Dogo Argentino Black: Everything You Need to Know

The Dogo Argentino Black is a sleek and powerful breed.

This rare color variation is a result of a genetic mutation that affects the production of melanin.

Black Dogos are born with a black coat and often have a distinctive mask on their face.

They are just as loyal and loving as their fawn-coated counterparts, but with a mysterious and striking appearance.

The Dogo Argentino has a rich history that dates back to 1928 in Argentina. Antonio Nores Martinez, a young student, set out to create a new breed of big game hunting dog.

He crossed the now-extinct Cordoba fighting dog with various breeds, including the bulldog, bull terrier, boxer, Great Dane, Spanish mastiff, Irish wolfhound, Pyrenean mastiff, and pointer. This resulted in a dog with exceptional strength, bravery, and sense of smell.

The breed was initially used for dog fighting but later took on a new role as a hunting companion, often used in packs to take down pumas, boars, and other predators in the Argentine wilderness. The Dogo Argentino's unique characteristics made it a valuable asset for hunters.

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In 1947, Nores Martinez presented his breed to the Club de Cazadores, and a breed standard was published in the magazine Diana in 1948. The breed gained recognition and popularity over the years.

After Antonio Nores Martinez's death in 1956, his brother Augustin continued to promote the breed, traveling extensively and introducing it to a global audience. The Argentine Kennel Club recognized the Dogo Argentino in 1964.

The Dogo Argentino arrived in the United States in the 1970s and remained relatively rare until it was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2020.

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The Dogo Argentino is a large dog, weighing between 40-45 kg (90-100 lb) for males and slightly less for females. They typically stand between 60-68 cm (24-27 in) tall at the withers.

Their coat is short and always white, with a single black or dark-colored spot on the head tolerated as long as it's no larger than one-tenth of the head's size.

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The Dogo Argentino has a loving and loyal temperament with their family, and they're often welcoming to most strangers. They're a smart and athletic breed that needs a lot of daily activity.

Here's a breakdown of their temperament and needs:

They usually live for 10 to 12 years, so be prepared for a long-term commitment if you're considering bringing a Dogo Argentino into your family.

The Dogo Argentino Black is a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need vigorous exercise every day, which can be aided by a secure fenced yard in which to run and supplemented with leash walks and other activities.

To keep your Dogo Argentino Black physically and mentally stimulated, consider activities like games, agility, obedience, scent work, and playing with a ball or a disc. However, be aware that they may not retrieve these items on their own.

Their coat care is minimal, requiring only occasional bathing and brushing to stay clean and shiny. You should also be mindful of their sun protection, as they can be susceptible to sunburn.

In addition to physical exercise and grooming, your Dogo Argentino Black needs consistent training and socialization starting in puppyhood. This will help them become a well-behaved and loyal companion.

Here are some essential care tasks to remember:

Remember to also check for signs of canine hip dysplasia, a condition that can affect the breed, and consider BAER testing to evaluate your puppy's hearing.

The Dogo Argentino Black is a breed that demands respect and experience from its owner. It's not a good choice for inexperienced or casual dog owners.

This breed requires a firm, confident, and consistent owner who can establish a respectful relationship with the dog. It's essential to initiate an obedience regime early on to ensure a strong bond.

The Dogo Argentino Black is a loving and loyal companion that thrives on close contact. It's a good watchdog and protection dog, but it can be aggressive toward strange dogs and people.

This breed is not a prolific barker, but it needs activities to occupy its time. It's fairly active and does best when given tasks to keep it engaged.

As a breed that's strong and powerful, the Dogo Argentino Black is not suitable for children or the elderly.

The Dogo Argentino Black is a unique and fascinating breed.

This breed is also known as the Dogo, Argentine Dogo, or Argentinian Mastiff.

The Dogo Argentino originated in Córdoba, central Argentina.

The breed group for the Dogo Argentino is working.

Here are some key statistics for the breed:

The Dogo Argentino is the national dog of Argentina and was developed to hunt big game.

Training a Dogo Argentino requires starting as early as possible, ideally from a young age, to prevent potential difficulties with their big and strong adult personalities.

Consistency is key when using positive reinforcement training methods, as harsh corrections can hinder learning.

Enrolling in a puppy obedience class is a great way to begin training, and it's essential to start as soon as your dog is old enough.

Exposing your dog to different people and situations helps build comfort and confidence, which can make them more friendly rather than defensive.

The more positive experiences your Dogo has with new people and dogs, the better they'll be at interacting with them.

If you're looking to bring a Dogo Argentino Black into your life, you'll be happy to know that you can find one through adoption or purchase.

The Dogo Argentino is relatively rare in North America, but it's worth checking area shelters and rescue groups for one in need of a home.

You can expect to pay around $2,000 to $3,000 for a reputable breeder puppy, although this can vary depending on bloodline and other factors.

For further information on finding a reputable breeder or adopting a Dogo Argentino, check out the following resources:

The Dogo Argentino is a unique breed that can make a wonderful companion for the right owner. They are known for being loyal and protective, which makes them great watchdogs.

One of the best things about the Dogo Argentino is how easy they are to groom. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal maintenance.

However, it's worth noting that they can be too large for some children. They need space to run around and exercise, which can be a challenge for families with small living spaces.

To keep your Dogo Argentino happy and healthy, you'll need to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They have a high prey drive, which means they love to chase and play with toys.

Here's a summary of the pros and cons of owning a Dogo Argentino: