
The Dogo Argentino is a powerful breed with a strong prey drive, which can sometimes manifest as aggression towards other animals, especially small ones. They were originally bred for big game hunting.
Their high energy levels and strong instincts can make them challenging to manage for inexperienced owners. This is especially true if they're not provided with adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
In fact, a study found that Dogo Argentinos are more likely to develop aggression problems if they're not properly socialized and trained from an early age. This is a critical period for shaping their behavior and preventing potential issues.
Dogo Argentino Aggression
Dogo Argentinos are some of the most aggressive dogs in the world.
They can be a good family pet if you're willing to put in the work.
They were bred to be fighting dogs, which means they have a natural inclination towards aggression.
This doesn't mean they're inherently evil, just that they need proper training.
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If you don't train your Dogo Argentino, they can become aggressive and even dangerous.
It's not worth the risk to your family's safety.
You'll need to train your dog to be friendly and cheerful, rather than aggressive and scary.
This training can be lifelong, so be prepared to put in the effort.
Approach your Dogo Argentino carefully to avoid startling them, which can trigger aggression.
You may also need more extensive training to prevent them from becoming aggressive around strangers.
Lifting a Dogo Argentino can be a real challenge, and it's not just your back that's at risk - their joints can get hurt too.
Make sure to protect both you and your dog by using a Mastiff ramp.
Dogo Argentinos can be a great addition to your family, but only if you're prepared to take on the responsibility of training them.
It's not a decision to be taken lightly.
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Temperament and Training
Dogo Argentinos are known to be humble, friendly, and cheerful, but not all of them are as well-behaved and sweet as described.
Without sufficient training, they may become aggressive and attack, which can have life-altering consequences due to their strong breed.
They are loyal to their master and display great devotion, but they can become very protective of their family.
A poorly socialised Dogo Argentino poses a big risk to both humans and animals and can become a potentially lethal weapon.
They tend to display dominance and are frequently bull-headed, making them not suitable for novice trainers.
Their trainer absolutely needs to be in control at all times, displaying consistency and firmness.
To deter their aggressive streak, they must get adequate training, which is essential for their development as a well-behaved dog.
They can be trained to live with other dogs, but it's crucial to socialise them from a young age to avoid potential problems.
Their heightened senses and vigilant nature make them exceptional guard dogs, but they should not be trusted with smaller animals.
If you want a Dogo Argentino, you have a lot to consider, including your history with your dogs and your family.
You should think about whether you can provide the necessary training and attention to help them become a well-behaved and loving companion.
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Safety and Supervision
Families with children should avoid getting large Dogo Argentinos since they are more challenging to train. It is better to get a puppy or an adolescent.
Supervision is essential when Dogo Argentinos are around pets or children, and these dogs should not be left alone with anyone. Constant supervision is more necessary with Dogo Argentinos due to their high propensity of aggression.
Always supervise the dog when around your family or other pets, even if you get a puppy. You can intervene if the Dogo Argentino starts to get aggressive.
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Breed Ban
Some countries have banned the Dogo Argentino breed due to its aggressive tendencies, so it's essential to consider this before bringing one home. The countries that have banned the breed include Denmark, Iceland, Israel, New Zealand, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
If you're thinking of moving to one of these countries with your Dogo Argentino, you'll need to make alternative arrangements for your dog. This could be a challenge, especially if you're not prepared.
The Dogo Argentino's aggressive tendencies can be controlled with the right training program. This can help prevent behaviors like anxiety, aggression, destructive chewing, jumping up, fearfulness, and more.
Here's a list of countries that have banned the Dogo Argentino breed:
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Israel
- New Zealand
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
Always Supervise

Supervising your Dogo Argentino is crucial, especially around family members and other pets. This is because they have a high propensity for aggression.
You should always supervise your Dogo Argentino when it's around small pets or young children. This is because they can be unpredictable and may lash out if they feel threatened.
Supervising your Dogo Argentino is not just about keeping an eye on it, but also about intervening if it starts to get aggressive. This can help prevent accidents and ensure everyone's safety.
It's also a good idea to supervise your Dogo Argentino around teenagers and other adults. While they may be less likely to attack, they can still be unpredictable and may cause problems.
Here are some key things to keep in mind when supervising your Dogo Argentino:
- Constant supervision is essential when your Dogo Argentino is around pets or children.
- Supervision is necessary when your Dogo Argentino is around other people, even if they're adults.
By supervising your Dogo Argentino and being aware of its behavior, you can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.
Dog Attack Aftermath
After a dog attack, it's crucial to protect your legal rights by taking several steps. Filing a complaint within the statute of limitations is essential, as waiting too long can result in losing your legal rights.
You should try to collect information immediately, including getting the contact information for any witnesses and obtaining information about the dog and its owner.
Gather insurance information from the dog owner, as this will be essential for your claim. Seeking medical attention for your wounds is also vital, as it will provide evidence of the extent of your injuries.
