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Ladies and gentlemen, pet lovers from all over the world, all the way from Argentina… No, it's not a famous football player.
It's the Dogo Argentino dog breed!
Also called the Argentinian Mastiff or the Argentine Dogo, these dogs are strong, athletic, and loyal to their owners.
They can be excellent hunters and a gentle guardian for their families.
Dogo Argentinos are active dogs that have high prey drives. However, they might get a little too distrustful of strangers and other animals.
They're a large-sized, working dog breed native to Argentina. They have short white coats and thick, muscular physiques.
If you plan to adopt a Dogo Argentino puppy, this blog will discuss everything you need to learn about them.
But be warned! This dog is not typically ideal or suitable for first-time dog owners.
Without further ado, let's get started!
Dogo Argentino History
The Dogo Argentino dog breed has roots traced to Argentina in 1928.
A man named Antonio Nores Martinez wanted a dog that was fearless for big game hunting, could handle the environment of his home, and was a great watchdog and family companion.
Martinez began to use selective breeding in the 1920s with the motive to decrease the dog's desire to fight so it could also work well with families and other dogs.
To create this dog, Martinez crossed the now-extinct Cordoba fighting dogs with Mastiffs, Bulldogs, Bull terriers, and Boxers.
Other breeds, such as the Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, and English pointer, also contributed to their genes.
As a result, Martinez made a trustworthy companion animal with a strong prey drive and a loyal family guardian.
Unfortunately, the breed is still sometimes used in dog fighting due to its strength and fearless attitude.
Dogo Argentinos are relatively rare, even though they first arrived in the United States in the 1970s.
This breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2020.
Dogo Argentino Physical Traits
The Dogo Argentino has a short, all-white coat, but some have a black spot on the head.
They are classified as large-sized dogs that grow an average height of 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder. Males are generally slightly taller than females by about an inch.
The Dogo Argentino also has a muscular build. They also weigh an average of 80 to 100 pounds.
They have large, broad heads that might confuse you with the American Bulldog or the American Pit Bull Terrier.
But even though these are the breed's standard sizes, some Dogo Argentinos may appear smaller and some a bit bigger.
Dogo Argentino Temperament
The Dogo Argentino is a great candidate if you're looking for a fierce guard dog who also deeply loves his family.
They are loyal dogs with a tendency to be highly territorial. But that's a great quality for excellent watchdogs.
However, remember that these dogs have strong prey drives, which makes them great hunters. That means they can also be tough companions for other pets like cats and smaller dogs.
These dogs are so strong they can even take down wild boars!
They are best suited for experienced pet owners who know how to handle independent dogs, especially regarding proper socialization, since they are known for being aloof or uneasy with strangers and other dogs.
Living with a Dogo Argentino
These dogs are not recommended for pet owners living in small apartments.
Firstly, they are large-sized dogs that need plenty of space and exercise.
The Dogo Argentino dog thrives in environments with plenty of room to run and roam around. For instance, if you live on a farm or ranch, the Dogo Argentino might be the dog for you!
Again, this might not be recommended for homes with cats.
If you plan to adopt this breed still, proper socialization is required. It would be best if the cat and puppy grew up together.
Even though this breed has a poor reputation, they are excellent family companions with the help of consistent training and early socialization.
Dogo Argentino Training and Exercise
Start training and socialization as young as possible for dogs like the Dogo Argentino.
These dogs will be difficult to manage due to their large size when they develop behavioral problems.
This dog needs a self-assured and focused owner who can provide consistent positive reinforcement training methods.
Try to enroll your Dogo Argentino puppy in a puppy obedience class as soon as he is old enough.
Expose them to different environments, sounds, people, and other pets so that they can build their confidence and gain comfort.
Positive experiences with various people and pets will help them be more friendly and less defensive.
On the other hand, we all know that the Dogo Argentino is a strong, active dog breed that will need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
A minimum of 60 minutes of daily exercise is recommended for the Dogo Argentino dog breed.
Brisk walks are okay, but it's best to let them run freely in a secure place to ensure they get tired out.
You can also bond with him by playing fetch or engaging him in dog sports like agility, weight pull, or obedience.
Dogo Argentino Health Care
The Argentinian Mastiff is a healthy dog breed. Their life expectancy is about 10 to 12 years!
However, like any dog breed, the Dogo Argentino is prone to some illnesses.
It's best advised for owners to do regular checkups with their most trusted vet to maintain good health.
Hip Dysplasia
First on the list is Hip Dysplasia.
