Everything You Need to Know About Dogo Argentino Natural Ears

The Dogo Argentino's natural ears are a distinctive feature of the breed. They are small to medium in size and erect, meaning they stand up straight on the dog's head.

The breed standard calls for the ears to be carried erect, with no indication of being cropped or altered in any way. This is a key characteristic that sets the Dogo Argentino apart from other breeds.

The Dogo Argentino's natural ears are also relatively thin and narrow, tapering to a point at the tip. This shape helps to funnel sound to the dog's ears, enhancing its hearing abilities.

In fact, the breed's unique ear shape and size are thought to be an adaptation for its original purpose as a hunting dog, where acute hearing was essential for tracking and locating prey.

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The origins of the Dogo Argentino are rooted in its development from the Mastiff-like Viejo Perro de Pelea Cordobés, a breed used for pit fighting and taking down large ferocious prey.

This breed was so aggressive that it was difficult to own, which led the Nores Martinez brothers to mix it with several other breeds to create a more manageable and desirable dog.

The Pointer was added to improve scenting ability, while the Great Dane increased height and the Pyrenean Mastiff brought a calmer temperament.

The Bull Terrier was introduced for its white coat color, the Boxer for agility and personality, and the Bulldog for increased jaw strength.

Antonio Nores Martinez's famous pit fights, including one against a boar and a puma, helped gain the Dogo widespread recognition and attention.

After Antonio's death in 1956, his brother Agustín continued to promote the breed, traveling extensively and introducing it to a global audience.

The Argentine Kennel Club recognized the Dogo Argentino in 1964, followed by the Federation Cynologique Internationale in 1973, and finally the American Kennel Club in 2020.

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The Dogo Argentino is a medium to large-sized breed, weighing between 80-100 pounds and standing between 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder.

They have a muscular build and a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.

Their short coats also help them stay cool in hot climates, making them well-suited for living in warmer temperatures.

The Dogo's temperament is quite unique. It's not a breed for inexperienced or casual dog owners, requiring an experienced owner who is firm, confident, consistent, and careful.

The breed may be aggressive toward strange dogs and people, and even familiar dogs. This is why it's essential to establish a respectful relationship with your Dogo from an early age.

Getting a Dogo as a puppy is recommended, as it allows you to initiate an obedience regime and build a strong bond with your dog. This will help prevent potential aggression issues later on.

The Dogo is a loving, loyal, and demonstrative companion that thrives on close contact. It's a good watchdog and protection dog, making it a great choice for security-conscious owners.

However, due to its strength, the Dogo is not a good choice for children or the elderly.

The breed standard is a set of guidelines that outlines the ideal characteristics of a purebred dog. It's essentially a blueprint for what the breed should look like, behave like, and even sound like.

The standard is developed by kennel clubs and breed associations, and it's based on the breed's history, purpose, and physical characteristics. In the case of the breed, the standard calls for a medium-sized dog with a muscular build and a short, smooth coat.

A good example of this is the breed's height, which is typically between 20 and 24 inches at the shoulder. This is reflected in the breed standard, which specifies a height range for the breed.

The breed standard also outlines the breed's temperament, which is known for being friendly, outgoing, and energetic. This is likely due to the breed's original purpose as a working dog, which required them to be confident and alert.

One key aspect of the breed standard is the breed's head shape, which is described as being "moderate in size" and "well-proportioned" to the body. This is a critical aspect of the breed's overall appearance.

In terms of grooming, the breed standard calls for a short, smooth coat that requires minimal maintenance. This is a big plus for busy owners who don't have time for frequent grooming sessions.

The breed standard is also used to evaluate dogs in conformation shows, where they're judged on how well they meet the breed standard. This is a great way to learn more about the breed and see what makes a dog truly exceptional.

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

Exercise should be engaging for both mind and body, so consider activities like games, agility, obedience, scent work, and playing with a ball or a disc. However, keep in mind that the Dogo may not retrieve toys.

The Dogo's coat is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional bathing and brushing.

The Dogo requires frequent exercise to stay happy and healthy. This can be achieved with a secure fenced yard where it can run freely.

A fenced yard is a must-have for this breed, as it needs room to burn off energy.

Leash walks and other activities like games, agility, obedience, scent work, and playing with a ball or a disc can help keep your Dogo engaged and active.

However, be aware that your Dogo may not retrieve a ball or disc.

Coat care for the Dogo is relatively easy, requiring only occasional bathing and brushing.

It's essential to keep your Dogo indoors during extreme cold or heat, as it's not suited for harsh weather conditions.

As a breed prone to canine hip dysplasia, feeding your puppy a large-breed puppy food is crucial to slow down growth and reduce the risk of dysplasia.

Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing is also recommended for all puppies to detect potential hearing issues, as pigment-related deafness is a common problem in this breed.

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The Dogo Argentino is a relatively new addition to the American Kennel Club (AKC) family. They were recognized by the AKC in 2020, making them the 195th AKC-recognized breed since the organization's founding in 1878.

The breed has a long history, dating back nearly 100 years, but it wasn't until 1973 that it was first officially recognized by the Argentine Kennel Club.