Origin
The Dogo Argentino, a large, white, muscular dog, owes much of its development to Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez. This breed was created in Argentina in the year 1928 by Dr. Martinez (a medical doctor, professor and surgeon), to breed a dog capable of hunting big game, such as wild boar and puma. Another intention was that he wanted a dog that will be brave enough to risk its life just to guard its human family.
Some say that the Dogo Argentino is probably a mix of several dog breeds including the Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Old English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Great Pyrenees, Pointer, Irish Wolfhound and Dogue de Bordeaux.
Though not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club as an official breed, the Dogo Argentino has been accepted for recording in the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS).
Traits and Behavior
Dogo Argentinos are energetic dogs, even-tempered, and friendly especially with kids when these dogs have been trained well during their puppy stage. When they are not trained, the natural behavior of these dogs tends to be free-spirited and independent as their breeding instinct was designed as a hunting dog.
Therefore, owning this type, the owner should muster much effort in engaging this dog to obey commands and to learn how to mingle with people and other house pets.
When properly trained, these dogs can dwell harmoniously in environments that have limited spaces, such as in apartment dwellings. They can also easily adapt to different kinds of terrain.
Pet Care and Diseases
There are reports that pigment-related deafness in some Dogo Argentinos has been noted. Hip dysplasia is also a common health concern among these dogs.
Since they are made up of short coat covering and, therefore, are average shedders, less maintenance is required on them but occasional brushing of their coats, bathing them when they are dirtied, especially when they are on a hunting spree, or just a simple rubdown with a damp cloth to remove dirt and mud.
Because of a big tendency for these dogs to turn deaf, owners must take them to the vet for regular check-ups to take cautious measures on what to do.
For these dogs to live a healthy life, the owners must provide them with a well-defined feeding program, most especially that these dogs have active lives and exude much energy. Regular exercises like running in open and large spaces and daily walks are necessary for these dogs to be kept always on their toes.
Appearance
The Dogo Argentino is a large white dog with a well-muscled and powerful body structure. Adult males typically stand around 24 to 30 inches (60-68 cm) at the withers while adult females stand between 24-27 inches (60-65 cm). For both genders, the weight could go from 40-54 kg. The breed looks like the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier when it comes to appearance.
However, the Dogo Argentino is far smaller than the latter. The head has a broad, slightly domed skull and the muzzle is slightly higher at the nose than the stop when viewed in profile. The tail is set low, thick at the base and tapers to a point.
The Dogo Argentino has a heavy and shiny white coat that rarely has any markings (any type of marking or spot on its fur is regarded as a defect).
General Information
The life expectancy of this breed is about 9-20 years. The average litter size is 4-8 puppies. Other names include Argentine Dogo, Argentinian Mastiff, Arjantin Dogo and Dogue Argentin.
Breed Club
Visit this dog club website dedicated to Dogo Argentinos. Click this link: