HOME South American Dog Breeds Argentinian Dog Breeds Dogo Argentino information

Dogo Argentino information

  • Name: Argentine Dogo
  • Other names: Argentine Dogo, Argentine Mastiff, Dogo
  • Origin: Argentina
  • Size: Type Large
  • Breed Group: Working dog breeds, Guard dog breeds
  • Life span: 10-18 Years
  • Temperament: Affectionate, Friendly, Loyal, Protective, Cheerful, Tolerant
  • Height:  Female: 24–26 inches (60–65 cm) Male: 24–27 inches (62–68 cm)
  • Weight: Female: 36–45 kg Male: 36–45 kg
  • Colors: White
  • Puppy Price: Average $2800 – $5000 USD

Argentine Dogo Characteristics

  • Good with Kids ★★★
  • Cat Friendly
  • Dog Friendly
  • Trainability ★★
  • Shedding ★★★
  • Watchdog ★★★★
  • Intelligence ★★★
  • Grooming
  • Popularity ★★★
  • Adaptability★★★
  • Hypoallergenic: No

Overview

dogo argentino running on the lawn

One of the original dog breeds from Argentina, the Argentine Dogo or Dogo Argentino, was bred starting in 1920 5 especially to hunt wild boar and mountain lion (jaguar, cougar, puma). Antonio Nores Martinez wanted a big-game hunting dog that was also extremely loyal, willing to protect its human master to death.

The Argentine Dogo’s primary ancestor is the Cordoba Fighting Dog, but among ten other breeds, it also has Great Dane, Boxer, Bulldog, and Great Pyrenees in it. Martinez selectively bred the dog until it possessed just the right hunting and fighting characteristics. He persevered and kept the lines going until he encountered the dog he was looking for.

He wanted a dog that would be brave enough to fight prey, cooperative enough to work with other dogs, and gentle enough to play with his children. In the end, with the help of his descendants, Antonio Martinez accomplished his goal. The Argentine Dogo has been assigned by the AKC as being part of the Working Group starting in 1964.

It is also registered and known as the Argentinian Mastiff. In 1973, the dogo was finally accepted by the FCI and has been declared the first and only Argentinean dog breed. It has been registered in the Foundation Stock Service since 1996.

Body Type

dogo argentino walking on the lawn

The Argentine Dogo is a large dog. It can weigh up to 120 pounds or 54 kg. Males stand up to 30 inches (76 cm) tall and females are shorter at 27 inches (69 cm). Their strong bodies are slightly longer than their height, with females measuring in longer than males.

They have solid shoulders and backs, allowing them to stand tall and create a presence about them. These hunters are stocky in build, with front legs standing half as tall as the withers. They have broad heads that have slightly domed skulls.

Their tails are set low and come to tapered ends. In essence, the Dogo Argentino looks very similar to an American Bulldog or American Pit Bull Terrier.

Coat

Dogo Argentinos have short, thick hair with a glossy sheen. Their hair is extremely uniform around their bodies, making them easy to groom. Their stiff, coarse hair is easy to manage and does not take much to maintain.

Color

Argentine Dogos are usually white all over. There are rarely any markings or spots found on these fighters. In fact, markings are considered flaws for this breed. Like Dalmatians, Boxers, and Bull Terriers, they have the potential to experience pigment-related deafness.

Temperament

dogo argentino with owner

Although Argentine Dogos are trained to hunt big game, they are also used to assist law enforcement and as part of search and rescue teams. They are particularly good with other dogs, as they were bred to cooperate with retrievers during hunts.

As a result, if socialized at an early age, this seemingly ferocious dog is good with children. The Dogo Argentino is extremely loyal. It will do anything in its power to protect its human master.

Owners who train their dogos from early age can condition them to be extremely caring and affectionate. They also need to be trained to acknowledge their human companions as their dominant masters.

When they know who they need to listen to, they are extremely obedient and will do anything to please their superiors. To familiar people, this large hunter can be friendly and cheer up a sad soul. Many people think this dog is naturally aggressive but left to its own accord, it is actually a good companion.

Tasty Tidbits

An Argentine Dogo is expected to live between nine and 20 years.- Argentine Dogos are banned in several countries, including Iceland, Australia, Singapore, and Ukraine.

Several U.S. cities, including Aurora, CO and New York, NY have placed them on the banned list.- Argentine Dogos continue to be bred to fight where dogfighting is practiced.- The Argentine Dogo is not a hard barker.

It is a relatively quiet dog, suitable for apartments and homes.- Argentine Dogos are easy to train and respond well to obedience schooling.- The Argentine Dogo needs consistent physical and mental challenges.- Argentine Dogos need to be exercised daily.

A long walk, jog, or full-out run is suitable for this energetic creature.- The Argentine Dogo does not have a “doggy odor.”- Argentine Dogos are average shedders and do not take much to maintain on a daily basis.

About the author: Driven by his lifelong passion for dogs and an insatiable curiosity about their diverse breeds, Pablo Pascua founded dogbreedsfaq.com. Through this website, he seeks to expand his knowledge and share his findings with fellow dog enthusiasts. Having owned several dogs throughout his life, Pablo’s experiences have fueled his interest in learning more about these beloved animals. His mission is to provide accurate and comprehensive information to help pet owners make informed decisions about their furry companion.