At 6 months old, a Dogo Argentino is still a puppy, but it's also a big dog in the making. They can weigh between 35 and 45 kg.
Their energy levels are through the roof, so they need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. A daily walk of at least 1 hour is a must.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but their wrinkles need to be cleaned regularly to prevent skin infections. This is especially important during the first year.
As they grow, they'll need a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. A high-quality dog food that's rich in protein and low in fat is a good starting point.
Raza
The dogo argentino is a robust breed with a sturdy structure and a completely white coat, making it easily distinguishable in the field or forest. Its creator, Antonio Nores Martínez, defined it as the "best hunting dog and the one that holds the most prey in the world".
The breed's head is large with a solid cranium, and its muzzle is slightly concave, allowing for easy breathing while holding onto prey. Its eyes are a dark brown color, well-separated, and its ears are erect or semi-erect, triangular, and relatively short.
The dogo argentino's body is muscular, with a broad chest and a high dorsal line that gradually slopes towards the crotch. Its limbs are straight, with muscular thighs, short shanks, and short, tightly joined toes.
Historia de la Raza
The Dogo Argentino was developed by Dr. Antonio Nores Martínez in the 1920s to create a breed that could hunt large game in Argentina.
Dr. Nores Martínez was a skilled surgeon and wanted a dog that could keep up with the rugged terrain and fierce animals of Argentina. He started with the Perro de Pelea Cordobés, a breed that was already known for its strength and fighting ability.
The Perro de Pelea Cordobés was a mix of English breeds, such as the Bull Terrier and Bulldog, and Spanish breeds, like the Alano and Mastín. This combination gave the Dogo Argentino its unique characteristics.
The breed was initially used for fighting, but as laws against animal fighting began to pass, Dr. Nores Martínez decided to focus on creating a hunting breed instead.
The first breed, called the Araucana, was too aggressive and had poor sense of smell, making it unsuitable for hunting. So, Dr. Nores Martínez crossed the Araucana with Pointers to create the Guaraní, a breed that was more suitable for hunting.
The Guaraní was a significant improvement, but it still lacked the physical strength and endurance needed for hunting large game. After years of selective breeding and training, the modern Dogo Argentino was finally developed in the late 1940s.
Etimología
The word "dogo" has a rich history, and its origins are fascinating.
It's believed to have originated from the English, German, French, and Portuguese languages, where it's written as "dogge", "dogue", and "dogue" respectively.
In these languages, the term "dogo" is primarily used to describe a specific type of dog, one that's known for its short coat and is often bred for hunting or as a guard dog.
Characteristics
At six months old, your Dogo Argentino is likely to be a large dog, weighing between 40-45 kg (90-100 lb) and standing between 60-68 cm (24-27 in) tall at the withers.
The coat of a Dogo Argentino is short and always white, with a single black or dark-coloured spot on the head tolerated as long as it's no larger than one tenth of the size of the head.
Dogo Argentinos typically live for 10 to 12 years, so you've got a good amount of time to get to know and love your furry friend.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Bull Terrier Head Shape
Cuidados y Salud
As a dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Dogo Argentino. A 10% chance of deafness is a concern, especially since it can be unilateral or bilateral, and using a breeding stock with normal bilateral hearing can reduce this risk.
Regular check-ups are crucial to monitor your dog's health. The Dogo Argentino is prone to hip dysplasia, so it's vital to keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort or mobility issues.
To maintain your Dogo Argentino's skin health, it's crucial to limit sun exposure and perform daily eye cleanings to prevent inflammation. Regular grooming is also necessary to prevent hair loss and keep their coat looking its best.
Salud
The Dogo can experience hearing loss related to pigment or lack thereof, with a 10% chance of being affected, and in some cases, it can be unilateral or bilateral.
This hearing loss can be significantly reduced if the breeding program uses dogs with normal bilateral hearing.
The Dogo is also prone to hip dysplasia, a common health issue.
Skin problems are quite common in Dogos, particularly demodexia, which often affects young, immunosuppressed dogs.
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify potential health issues early on, allowing for timely interventions and a healthier life for your Dogo.
