Dogo Argentino Dog Breed

Below are the characteristics and traits of the Dogo Argentino dog breed.

The Dogo Argentino is a large dog breed. Males can weigh up to 110 pounds and be as tall as 30 inches from the ground to shoulder. All Dogo Argentinos should be solid white with no markings. The breed is heavily muscled and sturdy. Many people compare the breeds appearance to the American Bulldog and American Pit Bull Terrier.

Dogo Argentinos are loyal dogs who feel their job is to guard their home and family. They are playful and extremely affectionate of children and their family. Although they were bred from aggressive dogs, the Dogo Argentino should not show any aggressive traits unless provoked or threatened. The breed does well with other pets, however they will not back down from another dog provoking them.

The breed has a very short coat (some portions of their body may have patches with very thin hair) making it easy to take care of. The Dogo Argentino will need to be brushed weekly and bathed as needed. The breed needs high amounts of exercise to keep their body in it's athletic condition.

This breed is a relatively new one, and while the Dogo Argentino history is rich, it is rather short. The foundation took place in 1928 when two brothers, Antonio and Agustin Martinez of Cordoba, Argentina desired a dog that could give the Fighting Dog of Cordoba the following: the Boxer's gentle demeanor, the fearlessness of the Bull Terrier, the Bulldog's boldness, the lockjaw power of the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Great Dane's size, the wild game hunting instinct of the Irish Wolfhound, and the Pointer's extraordinary sense of smell — and so much more. They also wanted a dog that, despite all these fearsome hunting, fighting and guarding traits, could be trusted to be a family companion.

Unfortunately, Antonio's dream was cut short when, in 1956, he was murdered during a boar hunt by a man who intended to rob him. Agustin didn't hesitate to maintain the brothers' project; by this time, he was the Argentine Ambassador to Canada, and he levied this influence to introduce the dog to the rest of the world. To this day, the dog is known in Canada as a hunter of moose.

By 1964, the Cinologic Federation of Argentina and the Argentina Rural Society had recognized the breed. In 1970, a Dr. Raul Zeballos exported the breed to the United States. The Argentina Kennel Club — a member of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — saw to accepting the breed in 1973. (The Dogo Argentino is recognized by the FCI as the first and currently exclusive Argentinian dog breed.)

As the breed gained popularity worldwide, the Dogo Argentino Club of America was formed (1985), the AKC allowed the dog into its Foundation Stock Service (1996) and the UKC formally recognized the dog in 2001 by placing the breed in the Guardian Dog Group. Ten years later, in 2011, the AKC allowed the Dogo Argentino another step toward formal recognition by granting a Working Dog registration.

Due to the dog's fighting background and what breeds make a Dogo Argentino, the breed has become a very popular in dog-fighting circles, an aspect which has prompted it to be misappropriated for illegal dog fights and to be poorly bred as well as badly managed — and listed on the banned dogs registers of several countries and regions.

The Dogo Argentino is without a doubt a brutally athletic breed. The seemingly smiley face quickly gives way to a well-muscled head, neck, and body that solidly states strength. Dogo Argentino ear-cropping is called for by the breed standard, but you'll find many Dogos with their full, floppy ears instead. From the black nose back to the bald eyes, the large, strong jaw juts out solidly from a round head and is set on a neck covered with some wrinkly skin. This all leads down to the deep chest, powerful legs, and a barrel-shaped body that ends in a strong tail which tends to hang down. The coat is short, coarse and single-layered.

As a relatively new breed, this newness may prompt some to seek what breeds are in a Dogo Argentino. There are a great many breeds that contributed to produce this dog, and they are discussed elsewhere on this page in the history. There may be those who want to know the biggest Dogo Argentino, but even that dog is sure to be not far above the typical range-- they are big dogs, to be sure. There are no variations recognized in size, coat color, or style.

One thing that you should understand about the Dogo Argentino temperament is that this breed is not the dangerous dog that is all too often in the news. Although the breed is highly assertive in her attitude, rather suspicious of strange things and is extremely protective of her property and loved ones, it is only a relatively few nefarious dog breeders (and the disreputable people who hire them) who have been responsible for marring the millions of otherwise good dogs.

To be sure, these dogs are hunters, trackers and accustomed to a wild lifestyle — but when properly trained, socialized and cared for, they are excellent home companions. They are intelligent enough as well as great guard dogs, wonderful playmates, and good watchdogs. You must be firm and fully confident, however, for they require a true alpha to guide them lest they become that alpha.

Below are health issues and concerns most common in Dogo Argentinos