The Dogo Argentino has a reputation for being a fierce and aggressive breed, but is this really true? The breed was originally developed in Argentina in the 1920s for big game hunting, which might contribute to its intimidating appearance.
The Dogo Argentino was bred to be a powerful and athletic dog, with a muscular build and a short, smooth coat. This physical characteristic, combined with its intimidating reputation, can make the breed seem even more formidable.
However, the truth is that the Dogo Argentino is a loyal and loving companion, often described as gentle and affectionate with its family.
What Is a Dogo Argentino?
The Dogo Argentino is a large dog breed with a signature short white coat and a solid, muscular build.
They were introduced in Argentina in 1928 by a doctor who mixed their breed with Mastiffs, Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, and the fighting dogs of Cordoba.
Their powerful nose and impressive lung capacity make them well-suited for hunting.
Despite their size, the Dogo Argentino is also highly athletic, allowing them to chase down their prey effectively.
Pros and Cons
The Dogo Argentino is a breed that can be quite intimidating, but with the right training and socialization, they can make great family dogs. They're just as sweet as other beloved hounds.
Their physical capacity to chase, attack, and bite is considerable, which can be a concern if they become aggressive. However, their aggression is not necessarily predisposed.
They have a long history of being associated with fighting and boar hunting, but that doesn't make them more dangerous than other canines. In fact, with proper training and socialization, they can be just as gentle as other breeds.
The Dogo Argentino isn't recommended for new, inexperienced dog owners due to the challenges faced by trainers of the breed.
Recommended read: How to Train Dogo Argentino
Breed Information
The Dogo Argentino is a large, white, muscular dog breed developed primarily for big-game hunting in Argentina.
They were bred to be non-aggressive towards humans, but their strength and athleticism make them a formidable opponent.
The breed was introduced in Argentina in 1928 by a doctor who mixed Mastiffs, Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, and fighting dogs of Cordoba to create the Dogo Argentino.
Their signature short white coat and solid, muscular build make them recognizable, and they're also highly athletic, allowing them to chase down prey effectively.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
The Dogo Argentino is a large and powerful dog, with a height ranging from 60 to 68 centimeters.
They typically weigh between 40 to 45 kilograms.
Their short coat is predominantly white, and their eyes usually have an alert and intelligent expression.
Early socialization is crucial to prevent aggressive behavior in unfamiliar situations, due to their protective nature.
They are generally sociable, affectionate, and can be great with children when raised and trained properly.
What Is a Dogo Argentino?
The Dogo Argentino is a breed that's easily recognizable by its short white coat. They have a solid, muscular build that's perfect for hunting.
Their origins date back to 1928 in Argentina, where a doctor introduced the breed. The Dogo Argentino was bred to have a powerful nose and impressive lung capacity.
They're a large dog breed, but they're also highly athletic. This allows them to chase down their prey with ease.
Their muscular build is a result of being bred with Mastiffs, Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, and the fighting dogs of Cordoba.
Dog Bite Force
The Dogo Argentino's bite force is estimated to be around 250 to 300 PSI, which is similar to that of a Pit Bull.
Their powerful jaw and impressive stature make them an intimidating breed, capable of tracking and holding prey for their human hunting companions.
This breed's bite force is strong enough to hold onto prey, but it's essential to note that there's no scientific data to support inflated numbers reported by other sources.
Their bite is a result of their powerful build, designed for hunting and tracking.
Recommended read: Dogo Argentino Jaw Strength
Safety and Training
Training and socialization are crucial for the Dogo Argentino, especially given their protective nature. Early introduction to basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and lie down is a must.
Positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praise, are more effective than punitive methods. Experienced trainers can provide specific guidance for the breed, adapting techniques to the individual characteristics of each dog.
Socialization plays a vital role in shaping the behavior of the Dogo Argentino, helping prevent aggressive behavior due to fear of the unknown. Exposing the animal to different people, environments, and situations is essential.
The Dogo Argentino's ancestry filled with fighting and taking down wild boar doesn't necessarily make them more aggressive, but rather capable of more damage if they become aggressive. Their physical capacity to chase, attack, and bite is considerable.
The breed isn't recommended for new, inexperienced dog owners due to the challenges faced by trainers of the breed.
On a similar theme: Black Dogo Argentino Dog
Breed Ban: Motivations and Controversies
The Dogo Argentino has faced bans in various countries due to incidents related to aggression.
Some countries have restricted the breed due to its strength and size, which they believe may pose a risk to public safety.
Legislations in Brazil have specifically restricted the registration, ownership, and breeding of the Dogo Argentino due to its aggressive potential.
The discussion about the validity of these restrictions continues, with breeders and enthusiasts seeking ways to reverse or modify these regulations.
The controversy surrounding the breed ban is fueled by the argument that the Dogo Argentino's behavior is more related to upbringing and training than its genetic predisposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is more dangerous pitbull or Dogo Argentino?
Pit bulls are generally considered more aggressive due to their history of being bred for fighting, whereas Dogo Argentinos have not. However, it's essential to note that aggression can be influenced by various factors, including training and environment.
Sources
- the Dogo (akc.org)
- Dogo Argentino: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad ... (yourpurebredpuppy.com)
- median bite force (nih.gov)
- Dogo Argentino: the dog banned in several countries because ... (adorepets.com.br)
- 17. Dogo Argentino - Most Dangerous Dog Breeds In The ... (daily-choices.com)
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