Discover the Mighty Dogo Argentino [a fierce and loyal dog breed]

The Dogo Argentino is a beautiful, large, muscular dog that originates from Argentina originally bred for boar hunting in the late 1920s. This breed is unique, rare, and has a lot of unusual fascinating qualities. 

In this article, we will discuss all the information you need to know to decide whether the Dogo Argentino dog breed is right for you!

What is a Dogo Argentino?

The Dogo Argentino is a large-sized dog that has many names including the ‘Dogo’, the Argentinian Mastiff, or Argentine Dogo. 

The Dogo Argentino was originally bred in the late 1920s as a hunting dog and used to track wild boar and other large wild game. 

Despite their large stature, they can still run at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour! 

These dogs are lovable and majestic dogs with great strength and intelligence. They are eager to impress their owners with their intelligence and enjoy being around their people. 

The Dogo also makes an exceptional guard dog if you train them accurately. 

History of the Dogo Argentino

The Dogo was originally bred for hunting large wild game. They are ferocious and large enough to be capable of taking down a mountain lion or wild boar. 

Did you know that the Dogo originates from cross-breeds of the Cordoba fighting dog, Great Dane, Boxer, Irish Wolfhound, and Spanish Mastiff?

The very first breeder of the Dogo, a medical doctor by the name of Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez, used a now-extinct dog called the Cordoba fighting dog to create the breed. 

They were notorious for being some of the fiercest and most intense fighting and hunting dogs of all time.

The Dogo is basically a very large, strong, powerful dog with a muscular build that excels at hunting. They are still commonly used for hunting and other outdoor activities. 

Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez is credited with establishing the breed standard for the Dogo.

When Did the Dogo Argentino Come to the United States?

The Dogo was brought to the United States in the late 1970s, and they have become increasingly popular since then. 

Characteristics of the Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentino Size

This dog breed is quite large, but an average-sized male Dogo is 24-27 inches tall and can weigh 100 pounds or more.

A female Dogo will be a little smaller at 24-25 inches and weigh up to 95 pounds.

Dogo Argentino Traits

The Dogo Argentino tends to take on a lot of the same traits that other Mastiff breeds have.

Such as square-shaped heads, muscular bodies, and short coats. They also have small ears that most breeders crop so that they stand up straight.

They are extremely athletic dogs who have a lot of power in their bodies. They are one of the strongest dog breeds. 

Dogo Argentino Coat

The Dogo always has a predominantly short white coat with small dark patches near their eyes. Dogo Argentinos only come in white but may have black or brownish markings. 

They are a dog breed with a single coat, which makes grooming them relatively easy. Be advised though that the Dogo does shed and will require regular brushing to keep their coat neat.

Is a Dogo Argentino Hypoallergenic?

No, even though they are relatively easy to groom with their short coat a Dogo Argentino is not hypoallergenic.

No dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Dogo Argentino Personality

The Dogo is known for being charismatic, loyal, and extremely protective of their human family, which makes them excellent security dogs. 

Is the Dogo Argentino Aggressive?

They have a very aggressive-sounding bark and may not be the best choice if you live in the suburbs or a quieter neighborhood but will alert you if they sense an intruder.

Dogo Argentino Lifespan

The Dogo is also well-known for not having many health problems and lives a decently long life of around 10-15 years.

Is the Dogo Argentino Recognized by Dog Breed Registries?

In 2020, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Dogo Argentino as a breed.

Even though these Dogs are well-mannered when efficiently trained, there are some restrictions on owning them in the United States. 

Pet lovers that are interested in owning a Dogo, will want to check to make sure you don’t need special papers or permissions and licensing. 

If you do, you will need to go about getting them before you get a dog if you plan on getting a Dogo Argentino puppy. 

Dog Breeds That Are Often Confused for the Dogo Argentino

The Dogo is a very distinct-looking animal but they are often confused with other breeds.

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Pitbull Terrier
• Brazilian Dogo
• American Bulldog
• Some mixed-breeds
• Guatemalan Dogo
• Bull Terrier
• Dogue de Bordeaux

How to Care for a Dogo Argentino

Since these dogs are fairly large, you will want to make sure you have a decent-sized fenced area for them to run in. 

Apartments may be too small for a Dogo since they tend to enjoy larger spaces to run and play. 

A large, at least 40-inch crate should be a staple for training a Dogo Argentino or to put them in while you are away. 

It is recommended that you do not leave your Argentine Mastiff outside alone or while you are gone. 

Obedience training is recommended for this breed, along with constant mental stimulation, play, and training. 

These dogs have a tendency to take a long time to mature mentally, but providing stimulation may help them develop quicker.

Grooming Requirements

Even though the Dogo has a single coat that is quite short, it will need regular brushing. 

They shed twice a year, and during this time, having a brush and lint roller handy is a great way to make sure there is no white-haired mess in your house. 

You can also help keep them cleaning and smelling nice by giving them a weekly bath. 

It is not recommended to bathe them more than once a week due to too many baths rinsing away all of the dog’s natural coat oils. 

What Should I Feed My Dogo Argentino?

Diet is always a concern for any pet and you should make sure you understand your dog’s needs.

You can expect an adult Dogo Argentino to eat around three cups of food per day. They do best when fed in the morning and evening versus one large feeding. 

You will want to ensure that your dog is eating a portion of high-quality food that has the right amount of nutrients for your particular dog.

The best way to make sure that your dog is getting the right amount of nutrients and food per day is to consult with your vet or canine nutritionist. 

Your vet will give you insights into what type of food and how much to feed and recommend the right supplements for your dog. 

Here is a great link to find out more about a good Dogo Argentino diet.

