Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino, also known as the Argentinian Mastiff, has become a popular
Dog Breed.
The Dogo Argentino is probably not the best choice for a first-time dog owner. They are an extremely powerful and headstrong dog. However, they are also very intelligent. This dog needs a leader who is firm and consistent but knows better than to ever use force. They are very courageous but they need a lot of exercise and someone who plans to commit the necessary time and energy into keeping them obedient and under control.
Like many purebred dogs they are happiest when they have a job to do. This job can range from short jogs at your side to working as a hunting dog and home watchdog. If they get bored and have nothing to keep them active they will start to get into trouble. They were bred to chase things and have a high prey drive. You’ll need to keep an eye on the neighborhood cats and wildlife. They have a very strong protective instinct and are very territorial. I recommend that you keep them in your house with you but of course they want to be outside too. Here I would suggest a strong, tall fence.
All dogs require early and frequent socialization. But with a strong powerful breed such as this it is imperative. If you are going to purchase from a breeder, please make sure that they have all health certificates and have done as much in-home socializing with the dog as possible. I really recommend that you acquire one through a rescue and help give one a home that otherwise wouldn’t have one.
The Dogo Argentino has a smooth white coat that sheds heavily. You are going to need to brush him often and plan on vacuuming up your floors.
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Here are some pictures of the Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino History
The Dogo Argentino is the creation of a medical doctor from Argentina, Antonio Nores Martinez. His desire was to create a big-game hound that would be able to traverse the diverse terrain of Argentina. With it’s rugged mountains and harsh plains he needed a tough sturdy dog. He started with the Fighting Dog of Cordoba, now extinct. He mixed in other breeds to get more height, scenting ability, speed, hunting instinct, and a sociable nature. His ultimate goal was to create a dog that was versatile - one that would hunt big game, control vermin, and guard property.
He wanted to control for the fighting instinct and replace it with with hunting ability. In 1927, he started with 10 Cordoban bitches and started breeding them with Pointers, Boxers, Great Danes, Bull Terriers, Bulldogs, Irish Wolfhounds, Dogues de Bordeaux, Great Pyrenees, and Spanish Mastiffs. Before long, Argentine and other South American hunters began to use the dogs to track boar for long distances. Once the Dogo Argentino cornered the boar it’s goal was to corner and hold it until the hunter arrived. Sadly, Nores Martinez was killed in a robbery attempt before he could see the breed. The Argentina Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1973 after Nores Martinez had already passed away in a robbery attempt. The breed is currently a member of the American Kennel Club’s Miscellaneous Class, the final step before full AKC recognition.
The Dogo Argentino is currently involved in more than hunting. They have worked as military and police dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
Awesome videos of Dogo Argentino puppies
Dogo Argentino Size and Weight
Typically stand 24 to 27 inches.
Typically range from 80 pounds to 100 pounds.
Dogo Argentino Personality
This is an amazingly powerful dog that was bred to be that way. It could be said that he has a dual personality. They kind of remind you of the German Shepherd in that they are loving and protective of their family, but are fierce hunters capable of taking on a wild boar. However, they should never be aggressive without good reason.
The Dogo wants to constantly be close to family members, literally so close they could touch them. If they sense a threat they will spring into action when the time calls. Due to their strong hunting and prey drive it is highly recommended that they be kept away from cats and small dogs. If you currently have cats or small dogs and still desire to get a Dogo, please just socialize them slowly and teach them their boundaries.
Daily exercise, meaning hour long walks, slow jogs, and hikes are important to keep him physically and mentally stimulated. They are very strong-willed and independent, so they need a confident owner who can be a strong, authoritative pack leader.
If you get one as a puppy, don’t wait until he is 6 months old to begin training. This will create bad habits that might be hard to stop. Go ahead and start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Do everything you can to socialize the young puppy. Take him to puppy classes, doggy day cares, etc. Just keep socializing him as much as you can.
Even though this refers to acquiring one as a puppy, you can also get one through a rescue and find a little bit older, more mature and well socialized dog looking for a new home.
Dogo Argentino Health
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
Here are some conditions that have been seen in the breed; hypothyroidism, deafness, glaucoma, laryngeal paralysis, and hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia in Dogs is a disease of the hip in which the ball and socket joint is malformed. This malformation means that the ball portion and its socket don’t properly meet one another, resulting in a joint that rubs and grinds instead of sliding smoothly. Ask the breeder to show written evidence that a Dogo puppy’s parents have been cleared by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). .
Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. A careful breeder and one who truly cares about the breed itself, screens their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens. One of the most common health problems with dogs is obesity. Keeping this under control is your responsibility.
Dogo Argentino Care
Due to their short coat grooming him is relatively easy. Bathe him as often as you think he needs it, but not too much where it will dry out his coat. Trim his toe nails every couple of months and brush his teeth or get him an approved bone to chew on that will clean them for you.
Dogo Argentino Feeding
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet.