The Dogo Argentino is a large and powerful breed, with males weighing up to 110 pounds and standing as tall as 27 inches at the shoulder.
They require plenty of space to run around and exercise, making them a great fit for active families or individuals with large yards.
Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to stay healthy.
Dogo Argentinos are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them excellent watchdogs.
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Characteristics
The Dogo Argentino is a large dog breed, with males typically weighing between 88-100 pounds and females slightly less. They can grow up to 24-26.5 inches tall at the shoulders.
Their height and weight are relatively consistent, with a range of 60-65 cm for bitches and 60-68 cm for dogs. The length of the body is slightly greater than the height at the withers, up to a maximum of one tenth more.
Their short, white coat is a distinctive feature, with a single black or dark-colored spot on the head tolerated as long as it's no larger than one tenth of the size of the head.
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Getting to Know
The Dogo Argentino is a unique breed that's as impressive as it is loving. They have a white coat and a powerful, athletic build, with males reaching 24-26½ inches in height and weighing 88-100 pounds.
Their identity is marked by their rugged appearance, but beneath that tough exterior lies a heart of gold. The breed standard describes the Dogo as a strong, tenacious, and rustic dog that's created to protect family and property.
One of the key characteristics of the Dogo is their high energy level, which requires a lot of daily activity to keep them happy and healthy. They need regular exercise to burn off their excess energy, making them a great fit for active families.
Here are some key facts about the Dogo's physical characteristics:
The Dogo's high prey drive can make them a poor match for other household pets, especially smaller animals. However, they're generally welcoming to most strangers and have a high affection level, making them a loving companion for their family.
Physical Characteristics
The Dogo Argentino is a large dog, with males typically standing between 24-26.5 inches tall and weighing between 88-100 pounds. Females are slightly smaller.
Males are usually around 24-26.5 inches high at the shoulders, while females are around 24-25.5 inches tall. The breed's height range is consistent across different sources.
The length of the body is slightly greater than the height at the withers, up to a maximum of one tenth more. This gives the Dogo a muscular and athletic build.
The coat is short and always white, with a single black or dark-colored spot on the head tolerated as long as it is no larger than one tenth of the size of the head. This unique marking is a distinctive feature of the breed.
The muzzle is of about the same length as the skull, adding to the Dogo's balanced and harmonious appearance.
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Care and Grooming
The Dogo Argentino's coat is a breeze to maintain, requiring only weekly grooming and the occasional bath to keep it clean and healthy. You should brush them once or twice a week with a soft bristle brush to remove dead hair.
Their short coat sheds moderately, with more extensive shedding in the fall and spring. You should also check their ears frequently and clean as necessary with dog-safe ear wipes.
Dogo Argentinos need regular nail trims due to their fast-growing nails, and it's best to acclimate them to dental hygiene early on so they don't fight you when you brush their teeth. Brush their teeth at least three times a week for dental hygiene.
Grooming
The Dogo Argentino's coat is a breeze to maintain, requiring weekly grooming and the occasional bath to keep it clean and healthy. Their short coat sheds moderately, with more extensive shedding in the fall and spring.
You should brush your Dogo Argentino's coat once or twice a week with a soft bristle brush to remove dead hair. This will keep their coat looking its best.
The Dogo Argentino is susceptible to sunburn, so be mindful of how much time they spend in direct sunlight. This is especially important for their all-white coat.
Check your Dogo Argentino's ears weekly for any dirt, debris, redness, or other abnormalities. This will help prevent infections.
Trim your Dogo Argentino's nails regularly, as they grow quickly. You should also check their nails roughly once a month to see if they need a trim.
Brushing your Dogo Argentino's teeth daily will help maintain their dental hygiene. This is especially important to acclimate them to from an early age.
Remember to clean your Dogo Argentino's ears as necessary with dog-safe ear wipes. This will help keep them healthy and infection-free.
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Food and Diet
To keep your Dogo Argentino happy and healthy, it's essential to feed them high-quality dog food with high-quality protein that's age-appropriate and breed-size appropriate.
Dogo Argentinos are large breed dogs, so their food should be formulated for giant breeds. Look for a food that's approved by the Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to ensure it meets quality standards.
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They burn a lot of energy, so it's recommended to feed them two to three times a day, spread out between morning, noon, and evening.
This feeding schedule helps prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, which can be a serious issue for these dogs.
To further reduce the risk of bloat, consider using a slow-feeder dog bowl to slow down their eating pace.
Training and Suitability
The Dogo Argentino is a highly intelligent breed that requires consistent training and socialization from an early age. They are known to be strong-willed and stubborn, making an assertive owner with experience in positive reinforcement training essential.
Their high prey drive means they may not be suitable for homes with small pets, and they can be aggressive towards other dogs of the same sex if not raised properly. Socialization is key to preventing these behaviors.
Training should focus on reward-based methods, and owners must establish dominance as the pack leader for success. Harsh corrections can hinder learning and lead to a fearful or aggressive dog.
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Early socialization is crucial to prevent fearfulness towards strangers and other animals. Exposing your Dogo Argentino to various people, dogs, and situations can help build comfort and confidence.
Here's a summary of the training needs for a Dogo Argentino:
Their intelligence and athleticism make them excellent watchdogs, but their large size means they require supervision around children, especially toddlers. With proper training and socialization, a Dogo Argentino can make a wonderful family companion.
Health and Wellness
The Dogo Argentino is a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 9 to 15 years. They can live a long and happy life with proper care.
One of the health issues you should be aware of is deafness, which affects about 10% of dogs from this breed. This is particularly common in dogs with mostly-white fur.
Deafness can be detected through a BAER test, which is a must when buying a puppy from a reputable breeder. This test evaluates hearing and can give you peace of mind.
In addition to deafness, the Dogo Argentino is prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly. This can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.
Other health issues to watch out for include hypothyroidism, glaucoma, and laryngeal paralysis. These conditions can be managed with proper veterinary care, but it's essential to catch them early.
Here are some common health issues to be aware of:
As the Dogo Argentino has short hair, they are sensitive to the sun and can get sunburned if exposed to direct sunlight for too long. They are also sensitive to very cold weather, so make sure to provide a comfortable living space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the biggest Dogo Argentino?
The largest Dogo Argentino typically weighs between 80-100 pounds and reaches a height of up to 27 inches at the shoulder.
Is a Dogo Argentino bigger than a pitbull?
Dogo Argentinos are slightly larger than Pitbulls, with a broader skull and wider jawline. They have a more athletic build, with a thick, muscular neck.
Sources
- Dogo Argentino | Dog Breed Info, Guide & Care (worlddogfinder.com)
- FCI breeds nomenclature: Dogo Argentino (fci.be)
- El Dogo Argentino (google.it)
- FCI-Standard N° 292: Dogo Argentino (fci.be)
- https://www.mastiffguide.com/where-are-dogo-argentinos-illegal-or-banned.html (mastiffguide.com)
- https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/what-to-know-about-dogo-argentino (webmd.com)
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/dogo-argentino (petmd.com)
- Meet the Newest AKC-Recognized Breed: Dogo Argentino (akc.org)
- Dogo Argentino Rescue (dcdogos.org)
- Dogo Argentino Club of America (dogousa.org)
- Breed History (dogousa.org)
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