Cuidados
Your pet's skin should not be exposed to the sun for too long. To maintain its coat, brush it daily with a soft-bristled brush or a rubber glove to remove dead hair.
For good eye care, daily cleaning is essential to prevent inflammation.
Educación
Educación is key when it comes to raising a well-behaved Dogo Argentino. You should be constant and patient, and socialize your puppy from day one by exposing it to different situations with people and other pets.
It's essential to teach your Dogo Argentino not to be territorial, as its strong instinct to protect its belongings can lead to aggression. A firm and consistent training will help with this, allowing it to coexist with other dogs and household pets in harmony.
Prospective Owners
As a prospective owner, choosing the right breed is a crucial step. You can do this by researching different breeds and their characteristics to find the one that best fits your lifestyle.
Consider why you want to get a dog in the first place. Do you want a companion, a workout buddy, or a family pet? Understanding your motivations will help you make a more informed decision.
Finding a responsible breeder is essential to ensure you're getting a healthy puppy. Look for breeders who prioritize the dog's well-being and provide proper care.
Getting started in dog sports can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog. Whether it's agility, obedience, or fetch, dog sports can help strengthen your bond and keep your dog active.
All about puppies, and they need a lot of attention and care. Make sure you're prepared to provide a safe and loving environment for your new furry friend.
Here's a brief overview of the steps to get started:
- Choose Your Breed
- Why Get a Dog?
- Finding a Responsible Breeder
- Getting Started in Dog Sports
- All About Puppies
Dog Sports Basics
Getting started with dog sports can be overwhelming, but understanding the basics is essential.
If you're new to dog sports, you might want to begin with an Intro to Dog Sports to learn the fundamentals.
There are various dog sports to choose from, and Canine Partners is a great resource for finding a mixed breed dog to partner with.
If you're unsure which sport to try with your dog, check out the Titles & Abbreviations section to learn more about the different disciplines.
To get started, you'll need to learn the basics of dog training, which can be found in the Get Started in Dog Training section.
If you're unable to attend in-person events, you can still participate in Virtual Dog Sports & Events.
Here are some popular dog sports to consider:
- Agility
- Obstacle Course Racing
- Agility Training
Reconocimiento Oficial
The dogo argentino's official recognition is a fascinating story.
It all started around 1928 when the breed was established, with the first standard published in 1947.
The recognition didn't come easily, though - it took until 1964 for the Federación Cinológica Argentina (FCA) to officially acknowledge the breed.
This was after a detailed letter from Nores to the FCA, requesting the opening of genealogical records and describing the breed's characteristics.
The dogo argentino's reputation continued to grow, and by 1973, it was recognized internationally.
Initially, it was classified as a sighthound or bloodhound, but later reclassified as a mastiff in the group 2 category by the Federación Cinológica Internacional (FCI).
Today, the dogo argentino is not only recognized globally but also plays a crucial role in some countries' law enforcement, such as being a regulated breed for the police in Líbano.
Educación
Socializing your dog from a young age is crucial. Expose your puppy to various situations, people, and other pets from the very first day.
Consistency is key in training a dog. A firm and consistent training will help prevent territorial behavior and channel their natural instinct to protect their belongings.
It's essential to teach your dog not to attack other dogs and household pets. They should be able to coexist in harmony.
The type of training required depends on the breed, so it's best to consult with a professional for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cómo saber si un cachorro de dogo argentino es puro?
Un cachorro de dogo argentino puro tiene un pelaje blanco con posible mancha negra, ojos oscuros, nariz negra, orejas anchas y medias, y un pelaje liso y corto
Sources
- Dogo Argentino - Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- "Regulations on dogs" (lovdata.no)
- FCI breeds nomenclature: Dogo Argentino (fci.be)
- El Dogo Argentino (google.it)
- FCI-Standard N° 292: Dogo Argentino (fci.be)
- Dogo Argentino Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Cómo adiestrar a un dogo argentino - 6 pasos (mundodeportivo.com)
- el original (halifaxcourier.co.uk)
- Dogge - significado y etimología (dwds.de)
- Dogo argentino (wikimedia.org)
- Q37909 (wikimedia.org)
- Argentine dogo (wikimedia.org)
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