?

Interacting with other dogs is a challenge for this breed. Due to the breed’s high prey drive, smaller animals such as cats and small dogs can be an exceptional circumstance. In general, dogo Argentinos do best without other animals in their home.

How often do dogo Argentinos have to be groomed?

You may wish to brush their fur once every week or so. The shedding season occurs twice a year, so brushing is even more important during those times. Their nails do grow quickly, so be sure to clip them regularly. Dental cleaning, ear cleaning, brushing, and bathing at moderate intervals should be plenty to keep your pooch hygienic and healthy.

How much does a dogo Argentino dog or puppy cost?

Adoption fee (Purebred dogo Argentino puppies): $1,000-5,000

Yearly care cost (first year): $3,000

Yearly care cost (following years): $1,700

Basic training and behavior etiquette for your dogo Argentino

The dogo Argentino is not for timid owners when it comes to training, though it is incredibly rewarding once this powerful dog is well trained.

Here are some tips to help with the process:

1. Because the dogo grows so large, training from a young age is recommended. Innate independence and stubbornness in the breed also make training more difficult the older the dog becomes.
2. Physical punishment is not the best way to get the desired behavior from your dog. The key to training this breed is a firm demeanor with no inconsistency. Set strict boundaries and don’t make exceptions (even if they give you the puppy eyes), or your dogo Argentino may let their instincts creep in and chase or wander.
3. A core part of properly training a dogo Argentino is socialization, which can help with their reluctance towards strangers and prey drive.
4. While there are challenges to training this breed, they are highly intelligent and pick up on training quickly. They can become an obedient, well-behaved companion with consistency and the right approach.

Exercising tips to keep your dogo Argentino staying fit and healthy

Dogo Argentinos require frequent exercise and mental stimulation. This is typical of sporting or working dogs, especially large breeds like the dogo.

Intense periods of exercise are best, and your dogo will likely try to turn any exercise session into an intense one if it isn’t already. This means they will bound around with speed and vigor and might not show the kind of restraint and grace particularly young or old owners may need. Fit, active owners will enjoy an equally active doggy play partner.

Remember the importance of secure boundaries while your dogo Argentino runs and plays. Be sure that the potential for escape (or for a stranger entering your dogo’s territory) is minimal, or ideally none.

Besides running and walking, tug-of-war, fetch, swimming, and disc catching are other fun ways to keep your dogo Argentino occupied.

If agility, rally, and similar sports catch your fancy, consider training this high-energy dog in those fields. They will enjoy having such a strong sense of purpose — and you’ll be able to handle their energy levels!