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Dogo Argentino – The Argentine mastiff is fearless, athletic, and alert. Here we summarize how she made the leap from big game hunter to the family dog and what needs the relatively young breed has for a home. She is neither everyone’s dog nor everyone’s darling.
History & Origin
It’s in the name, the Dogo Argentino comes from Argentina in South America. The Argentinian doctor Antonio Nores Martinez laid the foundation for the relatively young breed in 1928. With the aim of creating a relentless hunter for the big game, he crossed Mastin, Bulldog, and Bull Terrier with each other. In the course of further development, additional attention was paid to family suitability and social ability in order to enable the breed to move into private households.
Numbers, Data, Facts
- Country of origin: Argentina
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
- Weight males: 40-45 kg
- Bitch weight: 36 – 45 kg
- Males 62-68 cm
- Bitches: 60-65 cm
- FCI standard: 292
- FCI breed description (only available in English, French, and Spanish)
Timeline Highlights
- In 1928 the foundation for the breed was laid
- 1964 Recognition of the breed by the Argentine Kennel Club
- In 1968, three copies found their way to Germany
- In 1973 the FCI recognized the Dogo as the first and only official dog breed in Argentina
Use
The Dogo Argentino is a first-line hunting dog. Point. Accordingly, he is often used as a hunting dog or guard dog. His fearlessness, bravery, stamina, and keen talent make him a reliable and, if necessary, relentless hunter. As a family dog, it is also suitable for living together if the owners challenge and support the animal sufficiently and are aware beforehand that they are acquiring a special breed.
Classification, breed standard & breed standard
- Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molosser – Swiss Mountain Dogs and other breeds
- Section 2.1 Molossians
- mastiff-like dogs
- Without work test
The Character & Essence of the Dogo Argentino
The athlete among the Molossians is extremely related to his people. For historical reasons, he throws a relentless protective instinct into the ring for his family and is considered to be particularly courageous, fearless, persistent, and self-confident. He is one of those quiet steppers who only bark when there is a good reason. His calm but powerful gait already exudes something sublime and seems to know his own strengths. As long as he doesn’t sense any danger and doesn’t run alongside the family but is actively involved in what’s going on, then that’s fine
Dealing with family & children
The Dogo Argentino is the guardian of the family. His people will be defended to death if necessary. Of course, extensive cuddling units are also a must and are actively demanded by the animal. Compared to its own family, the Argentine mastiff does not show any abnormalities.
In dealing with strangers
He is less wary of strangers than many other Molossians. However, his indifference towards strangers only lasts until the dog classifies the situation as dangerous.
When dealing with other dogs
When hunting big game, the Dogo was used with a whole pack of males. Only those animals that had sufficient social behavior could recommend themselves for further hunting and breeding. And despite all that. The Dogo Argentino does not get along well with other males. Of course, early socialization through puppy school and other ways of making social contact also play a role, but despite everything, they tend to be intolerant.
Urge to move
The Dogo wants to be exercised and kept busy. Ideally, he gets a home that is clear about it – to get a tenacious and active athlete here, for whom two to three normal walks may simply not be enough. The dog does not belong in the city apartment and finds ideal conditions wherever it can pursue its urge to exercise in nature. He is an endurance athlete and long-distance runner. In the growth phase, however, the dog should not be uncontrolled or challenged too much.
Cycling, agility, dog dance, or obedience training are ways to do justice to the dog. Animals that are under-challenged tend to show behavioral problems. With a muscular dog like the Dogo, however, this is an extremely unfavorable development, which unfortunately often leads to animal shelters.
The hunting instinct
It is not only used successfully as a hunting dog in its native Argentina. He loves to go wild boar hunting in a pack at home. Therefore, a pronounced hunting instinct cannot be denied or ignored. Owners can only steer the temperament in orderly channels, but not suppress it.
Optics and Fur
The Dogo is a very athletic, medium-sized Molosser. His well-trained leg muscles come into their own with every movement. His bred white fur color protects him from missed shots by hunters on the hunt and makes him a rare and unusual appearance in dog schools & Co. since white dogs are clearly in the minority.
Its short and sleek coat is adaptable. When the weather is appropriate, it forms the appropriate undercoat.
Care and Attitude
Since he is a robust guy, the care is quite low. You should treat him to regular brushing of his short hair. The attitude is considered demanding. Owners should have experience handling dogs, be willing to invest a lot of time and money in dog training, and ideally keep the dog in rural areas rather than in the city. The Dogo Argentino simply does not belong on the fourth floor of a city apartment.
Education
The Dogo Argentino is not a beginner’s dog and requires consistent training and more attention than some other large dog breeds. As with large dogs in general, owners should try to give the Dogo some education from puppy legs onwards and attend at least puppy school and dog school very early. Although the Dogo grows mentally up to the third year of life, the course is set in the imprinting phase in order to later obtain a patent and, above all, a dog that can be led and controlled. Throwing and biting games are not recommended.