Dogo Argentino Hunting: A Comprehensive Guide to Care and Training

The Dogo Argentino is a breed of dog that originated in Argentina, bred for big game hunting. They are a powerful and athletic dog, weighing between 80-100 pounds.

To care for a Dogo Argentino, it's essential to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A minimum of 1-2 hours of physical activity per day is recommended.

Their short, smooth coat requires minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are necessary. They are a relatively healthy breed, but they can be prone to hip dysplasia and gastric torsion.

In terms of training, consistency and positive reinforcement are key. They can be strong-willed, so early socialization and obedience training are crucial.

The Argentine Dogo has its roots in the 1920s when Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez and his brother started developing the breed. They crossed the Cordoba Fighting Dog with multiple breeds to increase its size and hunting instinct while reducing its aggression.

The Cordoba Fighting Dog was originally used for pit fighting and bringing down large ferocious prey, but it was too aggressive to own. Martinez's goal was to create a dog that was loyal to family and adept at hunting.

Martinez introduced a variety of breeds into the mix, including the Pyrenean Mastiff for a calmer temperament, the Bull Terrier for white coat color, and the Bulldog for increased jaw strength. He also bred the Dogo with the Great Dane to increase height.

The breed was presented to the Club de Cazadores in Buenos Aires in 1947 and a breed standard was published in the magazine Diana in 1948. The Dogo was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1973.

The Argentine Kennel Club recognized the Dogo Argentino in 1964 and the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized it in 2020. The Dogo Argentino belongs to the AKC Working group and to the FCI group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer–Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs, in the Mastiff subtype.

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The Dogo Argentino is a large dog, weighing between 40-45 kg (90-100 lb) and standing between 60-68 cm (24-27 in) tall.

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

Their sturdy head, thick neck, muscular legs, and solid build make them a formidable hunting companion.

They typically live for 10 to 12 years, which is a decent lifespan for a large breed dog.

Their high energy and strong prey drive make them well-suited for hunting, and their intelligence and desire to work make them highly trainable.

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The Argentine Dogo is a large dog, 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 tolerated as long as it's no larger than one tenth of the head's size.

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Dogo Argentinos usually live for 10 to 12 years, which is a relatively average lifespan for a large breed.

They have a muscular build, with sturdy heads, thick necks, and solid builds that make them look mighty and athletic.

Their energetic nature and high prey drive make them well-suited for being the pack leader, but they also require careful supervision when kids are around due to their size and strength.

Highly intelligent and courageous, Argentine Dogos are loyal and protective, making them excellent guard dogs.

Their intelligence and desire to work also make them a joy to train and engage with.

Training is a crucial aspect of owning an Argentine Dogo, as they require firm, consistent obedience training to prevent reservation with strangers.

Their versatility and guarding tendencies make them highly trainable, but they also need early socialization to ensure predictable behavior.

With the right training, Argentine Dogos can excel in various roles, such as search and rescue teams or as service and guide dogs.

To prevent unwanted behaviors, it's essential to start training early and be consistent in your approach.

The Dogo Argentino is not a breed for inexperienced dog owners, requiring an experienced owner who is firm, confident, consistent, and careful.

They can be aggressive toward strange dogs and people, and even familiar dogs, due to their tough nature. It's essential to establish a respectful relationship and initiate an obedience regime from an early age.

This breed is highly intelligent and energetic, making them serious athletes with solid and powerful physiques. They are faithful companions with the right owner.

Their loyalty to their owners makes them excellent watchdogs, and they are protective of their humans and property. However, they require careful supervision when kids are around due to their size and strength.

Despite their large size, they are gentle and affectionate with their owners, but early socialization is crucial to be the ideal dog companion. They are not big barkers, but they will alert you to something they feel is suspicious or not sure about.

Their high prey drive and desire to work make them well-suited for the role of pack leader, but they also need activities to occupy them to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

The Dogo Argentino requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, so a secure fenced yard is a must to let them run around freely. This breed needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation, so activities like games, agility, and obedience training are a great way to keep them engaged.

Leash walks and playtime with a ball or a disc are also great ways to keep your Dogo Argentino active, but be aware that they may not retrieve these items.

The Dogo Argentino is not a fan of extreme temperatures, so make sure to keep them indoors during extremely hot or cold weather.

The Dogo needs frequent exercise, which can be aided by a secure fenced yard in which to run and supplemented with leash walks and other activities.

They enjoy playing with a ball or a disc, but it may not retrieve them. Regular exercise will help maintain their physical and mental health, just like people.

A secure fenced yard is essential for a Dogo, as they can be prone to wandering off if not properly contained.

The Dogo has a short coat that requires minimal grooming, but they do shed moderately, especially in the fall and spring.

To keep their coat in great shape, weekly grooming and an occasional bath are recommended.

You should check the ears frequently and clean as necessary with dog-safe ear wipes, and trim the nails as needed.

The teeth should be brushed at least three times a week for dental hygiene, and it's best to acclimate a Dogo early to dental hygiene.

The Dogo is susceptible to canine hip dysplasia, so it's essential to feed them a large-breed puppy food that slows their growth rate and lessens the risk of dysplasia.

Pigment-related deafness is reported in the breed, so it's recommended to have all puppies undergo BAER testing to evaluate their hearing.

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Argentine Dogos require high-quality dog food formulated for their life stage and size. Your veterinarian or breeder can help determine the ideal portion size and meal frequency.

High-quality dog food with high-quality protein is essential for Dogo Argentinos. This type of food should be age-appropriate, breed-size appropriate, and contain no fillers or artificial ingredients.

The food should be approved by the Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to ensure quality. This ensures the food is complete and balanced with all necessary nutrients.

Dogo Argentinos burn excessive energy, so they do well with eating two to three times daily. This can be spread out between morning, noon, and evening.

Feeding from a slow-feeder dog bowl can help avoid gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat. This is a possible concern due to their tendency to eat quickly.

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