The Dogo Argentino is a large and powerful breed. They typically weigh between 80-100 pounds.
Their height can range from 23.5 to 27.5 inches, making them a sturdy and imposing figure. This size allows them to be effective hunting companions.
Dogo Argentinos have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
History and Origins
The Dogo Argentino breed has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1920s in Argentina.
Antonio Nores Martinez, a young student from Córdoba, created the breed by cross-breeding a Bull Terrier with a spotted fighting dog, aiming for a dog with the fighting qualities of the Old Cordoba Fighting Dog but with greater size and strength.
In 1947, Nores Martinez presented his breed to the Club de Cazadores of Buenos Aires, and a breed standard was published in the magazine Diana in 1948.
The breed was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1973, marking a significant milestone in its development.
The Dogo Argentino was originally used for dog fighting, but Nores Martinez later took some of the dogs hunting, where they proved their strength, bravery, and sense of smell in taking on pumas, boars, and other predators in the Argentine wilderness.
Dogo Argentino History
The Dogo Argentino has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1920s in Argentina. Antonio Nores Martinez, a young student of Córdoba, created a new breed of big game hunting dog.
Martinez wanted his dogs to have the fighting qualities of the Old Cordoba Fighting Dog, but with greater size and strength. He started with a Bull Terrier bitch and bred her to a spotted fighting dog of bulldog type.
In the eighth generation, Martinez introduced a Pyrenean mastiff bitch, and by the twelfth generation, his dogs were breeding true. They became well known for their success in the ring.
The breed was later presented to the Club de Cazadores in 1947, and a breed standard was published in the magazine Diana in 1948. Martinez continued to promote the Dogo during his travels.
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale definitively accepted the Dogo in 1973.
Dogo Overview
The Dogo is a magnificent breed, and I'm excited to share some key facts about them. They typically stand 24-26.5 inches tall, with males weighing 88-100 pounds and females weighing 88-95 pounds.
Their athletic build is just one aspect of their impressive physical characteristics. The breed standard emphasizes their powerful and tenacious nature.
The Dogo's temperament is marked by their loyalty and fearlessness. They are naturally protective of their family and property.
One of the most striking aspects of the Dogo is their white coat. This distinctive feature is a key part of their identity.
Here are some key statistics about the breed:
Their intelligence and high prey drive make them a smart and athletic breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Characteristics and Traits
The Dogo Argentino is a large breed with a muscular build, weighing between 80 to 100 pounds.
They typically stand between 24 to 26.5 inches tall, with males being slightly taller than females. The breed's height is one of its most distinctive features.
Here are some key characteristics of the Dogo Argentino:
Their lifespan is relatively long, ranging from 9 to 15 years, which is a testament to their overall health and robustness.
Dogo Argentino Characteristics
The Dogo Argentino is a large dog breed, with males standing between 24-26.5 inches tall and weighing 88-100 pounds, while females stand between 24-25.5 inches tall and weigh 88-95 pounds.
Their athletic build and short, white coat make them a striking breed. A single black or dark-colored spot on the head is tolerated, but it must be no larger than one-tenth the size of the head.
The Dogo Argentino is known for its loyal and loving temperament, making them a great companion for families. They are also welcoming to most strangers, which can be a plus for social families.
However, their high prey drive can make them a poor match for other household pets, especially smaller animals. This is something to consider if you're thinking of bringing a Dogo Argentino into your home.
Here's a quick rundown of the Dogo Argentino's characteristics:
Dogo Argentino: Pros and Cons
A Dogo Argentino can make a wonderful companion, but it's essential to consider the pros and cons before deciding if it's the right fit for your family.
One of the most attractive qualities of the Dogo Argentino is its loyalty and protectiveness - it will always have your back and keep you safe.
Their short, smooth coat makes them a breeze to groom, requiring minimal maintenance and effort.
Dogo Argentinos are also known for their affectionate nature, showering their loved ones with love and attention.
However, their large size can be a concern for families with small children, as they may accidentally knock them over or unintentionally harm them.
Consistent training and socialization are crucial for a Dogo Argentino to behave well and become a well-adjusted member of your family.
Their high prey drive can be a challenge, as they may become fixated on small animals or even cats, so it's essential to keep them under control.
If you're an active person or have a large yard, a Dogo Argentino will thrive in an environment where they can run around and exercise freely.
Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
- Loyal, protective
- Easy to groom
- Affectionate
- Happy
- Maybe too large for children
- Needs consistent training, socialization
- High prey drive
- Needs space to run around
Care and Maintenance
The Dogo Argentino is an energetic 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.
Leash walks and other activities like games, agility, obedience, scent work, and fetch are great ways to engage its mind and body. The Dogo enjoys playing with a ball or a disc, but it may not retrieve them.
Coat care is minimal, consisting of occasional bathing and brushing. It does not like extreme cold or extreme heat.
As a breed susceptible to canine hip dysplasia, it's essential to feed puppies a large-breed puppy food to slow down their growth rate and lessen the risk of dysplasia.
Here's an interesting read: Bernese Mountain Dog Hip Dysplasia
Temperament and Behavior
The Dogo Argentino's temperament is not for the faint of heart. This breed requires an experienced owner who is firm, confident, consistent, and careful.
It's essential to establish a respectful relationship with your Dogo from the start, so consider getting one as a puppy. This will allow you to initiate an obedience regime and set the tone for a well-behaved adult dog.
The Dogo Argentino is a loving and loyal companion that thrives on close contact. It's a good watchdog and protection dog, making it a great choice for families who want a loyal guardian.
However, its strength means it's not suitable for children or the elderly, and it can be aggressive toward strange dogs and people. This is why it's crucial to socialize your Dogo well and provide it with plenty of activities to keep it occupied.
The Dogo Argentino is not a prolific barker, which is a relief for many dog owners.
On a similar theme: Which Is the Most Loyal Dog
Sources
- FCI breeds nomenclature: Dogo Argentino (fci.be)
- El Dogo Argentino (google.it)
- FCI-Standard N° 292: Dogo Argentino (fci.be)
- Dogo Argentino | Dog Breed, Description, Temperament, & ... (britannica.com)
- Dogo Argentino Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Meet the Newest AKC-Recognized Breed: Dogo Argentino (akc.org)
- Dogo Argentino Rescue (dcdogos.org)
- Dogo Argentino Club of America (dogousa.org)
- Breed History (dogousa.org)
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