At 4 months old, your Dogo Argentino puppy is likely to be bursting with energy and curiosity. They're still in the teething phase, so be prepared for some gnawing and chewing on everything in sight.
Dogo Argentinos typically weigh between 20-30 pounds at 4 months, with males slightly larger than females. Their coat is still developing, but it should be mostly white with a small amount of brown or black markings.
This age is a great time to start socializing your puppy with other dogs and people. Introduce them to various environments, sights, and sounds to help them become confident and calm in new situations.
As your puppy continues to grow, be sure to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Discover more: Bernese Mountain Dog 6 Months
Characteristics of the
As you welcome your 4-month-old Dogo Argentino puppy into your family, it's essential to understand their unique characteristics.
Dogo Argentinos are impressively huge, with most weighing between 80 and 100 pounds, and males can grow up to 24-26.5 inches in height.
Their temperament is protective of their home and owners, which is why early socialization and training are crucial.
A Dogo's nose is usually black, and their eyes are dark brown, light brown, or hazel.
Their high prey drive often makes them a poor match for other household pets, especially smaller animals.
Dogo Argentinos are intelligent and athletic, requiring a lot of daily activity to keep them happy and healthy.
Here are some key characteristics of Dogo Argentinos at a glance:
Their smooth coat doesn't shed much, making it easy to clean and take care of.
Dogo Argentinos are generally not noisy and will only bark when necessary.
Early, frequent socialization is essential to help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted adult.
A nothing-in-life-is-free program, requiring puppies to "work" for everything they get by performing a command before receiving meals, toys, treats, or play, often works well with this breed.
Their high activity level means they need a job to do, which can be anything from being your on-leash jogging companion to their traditional role as hunting dog.
A strong, high fence is necessary to keep them on their own property, as they have a high prey drive and a territorial nature.
Regular grooming is essential, including brushing their coat at least once a week to remove dead hair and keep the skin and coat healthy.
Family and Suitability
If you're considering a Dogo Argentino as a family pet, it's essential to know that they are very affectionate toward family members.
They are not ideal for small spaces due to their power and energy.
With proper training and socialization, a Dogo Argentino can be a great family dog.
However, they may not be gentle enough with toddlers due to their size and strength.
Dedicate up to an hour every day to address your Dogo Argentino's physical exercise needs, especially if you live in a spacious apartment.
History and Origins
The Dogo Argentino breed has a rich history that spans over 90 years. It originated in Argentina in 1928.
Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez created the breed by crossing the now-extinct Cordoba fighting dog with other breeds, including the Great Dane, English Pointer, Irish Wolfhound, Bulldog, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Great Pyreneese, Spanish Mastiff, and Dogue de Bordeaux.
The Dogo Argentino was initially used for dog fighting, but Dr. Nores Martinez soon realized its potential as a hunting dog. It's capable of catching large, dangerous game such as wild boar and puma.
The breed arrived in the United States in the 1970s and is still relatively rare. The American Kennel Club first recognized it in 2020.
As a relatively new breed, the Dogo Argentino is still gaining popularity, but it's already being used for various tasks, including hunting, tracking, and guarding.
Care and Grooming
As a dog owner, you want to ensure your 4-month-old Dogo Argentino puppy is happy and healthy. Grooming is an essential part of their care, and it's relatively easy with a short-haired dog like this breed.
Brush your puppy's coat with a soft brush or rubber curry brush once a week to keep them neat and distribute natural oils. This will also help remove loose hair.
Check their ears every week for dirt and debris, and ask your vet for advice on how to clean them properly. Redness, swelling, or a bad odor can be signs of infection.
Trim their nails when necessary, but if you hear them clicking on hard surfaces, it's time for a trim. This will help prevent overgrowth.
Brush your puppy's teeth daily to keep them in shape and prevent dental problems. It's a good idea to start when they're young, so they get used to the experience.
Worth a look: Shiba Inu Reach 1 Cent
Their short, white fur makes them susceptible to sunburn, so be mindful of how much time they spend in direct sunlight. Discuss sun protection with your vet to keep them safe.
As your puppy grows, they may experience heavier shedding during seasonal changes, so be prepared for this and consider a bath every couple of months if they get dirty.
Health and Nutrition
As a proud owner of a 4-month-old Dogo Argentino puppy, I'm excited to share with you the importance of health and nutrition for this wonderful breed.
Dogo Argentinos are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as deafness and hip dysplasia.
It's essential to provide your puppy with a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their high energy needs. A large-breed puppy formula is recommended to promote slow and steady growth and prevent joint issues.