Dogo Argentino Health Conditions

The Dogo Argentino is usually a healthy breed, but every dog breed is prone to some possible health issues. 

Here is a short list of some Dogo Argentino common health concerns.

• The Dogo Argentino is prone to joint problems.
  
  The risk of joint issues can be reduced by giving them enough exercise, keeping them at an ideal weight, and speaking with your vet about joint supplementation.
  
• Hip dysplasia, which is common in most larger dog breeds.
  
• Allergies. If you suspect your dog has allergies, please visit the vet or give them a call. They can quickly offer a test or remedy for your pup.
  
• Deafness.
  
• Autoimmune conditions and thyroiditis.

Is the Dogo Argentino Good With Children and Other Pets?

The Dogo prefers a single-occupation home with no other pets. They will thrive with an active family that enjoys spending time together and playing or going out on trips. 

The Dogo can be aggressive towards other dogs, especially if the dog happens to be the same gender. 

A Dogo needs to be more than adequately socialized, especially if you plan on taking them with you on outings and trips.

How is the Dogo Argentino Around Small Children?

Young children are generally not compatible with Dogo Argentinos and can even be aggressive with them. 

The exception to the rule is for dogs that were raised with children from the beginning but you should still always be cautious. 

Dogo Argentinos have a tendency to snap if not socialized well and may bite out of fear. The Dogo has strong jaws and a very muscular neck so their bite force is substantial.

It is best to keep your Dogo separate from any children when possible.

Does the Dogo Get Along With Strangers?

Adult Dogo Argentinos aren’t known to enjoy strangers’ company. 

They have a tendency to become aggressive with strangers if they are not well-socialized as puppies, but with the proper socialization, the Dogo can be a very social and welcoming dog. 

It all depends entirely upon how well you or the owner of the Dogo socialize them.

Is a Dogo Good at Adapting to New Surroundings?

While Dogo Argentinos are not the most adaptable dogs, they do enjoy traveling with their owners. Dogs are social dogs who want to always be with their owner. 

They require enough space to run and roam while doing so in a safe environment.

Dago Argintino Temperament

As with any animal, a Dogo can be unpredictable. Considering the size and strength of this dog you need to take precautions.

Will the Dogo Argentino Bite Unexpectedly?

The Dogo Argentino is slightly more inclined to bite than some other breeds due to their history and nature. 

Other people can provoke biting but biting generally won’t happen to the dog’s immediate human family members. 

With an extreme bite that can make a Pitbull jaw look weak, these dogs could very easily become dangerous if not trained and handled correctly. 

While there are risks associated with this breed having a strong prey drive, they can still be very loving and sweet dogs. 

Is the Dogo Argentino Easy to Train?

The Dogo is an exceptionally smart dog breed. While they are highly intelligent, they also are highly-strong willed and need a confident dog handler to train them. 

They can have the tendency to almost outthink their handlers. The Dogo will do best with short-medium length, consistent training sessions. 

Make sure that you use very clear commands and use positive reinforcement. 

Areas of training the Dogo Argentino excels in:

• Obedience
• Recall and other hunting training.
• Guard dog training
• Socialization is extra mandatory with these dogs.
• Agility 
• Working dog courses. Dogo Argentinos are used in a variety of tasks including police work, as search and rescue dogs, and even used in the military.

Is the Dogo Argentino Athletic?

One very important thing to keep in mind about the Dogo is that even though they are fairly large dogs, they are extreme athletes. 

They can run at speeds up to 25 miles per hour and can clear fences and obstacles up to six feet high. This needs to be kept in mind when choosing fencing for these amazing dogs. 

It is also recommended you keep them on a leash anywhere they can be able to escape from or during walks. 

Is the Dogo Argentino a Playful Dog Breed?

Dogos absolutely love to play. They are well known for loving games such as tug of war, running games, water games, hunting training games, and many others. 

They are a great choice if you are looking for a dog that loves to be active and can keep up with your lifestyle.

Related Dogo Argentino Questions

How Does the Dogo Argentino Handle Hot and Cold Weather?

The Dogo is very well adapted to hot weather. They have the perfect coat for warmer clients. 

Since they originate from Argentina, they are best suited to warmer places and do not particularly like the cold. 

If you want to get a Dogo Argentino but live somewhere cold, make sure that your dog is able to keep warm enough. They can be prone to frostbite due to their lack of a thick winter coat. 

During snow or temperatures under 60 degrees, it is best for the Dogo to come inside, especially during the night.

Are Dogo Argentinos purebred dogs?

The Dogo Argentino was created by breeding a mixture of several large purebred dogs including the Boxer, Bull Terrier, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, and Spanish Mastiff.

So the Dogo originates from purebred dogs.

How much do Dogo Argentino puppies cost?

The Dogo Argentino is a fairly rare breed, so finding a reputable breeder may be a little challenging, along with needing to be on a waiting list for a puppy. Their prices can vary greatly. 

This will depend on the puppy’s confirmation and bloodline. Generally, a Dogo puppy will cost around $1,500-$5,500.

Does the Dogo Argentino enjoy swimming?

This is the breed for you if you adore water because these pups are excellent swimmers and can play all day in the water. 

Most dogs don’t particularly enjoy the water, but the Dogo would be thrilled to live somewhere local to a beach or lake. 

The Dogo Argentino Can Make a Great Pet

The Dogo Argentino may be a great addition to your family if you have the space and ability to train them. 

They are rewarding and enjoyable dogs to have, but they do have some special care requirements. The Dogo Argentino breed is best suited for experienced dog owners.

Keep in mind that the Dogo Argentino is not always allowed in certain areas, so be sure to get the appropriate information and permissions for your location.

You can learn more about the amazing Dogo Argentino at the Dogo Argentino Club of America website.