Pictures of your injuries, the dog, the dog owner, and the location are also crucial evidence to collect. Seeking legal advice is also important, as a dog-bite lawyer can help you navigate the process and obtain additional evidence and information.
Here are some key steps to take after a dog attack:
- File a complaint within the statute of limitations
- Get contact information for any witnesses
- Obtain information about the dog and its owner
- Gather insurance information from the dog owner
- Seek medical attention for your wounds
- Pictures of your injuries, the dog, the dog owner, and the location
- Seek legal advice
In some cases, judges may award additional damages, known as punitive damages, if they believe the damages awarded are insufficient.
General Information
The Dogo Argentino is a large and powerful breed. They were originally bred for hunting and guarding, which can sometimes make them wary of strangers.
In terms of size, the Dogo Argentino typically weighs between 80-100 pounds and stands between 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder. This size and strength can be intimidating to some people.
Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk and some playtime should do the trick.
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Overview of
Dogo Argentinos are bred to be fighting dogs, which makes them aggressive, but they're not inherently dangerous to humans.
They combine the genetics of Old Fighting Dogs of Cordoba with other large breeds like Bull Terriers and Mastiffs.
These dogs are on the larger side, weighing upwards of 120 pounds and standing over 29 inches tall.
Males can grow to be quite large, making them excellent working dogs.
To be good with humans, Dogo Argentinos need significant training from puppyhood for the best results.
They're not a common breed, and without proper training, they can be very dangerous.
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Appearance
The Dogo Argentino is an intimidating animal, with a strong and imposing body-shape and a big head.
Their muzzles are especially large and should measure roughly the same as their skull in length.
Their eyes can sometimes appear menacing, but are often curious and alert. They are deep set within their head and relatively small and dark.
Females will stand at 60-65cm tall, while males typically reach heights of 68cm.
The females of the breed will weigh 35-43kg, while the males will weigh up to 45kg.
Their skin is elastic, and their coat is short and tight-fitting.
The only accepted color for the Dogo Argentino is white.
Grooming
The Dogo Argentino's short coat requires infrequent brushing, but don't let that fool you - they still need regular grooming to stay healthy and happy.
Due to their large size, it's crucial to introduce them to routine grooming tasks from a young age to avoid injury to their handler.
Ear checking is an essential part of their grooming routine, and it's best to start this early on.
Claw clipping is another task that needs to be done regularly, and it's a good idea to get them accustomed to it from an early age.
Comparison and Statistics
The Dogo Argentino has a higher bite force than many other breeds, with a reported 730 pounds per square inch (psi). This is due to its powerful jaw muscles and robust skull structure.
In comparison to other breeds, the Dogo Argentino is one of the most aggressive, with a reported 50% higher aggression rate than the average dog breed.
While some owners have reported that their Dogo Argentino is friendly and gentle, many others have experienced aggressive behavior, with some even reporting attacks on people.
According to statistics, the Dogo Argentino is responsible for over 20% of dog-related fatalities in Argentina, its country of origin.
Despite its reputation, some experts believe that the Dogo Argentino's aggression can be attributed to poor breeding practices and inadequate socialization.
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In some cases, a Dogo Argentino may exhibit aggression, but this is not a guaranteed trait of the breed.
The breed's high energy level and strong prey drive can sometimes be misinterpreted as aggression.
A Dogo Argentino's strong protective instinct can lead to defensive behavior if it feels its family is being threatened.
This breed requires early socialization and training to prevent aggression issues.
Without proper training and socialization, a Dogo Argentino can become wary of strangers and exhibit aggressive behavior.
This breed's strong prey drive can sometimes cause it to chase and attack small animals, which can be misinterpreted as aggression.
In some cases, a Dogo Argentino's aggression can be a result of its breeding history, which emphasizes the breed's hunting ability.
The breed's intelligence and loyalty make it a great companion for active families, but it's essential to address any aggression issues early on.
A Dogo Argentino's strong jaw and powerful bite can make its aggression a serious concern, especially if it's not properly trained and socialized.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dogo Argentinos dog friendly?
Dogo Argentinos are generally friendly with their family and strangers, but may not be suitable for households with other pets due to their high prey drive. They can make great companions for the right owner, but it's essential to consider their specific needs.
Why are Dogo Argentinos illegal in the US?
Dogo Argentinos are not entirely illegal in the US, but their ownership is heavily regulated due to concerns over their aggressive nature.
Sources
- https://www.mastiffguide.com/are-dogo-argentino-dogs-aggressive-or-dangerous.html
- https://www.thenewjerseydogbitelawyer.com/are-dogo-argentino-dangerous/
- https://www.daily-choices.com/most-dangerous-dog-breeds-in-the-world/18
- https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/dogo-argentino/
- https://www.citywatchla.com/animal-watch/17788-dogo-argentino-savagely-attacks-la-jogger-victim-s-medical-bills-over-190-000
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