The Dogo Argentino is a majestic breed with a rich history and stunning appearance. The breed's name translates to "Argentine Dog" in English.
Originating from Argentina, the Dogo Argentino was developed in the early 20th century to hunt big game. This breed was bred to be a skilled hunter and companion.
One of the most distinctive features of the Dogo Argentino is its short, smooth coat, which comes in a variety of colors.
Colors and Characteristics
The Dogo Argentino is a large dog, typically weighing between 40-45 kg (90-100 lb) and standing 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 being tolerated as long as it's no larger than one-tenth of the size of the head.
The muzzle is about the same length as the skull, giving the Dogo a distinctive and elegant appearance.
For more insights, see: Bull Terrier Head Shape
Physical Characteristics
The Dogo Argentino is a large dog, weighing between 40-45 kg (90-100 lb) and standing between 60-65 cm (24-26 in) tall at the withers.
Their coat is short and always white, with a single black or dark-coloured spot on the head being tolerated as long as it's no larger than one tenth of the size of the head.
The muzzle is roughly the same length as the skull, giving the Dogo a balanced and proportional appearance.
Their body length is slightly greater than their height at the withers, by up to a maximum of one tenth more.
Dogo Argentinos usually live for around 10 to 12 years.
History
The Dogo Argentino's history is a fascinating one, and it's no wonder this breed has gained popularity in recent years. The breed's origins date back nearly a century ago to the Cordoba region of Argentina.
The Nores Martinez brothers, Antonio and Agustin, were instrumental in developing the breed through selective breeding. They started with the historic but now-extinct fighting dogs of Cordoba and bred them with other dogs like the Great Dane, bull terrier, and Pyrenean Mastiff.
The brothers were after a specific set of characteristics, including a massive and athletic build, high endurance, and a powerful physique. They also wanted their dogs to have a pack-working mentality and an even temperament.
Their efforts paid off, and the first standard for the Dogo Argentino was published in 1947. This marked the beginning of the breed's journey to becoming a recognized and beloved companion animal.
In 2020, the American Kennel Club recognized the Dogo Argentino, making it the organization's 195th breed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my dog is a Dogo Argentino?
To identify a Dogo Argentino, look for its distinctive short, completely white coat and unique head shape, where the length from the brow bone to the tip of the nose matches the length from the brow bone to the back of the head. This breed's distinctive features make it easily recognizable.
What is the black spot on a Dogo Argentino?
A black spot on a Dogo Argentino is typically found around one eye and is known as a "pirata" marking. This distinctive feature is a result of a small patch of color on the dog's face.
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