Dogo Argentino: A Comprehensive Breed Guide
A breed known for its strength, athletic prowess and loyalty, the Dogo Argentino is an impressive dog that has gained popularity worldwide. Although considered a scary dog breed, these dogs are often misunderstood and can make excellent pets for experienced owners. But they do have some special needs and care requirements which don’t make them perfect for everyone. That and their incredible strength.
So is the Dogo Aregtnino for you?
This guide will delve into everything you need to know about this dog breed, from its fascinating history and unique physical attributes to its temperament and care needs.
History of Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino, also known as the Argentinian Mastiff, has a rich history that dates back to the 1920s. It was developed in Argentina by Antonio Nores Martinez and his brother Agustin.
The two of them wanted to breed the ideal companion dog that was also a good pack hunter, protector, and that could withstand diverse weather well. They incorporated a variety of breeds, including the Great Pyrenees, Great Dane, White Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, and a now-extinct mastiff-type breed called the Dog of Cordoba.
The result? A fearless hunter with great stamina and a white coat designed to deflect heat rather than absorb it.
However, the breed’s reputation was marred in Britain where people started using the dogs for dog fighting. Unfortunately, this reputation is often what people first think of when it comes to Dogo Argentino dogs.
This led to a ban on the breed in some countries, including the UK. Despite this, the Dogo Argentino has proven to be a loyal, intelligent, and versatile breed, capable of excelling in several roles such as hunting, tracking, guarding, military work, and guide for the blind.
Physical Characteristics of Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino dog is a large and muscular dog, typically weighing between 85-120 pounds and standing 23-30 inches tall. The breed is known for its pure white coat color, which is glossy and without an undercoat. It has a massive, rounded head, a nose that is distinctly black, and eyes that are well-set apart and range in color from dark brown to hazel.
The ears of a Dogo Argentino are often cropped to stand erect, giving them a triangular shape. However, ear cropping is considered inhumane and is banned in many countries. The Dogo Argentino’s tail is thick, long and naturally carried low.
In terms of markings, the Dogo Argentino is predominantly white, but it can sometimes have a black spot on the head, a trait accepted by the Federacion Cinologica Argentina and known as “pirata.”
Because of thier musucular stance, coloring, and large heads, many people think these dogs look like Pitbulls!
Dogo Argentino Temperament
This dog breed is known for its loyalty and protective personality. It’s a breed that forms strong bonds with its human family, making it a great guardian of the home. The breed is playful and extremely good with children, often showing affection through kisses and cuddles. Despite its size and strength, the Dogo Argentino loves to relax and lay by your feet at the end of the day.
However, the breed is not for everyone. It requires a firm, confident, and consistent handler who understands how to display leadership. The Dogo Argentino needs rules it must follow and limits to what it’s allowed to do. It’s also important to note that adult Dogos can be aggressive with other dogs, but early socialization and training can help manage this behavior. It’s also important to try and understand the behavior and that the pup perhaps considers the other dog as a threat.
It’s essential that the Dogo Argentino receives obedience training from an early age in order to help them learn how to behave in social situations.
Living Conditions for Dogo Argentino
Despite their size, Dogo Argentinos can adapt to living in an apartment if they are given sufficient exercise. However, they thrive best in a home with at least an average-sized yard. They are not suited to cold weather and should be brought indoors when temperatures drop below freezing.
Although happy to protect their people and property, Dogo Argentinos are not dogs that should spend all their time outside. They thrive on human contact and love to play and socialise with their family.
Do Dogo Argentinos Bark?
Yes, Dogo Argentinos do bark. They are naturally alert and protective dogs, so they will bark to make their owners aware of any potential danger or intruders. However, the bark of a Dogo Argentino is usually not loud or high-pitched. It is more of a deep, low-pitched rumble that can be intimidating to strangers.
For this reason, Dogo Argentinos make excellent guard dogs as they can easily deter intruders with their deep barks and intimidating presence. When properly trained and socialized from an early age, Dogo Argentinos can also make excellent family companions who are loyal and loving towards their owners.
Health Concerns and Lifespan of Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a relatively healthy breed, but like all large dogs, it is prone to certain health issues. These include
-Hip dysplasia
-Progressive retinal atrophy
-Heart disease
-Joint issues
Regular visits to the vet and a healthy diet are essential for maintaining the breed’s health. With proper care and regular exercise, the Dogo Argentino can live up to 12-14 years of age. It’s important to note that this breed needs plenty of mental stimulation as well as physical exercise; otherwise, they can become bored and destructive. Puzzle toys and snuffle mats are a great way to keep their brains in check.
Exercise Needs of Dogo Argentino
As a breed originally bred for hunting, the Dogo Argentino has high energy levels and requires plenty of exercise. Daily long walks or jogs are essential, as is regular playtime. This breed loves to play fetch, tug of war, and enjoys hikes in the woods.