Hip Dysplasia is a hereditary problem where the socket of the joint and ball becomes shifted or distorted.
This condition is common in large-sized dogs as their size stresses their lower body areas, like their joints.
If your Dogo Argentino has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, it's best to keep their weight in the normal range and have them exercise with activities that help joint therapy.
You can also ask your vet for medications like anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, and other supplements.
Hypothyroidism
When a dog is diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, his metabolism is slowed down.
Hypothyroidism is the inactive function of the thyroid gland.
It is also a genetic condition. Dogs that are diagnosed with an inherited disorder should never be used for breeding.
In hypothyroidism, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland since it does not recognize it.
Monitor your Dogo Argentino and watch for symptoms like lethargy, slow heart rate, weight gain, excessive shedding, and high cholesterol.
Consult with your vet immediately if you've noticed something unusual in your dog's health.
The veterinarian may provide maintenance and recommended diet.
Glaucoma
On the other hand, another problem for the Dogo Argentino is Glaucoma.
Glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure inside the eyes. It is very painful and can spread rapidly.
It can also hurt the nerves and retina in the eyes.
If the Dogo Argentino has a cloudy cornea, different size of pupils, nonreactive pupils to light, frequent squinting, and lethargy, you should have them checked as soon as possible.
Veterinarians will most likely prescribe a medicine or lifelong maintenance if your Argentinian Mastiff is diagnosed with Glaucoma.
It’s best to have a Dogo Argentino checked regularly to check if they have the condition.
Bloat
Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a gastrointestinal problem where a dog's stomach expands due to it teeming with fluid, food, or gas.
This condition should not be taken lightly, as it can be fatal if left untreated.
Due to bloating, blood is trapped in the stomach, preventing return and proper flow.
If you want to prevent this condition, don't let your dog do heavy activities after a meal, stop him from eating too fast and eating large meals all day.
Treatment will vary based on your veterinarian's observation.
Dogo Argentino Grooming Needs
The Dogo Argentino's short coat only sheds moderately and doesn't have that typical dog odor.
Brushing it weekly with a soft bristle brush is recommended to eliminate loose hair and help distribute natural oils.
Daily teeth brushing is recommended to avoid tartar buildup and remove bacteria lurking inside their mouths.
Dog owners must also take care of their dog's ears.
Check your Dogo Argentino's ears regularly and clean them with a damp cloth or a dog-specific ear-cleaning solution.
Dog nails should be kept short. A good rule of thumb is their nails should not be touching the ground. Trim their nails every 2-3 weeks.
In addition, the Argentine Dogo is also prone to sunburn. Monitor and be mindful of how much time Fido spends in direct sunlight.
Consult your vet for the best sun protection for your dog.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Dogo Argentino
Adopting and finding a Dogo Argentino can be difficult, depending on where you live.
For instance, the Dogo Argentino dog breed is relatively rare in North America, but you can still try and visit local shelters and other rescue groups.
On the other hand, if you plan to adopt this dog breed through a reputable breeder, expect to pay an average of $2,000 to $ 5,000.
However, plenty of factors can still affect a dog's price, like the dog's bloodline, location, colors and markings, medical records, and age.
You can check out these two rescue groups dedicated to this breed:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dogo Argentino more powerful than Pitbull?
The Dogo Argentino and the Pitbull are both known for their strong and muscular build.
But if we're comparing bite force, the Dogo Argentions are measured at up to 600 pounds per square inch, while Pitbulls have around 235 pounds per square inch.
Is Dogo Argentino a good family dog?
Although the Dogo Argentino might look scary, they are actually great family dogs and watchdogs.
With early training and proper socialization, these dogs will be a great addition to your family.
Is a Dogo Argentino an aggressive breed?
Without proper training, dogs like the Dogo Argentino will develop behavioral problems and can become aggressive towards other people, dogs, and pets.
Start training as early as possible to ensure that your dog will be a well-behaved pup.
Dogo Argentino Dog Breed Profile: Before You Go…
The Dogo Argentino is a breed originating from Argentina. It is a large, muscular dog bred for strength, big game hunting, and being an excellent guardian and family companion.
They are fiercely loyal and very protective of their families.
If you plan to adopt a Dogo Argentino, you should know that this breed is not recommended for first-time pet owners.
Remember that this dog is a large-sized dog that needs to be in line. Give them strict boundaries that they should always follow.
But with proper care and a loving home, the Dogo Argentino will be the best addition to your family.
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