Dogo Argentino: Breed Information, Pictures, and More!

Dogo Argentinos are protective of their family but very loving and sweet with the humans they trust. This is an intelligent breed that makes a perfect guard dog, ranch dog, or even bodyguard! While some say the Argentine Dogo looks like an oversized pitbull or some type of mastiff, the breed has an interesting history that sets it apart from other well-known breeds. Find out what makes this pup so unique and why it's becoming such a popular pooch around the world.

 

 

Dogo Argentino Characteristics (Physical)

Powerful and elegant, the Dogo Argentino has an impressive appearance that matches the dog's courageous spirit. The Argentina dogo has been developed to find, chase, and catch dangerous game so their appearance inspires agility and strength. This is a large dog breed that stands out from the crowd due to its white coat and intense expression.

 

 

• Dogo Argentino Size: The Dogo dog is about 80 to 100 pounds, with males weighing slightly more than females. Females are 24 to 25 inches; males about 25 to 26 inches.
• Head: The Argentino dog has a solid, powerful, and balanced head. The ears, usually cropped, are set high on the dog's head. Their jawbones are well-developed. Their head is atop a strong yet elegant neck with thick skin.
• Eyes: This Argentinian mastiff has medium-sized eyes that are almond-shaped and dark, outlined with black around the rims. Their expression is often alert with a “marked hardness.”
• Body: The Dogo Argentino has a well-muscled back and a square body. The breed's chest is broad and deep, “giving the impression of large lungs.” They have a medium set tail that's thick at the base. At rest, it hangs down naturally. The dog raises it at a 45-degree angle or so when they are on the move, curved at an arc.
• Legs: The Dogo Argentino has straight, muscular legs. Their thighs are very muscular and strong. Their paw pads are thick and black. When in motion, the Dogo Argentino has a powerful stride that's smooth and efficient. The AKC describes it as “harmonious and balanced.”

 

 

Dogo Argentino Personality

Dogos have a very “yin and yang” personality that makes them the perfect watchdog. This breed is known for its loyalty. They love spending time with their closest companions, whether it's lounging on the couch, going on an errand, or exploring a woodsy hiking trail. This breed has a strong urge to protect their loved ones.

 

While friendly and loving with family and friends, this breed has a strong instinct to guard them from strangers. The Dogo Argentino can be quite stubborn. They need an experienced owner who can demonstrate proper leadership and instill proper training. Puppies need to be trained and socialized to prevent possibly aggressive behavior towards people and dogs they are unfamiliar with. Providing the right products for dogs, such as training tools and socialization aids, can help ensure their development into well-behaved companions.

 

 

 

Dogo Argentino Exercise

The Dogo Argentino is a breed that requires a lot of exercise. Without a proper amount of movement each day, this breed can get pretty destructive. That doesn't mean the exercise has to be anything fancy, of course. You can put them on a harness and find a fun trail. If you're able to jog or run with your Dogo Argentino that's even better. Try switching up your exercise routine by finding new parks and trails with a variety of terrain.

 

Dogo Argentinos love focused activities that involve their family. This includes fetch and tug of war. This breed loves showing off its strength and will never back down from a fun challenge. Always make sure you're in a secure area, like an enclosed backyard, before letting your dog off the leash. You can also try an official competition or just set up an obstacle course in your backyard — your Dogo Argentino will love it either way.

 

 

Dogo Argentino Training

The Dogo Argentino is intelligent and stubborn. They aren't as eager to please as other breeds (like the Labrador Retriever) and will need consistent training from an experienced leader. The Dogo Argentino responds best to positive reinforcement. Reward your pup for listening while being consistent and stern. For example, if your dog starts pulling on the leash, immediately stop walking. Do this every time, even if it feels repetitive and frustrating.

 

The Dogo Argentino has a strong prey drive. Your dog will often become distracted or want to chase other dogs, cats, and animals along the trail. Give them a treat every time they look at you and pay attention. It's important to train your dog to not give chase before bringing them on a public trail with more people and pets.

 

This breed is a working dog, so give them niche training. Always start when they are a puppy. This includes scent work, agility tasks, and specific retrieval goals. This will give them a goal to work towards and help them learn to listen to commands. It will improve communication and help you bond with your dog.

 

 

 

Dogo Argentino History

The Dogo Argentino originated in Cordoba, which is the central region of the Republic of Argentina. A well-known doctor named Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez started developing the Dogo Argentino puppy in 1928 due to his passion for dogs. The breed started off as a cross between several purebred dogs and an old fighting dog from Cordoba. This blend made the Dogo Argentino a fighting dog in its earlier days.

 

Dr. Martinez brought it on numerous hunting trips, keeping a close eye on the Dogo Argentino's skills. Unsurprisingly, it became a versatile and capable hunting dog soon after due to its strength, bravery, determination, and sense of smell. The popularity of the Dogo Argentino for hunting pumas and wild boar soon spread afterwards.