It’s also really important to mentally stimulate these dogs. They’re smart, and when left to get bored can get destructive. And believe us, you don’t want a destructive Dogo Argentino.
Dogo Argentino Bite Force
The Dogo Argentino is a powerful breed with an impressive bite force. It has the second strongest bite among all dog breeds, with a pressure of 305 psi (pounds per square inch). This is slightly lower than the bite force of the Kangal, which is estimated to be around 743 psi.
However, the Dogo Argentino’s bite is still strong enough to cause serious injury if it were to attack someone or another animal. The breed has been used as a guard dog and for hunting large game such as wild boar and puma due to its strength and powerful jaw. It’s important for owners of this breed to provide adequate training and socialization so that they know how to use their strength in appropriate ways.
Trainability of the Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is intelligent and capable of learning quickly, but it’s also strong-willed. This means that training should be consistent and firm, but also loving. The key is to establish yourself as the pack leader early on so that they learn to respect you.
They need a dog owner who has had experience with similar, muscular dogs in the past and knows how to handle them properly. Not only do they need proper guidance, but they also need an owner who can physically manage them. These dogs are strong, and can easily pull someone over if they want to chase after something.
Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, these dogs are sensitive and respond poorly to harsh training methods. Reward-based training and positive reinforcement are always best. They’ll respond really well to praise from you, cute toys, and healthy treats.
Grooming Needs of Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino has a short coat that is easy to groom and requires minimal maintenance. Regular bathing and brushing are enough to keep their coats looking beautiful. That’s really all the coat care you need to do!
These white dogs have no doggy odor, so baths can be given as needed or when they’ve been playing in something dirty. Nail trimming should also be done regularly to keep them from getting too long which can be painful.
Since they have floppy ears, it’s important to check them regularly for any signs of infection or wax buildup. Brushing their teeth at least twice a week will help prevent dental disease and bad breath. Finally, trimming the hair around their eyes will help keep their vision clear and prevent irritation from dirt or debris.
What Should You Feed a Dogo Argentino?
A Dogo Argentino’s diet should consist of high-quality dog food that is specially formulated for large breed dogs. It’s important to feed them the right amount of food so they maintain a healthy weight for their size and breed. Fresh dog food can be a great option as it pre-portions your dog’s meals based on their energy levels and size.
They should also have access to plenty of fresh, clean water. Healthy treats can be given in moderation as rewards for good behavior or when your pup finally masters a new trick. Check out the BarkingTalk Food Page to know which human foods are safe to feed your pup. Feeding these dogs once or twice a day is usually enough to keep them healthy and happy.
It’s important to monitor their weight regularly and adjust their diet accordingly if they start to gain too much weight. If you’re unsure about how much your Dogo Argentino should be eating, speak with your veterinarian about what’s best for your pup.
Are Dogo Argentinos Good with Kids and Other Pets?
Dogo Argentinos are generally good with children, but it is important to always supervise playtime. They can be quite protective of their family and may become aggressive towards strangers. It is best to socialize them from a young age so that they become used to different people, animals, and situations.
When properly socialized, Dogo Argentinos can do well with other pets as long as they are introduced slowly and properly supervised. With proper training and supervision, these dogs can learn how to get along with other animals in the house. They may even become protective and loyal companions for your children.
Are Dogo Argentinos Fighting Dogs?
This working dog was originally bred for hunting large game in South America such as wild boar and puma, and they have a strong prey drive. However, they are loyal and protective of their family and can become aggressive if provoked or threatened.
Training and socialization from a young age are essential to ensure that your Dogo Argentino remains friendly and obedient. With the right training, these dogs can be great family pets that are loyal, loving, and protective of their owners.
Unfortunately, however, a Dogo Argentino is a desired fighting dog and they can be unethically bred for this purpose. It’s always essential to make sure you research a Dogo Argentino breeder near you carefully, and that they can give you the correct health checks and screenings.
Adopting a Dogo Argentino
Adopting a Dogo Argentino is a big responsibility. It’s important to do your research and make sure this is the right breed for you. They are a very loyal breed, but they require an experienced and confident dog owner who can properly manage them.
Before adopting, it’s important to consider how much space you have available for them to run around in and if you have the time to provide the training and attention that they need. Dogo Argentinos need consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement in order to thrive in their new home.
Additionally, it’s important to find out if they will be compatible with any other pets that you may already have in your home. Taking on a Dogo Argentino is not something to be taken lightly; they are an incredible breed that needs proper care and guidance from their owners.
Final Thoughts
The Dogo Argentino is a remarkable breed, renowned for its strength, loyalty, and protective instincts. With proper care, training, and socialization, this breed can make a wonderful addition to the right household. However, potential owners should be prepared for the breed’s high energy levels, exercise needs, and potential health issues. If you’re considering adding a Dogo Argentino to your family, it’s important to understand what this breed requires to thrive and be sure you can provide it.