Make sure to feed your puppy two measured meals per day, and discuss the type of diet and amount of food with your veterinarian, as it may vary depending on age, size, activity level, and other factors.
A well-balanced diet is crucial to prevent food allergies, which can cause red or itchy skin. Keep an eye out for extra scratching or signs of discomfort, and consult your vet if you suspect an allergy.
Dogo Argentinos are sensitive to the sun, so be sure to protect your puppy from sunburn by limiting their time outdoors during peak sun hours.
Here are some essential health checks to consider:
- Deafness: Check for signs of deafness, such as lack of response to loud noises or failure to react to their name.
- Hip Dysplasia: Monitor your puppy's gait and watch for signs of joint issues, such as limping or difficulty standing up.
- Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD): Keep an eye on your puppy's weight and exercise them regularly to prevent joint issues.
Remember, your veterinarian is your best resource for ensuring your puppy's health and nutrition needs are met. Schedule regular check-ups and follow their advice to keep your furry friend happy and healthy!
Training and Behavior
As a proud owner of a 4-month-old Dogo Argentino puppy, you're probably eager to start training and socialization. Training a Dogo Argentino is not for the faint of heart; you need to be consistent and use positive reinforcement methods to teach your pup how you want them to behave.
You should start training and socializing your puppy as soon as possible, ideally in puppy obedience classes. These classes will help you and your puppy learn basic obedience commands and socialize with other dogs and people.
A nothing-in-life-is-free program can work well with this breed, requiring your puppy to "work" for everything they get by performing a command before receiving meals, toys, treats, or play.
It's essential to expose your puppy to different people, other dogs, and various situations to build comfort and confidence. The more positive experiences your Dogo has with new people and dogs, the likelier they are to be friendly with them rather than defensive.
You should also focus on calm introductions to the great big world, taking your puppy on car rides and walks that safely expose them to new sounds and smells.
Here are some essential skills to teach your puppy:
- Leash training
- Basic obedience commands (sit, stay, come, etc.)
- How to interact with other dogs and people
Remember, socialization is an ongoing process that requires patience and consistency. You should continue socializing your Dogo throughout his life by taking him to puppy kindergarten class, visits to friends and neighbors, and outings to local shops and businesses.
A bored Dogo Argentino is a destructive Dogo Argentino, so keep your puppy busy with training, play, and socialization experiences.
Adopting or Buying a Dog
If you're looking to bring a Dogo Argentino into your life, you'll want to know your options for adopting or buying one.
The Dogo Argentino is relatively rare in North America, so checking area shelters and rescue groups for one in need of a home is a good place to start.
You can expect to pay around $2,000 to $3,000 for a reputable breeder puppy, but this can vary widely depending on bloodline and other factors.
For further information on finding a reputable breeder or rescue group, it's worth doing some research to find a trustworthy source.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is a must-have for any dog owner, especially for a breed like the Dogo Argentino. Pet insurance for Dogo Argentinos costs more than for mixed breed dogs.
The reason for this higher cost is that Dogo Argentinos are more likely to develop hereditary conditions that are expensive to treat. This is a fact that's worth considering when you're thinking about getting a puppy.
The best time to get pet insurance for your Dogo Argentino is when he's a healthy puppy. This way, you can't predict what will happen in the future, and you'll be covered for any breed-specific conditions that may arise.
Check this out: When Should You Breed a Female Dog
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take a Dogo Argentino to fully grow?
A Dogo Argentino typically reaches full growth by 19 months of age. This breed's growth rate is relatively slow, with significant weight gain occurring between 3-6 months.
How do you tell if your puppy is a Dogo Argentino?
To identify a Dogo Argentino puppy, look for its distinctive short, completely white coat and unique head shape, where the length from the brow bone to the nose is the same as the length from the brow bone to the back of the head. This characteristic head shape is a key identifier of the breed.
How much is a Dogo Argentino puppy worth?
The cost of a Dogo Argentino puppy can range from $50 to $3,500, depending on whether you adopt or buy from a breeder. Learn more about the adoption and purchasing process to find your new furry friend.
Sources
- What to Know About Dogo Argentino (webmd.com)
- Dogo Argentino Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Dogo Argentino Rescue (dcdogos.org)
- Dogo Argentino Club of America (dogousa.org)
- Dogo Argentino Puppies For Sale (akc.org)
- Breed History (dogousa.org)
- Dogo Argentino (akc.org)
- hip dysplasia (petmd.com)
- Dogo Argentino Club of America (dogousa.org)
- AKC’s website (akc.org)
- Dogo Argentino Club of America (dogousa.org)
Featured Images: pexels.com