 

According to the AKC, “its harmony, balance, and its excellent athletic muscles are ideal characteristics for enduring long trips in any weather conditions” as well as fighting fiercely with prey. In 1973, Dogo Argentino dogs were accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, an international kennel club based in Belgium. It's now the first and only Argentinean breed recognized by the FCI.

 

 

Dogo Argentino Health Problems

Like all dog breeds, the Dogo Argentino is predisposed to a couple of health problems. It's very important to only adopt your puppy from a reputable and registered breeder who offers a health guarantee. Trusted breeders will consistently test their breeding dogs for hereditary diseases, removing dogs that carry these unwanted health concerns from the breeding pool.

 

 

• Deafness: One of the most major issues that this breed faces is deafness. About 10% of Dogo Argentinos are deaf in at least one ear (sometimes both). This is very common in dog breeds that are white or mostly all white, including Dalmations and white Bull Terriers.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism can occur when your dog's thyroid (which regulates the body's metabolic rate) doesn't produce enough hormones. It's unclear why this occurs, but it's thought to be hereditary.
• Glaucoma: This is an eye disease that increases pressure within the eye. It's caused by inadequate drainage of fluid in the eye. This happens when a dog inherits abnormalities in their eye's drainage angle or experiences disease or injury.
• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is often seen in larger dogs. This occurs when the ball and socket do not fit properly in your dog's hip joint. This causes them to rub and grind against each other instead of sliding smoothly.
• Laryngeal Paralysis: The voice box's stability is maintained by the laryngeal muscles. These muscles can sometimes become weak or paralyzed, making the cartilage collapse.

 

 

 

How to Care for a Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino is an active and social dog that needs plenty of room to thrive. Many Dogo Argentinos live on farms or ranches, providing them with adequate space and a working environment. The Dogo Argentino is adaptable, however, and can still be healthy and happy in a home with a big yard. Always remember to supervise your Dogo Argentino when it's outside.

 

This is also not a dog you can leave alone for long periods of time each day. It's a social dog that loves being with its family. The Dogo Argentino will become destructive if left alone for hours each day. Spend time playing and cuddling with your dog each day to make sure they are getting the stimulation they need to be content. Dogo Argentino pups may be tough to train and require a lot of attention, but they are easy-going when it comes to grooming.

 

 

 

Nutrition and Feeding for a Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentinos are known to pack on the pounds if you let them. The average amount of dry food to feed a dog between 76 to 100 pounds is 3 1/3 to 4 1/4 cups. The food should be split between two meals, half in the morning and half at night. Look for dog food brands that have a healthy protein source, which means avoid dog foods that are heavy in "meal" like chicken meal.

 

Related: Organic Vs Non-Organic Dog Food [In-Depth Comparison]

 

 

Coat Color And Grooming

The Dogo Argentino should be completely white with no other colors on their coat. The only other color can be a small black spot on their head. The AKC describes their coat as: Uniform, straight, short, and smooth. Their fur averages 1/2 to 3/4 inches. Because it's so short, you don't need to groom your Dogo Argentino extensively. A brush once a week will do, especially if you want to cut down on shedding. You can also wash your dog each month or after they get dirty.

 

 

 

Children And Other Pets

The Dogo Argentino has a strong prey drive. This can sometimes make the breed difficult to have around other pets. It's very important to socialize your Dogo Argentino early. During socialization, the Dogo Argentino should be exposed to other well-trained puppies. This breed is very protective of their family, including children. But because of their stubborn and sometimes dominant nature, you should always supervise your Dogo Argentino when they interact with younger kids.

 

 

Rescue Groups

Dogo Argentinos are loving, loyal, and great exercise companions. But sometimes they can be stubborn, aggressive, and difficult to train. This often leads less experienced dog owners to give up their dog when they feel they can't properly care for them. Rescues like DC Dogos are dedicated to saving these Dogo Argentinos from shelters and pounds. Dedicated and experienced volunteers foster the dogs, rehabilitating them, and getting them ready for a new home.

 

 

 

Breed Organizations

Breed organizations are very important since they spread information and connect breed owners. The Dogo Argentino Club of America is the official AKC parent club. The website offers a wealth of information about the Dogo Argentino's history and breed standards. It also provides information about upcoming Dogo Argentino events.

 

 

More About This Dog Breed

Dogo Argentinos may be big, but they aren't slow. This dog can run 25 miles per hour! That's why they're often found on farms or in big backyards where they can race around in a safe environment. They are also excellent jumpers, able to leap up to six feet or more. Dogo Argentinos also love to swim! Thanks to their powerful muscles, this breed can keep its head above the water and glide through the waves with ease.

 

The Dogo Argentino is banned in several countries, including Ukraine, Turkey, Australia, Iceland, Singapore, and Denmark. They are sometimes considered "dangerous" due to their history as fighting and hunting dogs. But with the right training, Dogo Argentinos are loyal, sweet, and gentle. They will only go into attack or guard mode on command.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

If you're one of the dog lovers looking for an intelligent, strong, and affectionate dog, the Dogo Argentino is right for you. Just make sure you have training experience and enough space for them to stay active.