The Dogo Argentino is a breed of dog that has gained popularity in the UK, but before bringing one home, it's essential to understand the breed's characteristics and needs.
In the UK, the Dogo Argentino is recognized as a rare breed by the Kennel Club.
This breed is known for its short, smooth coat, which requires minimal grooming.
They are a medium to large-sized dog, with males weighing between 30-32 kg.
The Dogo Argentino is a loyal and protective breed, making them great companions for active families.
However, they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Their short coats also mean they are not well-suited for cold climates, making them more suitable for UK households with a warmer climate.
Origins and History
The Argentine Dogo has a rich history that spans over a century. Antonio Nores Martinez, a young student of Córdoba in central Argentina, set out to create a new breed of big game hunting dog in the 1920s.
Martinez wanted his dog 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.
By the twelfth generation, Martinez's dogs were breeding true, and they became well known for their success in the ring. Martinez continued to introduce new breeds, including the Irish Wolfhound, Boxer, Great Dane, Bull Terrier, Dogue de Bordeaux, and Spanish Mastiff.
The Argentine Dogo was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1973. The breed has since gained popularity worldwide, with the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizing it in 2020.
The Argentine Dogo is a Mastiff-type breed that was developed to hunt big game, such as wild boar and cougars, in packs. Its origins date back to the 1920s, when Martinez and his brother created the breed by crossing the Cordoba Fighting Dog with multiple other breeds.
The Argentine Dogo has been used for various purposes, including hunting and fighting. However, it's worth noting that some countries, like Australia and the United Kingdom, have banned the breed due to its association with fighting.
Here are some key facts about the Argentine Dogo's history:
- The breed was developed in the 1920s by Antonio Nores Martinez and his brother.
- The Argentine Dogo was definitively accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1973.
- The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2020.
- The Argentine Dogo has been used for hunting and fighting, but some countries have banned the breed due to its association with fighting.
Characteristics of the
The Dogo Argentino is a large dog, weighing between 40-100 pounds and standing between 24-27 inches tall.
Their short, white coat is easy to clean and maintain, and they shed very little.
A single black or dark-colored spot on the head is allowed, but it must be no larger than one-tenth the size of the head.
The muzzle is the same length as the skull, and the nose is usually black.
Ears are set high, but some owners choose to crop them to achieve a pointy, triangular shape.
Dogo Argentinos are protective of their home and owners, so they need to be socialized from an early age and receive good training.
Their intelligence is evident in their ability to excel in dog sports that require pulling weights and agility.
They require a lot of daily exercise to burn off their extra energy, and consistent training as puppies helps prevent ill-mannered behavior.
The average lifespan of the Dogo Argentino is 9-15 years, with some living up to 12 years.
You can buy or adopt a Dogo Argentino for between £1,000 and £4,000, depending on the bloodline.
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Care and Upkeep
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 and supplemented with leash walks and other activities.
A Dogo Argentino's ideal exercise routine includes games, agility, obedience, scent work, and other activities that engage both its mind and body. It enjoys playing with a ball or a disc, but it may not retrieve them.
Coat care for the Dogo Argentino is minimal, consisting of occasional bathing and brushing. Brushing your Dogo Argentino with a soft brush or rubber curry brush once or twice a week will keep them neat and help distribute natural oils to the entire body.
As a breed susceptible to canine hip dysplasia, it's essential to feed your Dogo Argentino large-breed puppy food, which slows the rate of growth and lessens the risk of dysplasia. You should also provide fresh drinking water and brush the teeth of your dog every day.
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Regular grooming is essential for the Dogo Argentino, including weekly checks of the ears to ensure there's no dirt and debris. You should also trim the nails when necessary and consider a consistent dental care routine.
The Dogo Argentino is not a dog for dog parks due to its potentially aggressive nature, so it's crucial to provide a secure environment for exercise and socialization. With proper care and attention, your Dogo Argentino can thrive and become a beloved member of your family.
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Argentine Temperament
The Argentine Temperament is a unique blend of tough and loving. Argentine Dogos are known to be aggressive toward strange dogs and people, so they need an experienced owner who is firm, confident, consistent, and careful.
They can be affectionate with children, making them excellent family pets, but they require careful supervision when kids are around. Argentine Dogos are highly intelligent and have a strong desire to work and overcome challenges.
Their history as hunting dogs has made them seek to be the pack leader, and their strength, energy, size, and high prey drive make them well-suited for this role. They are not a prolific barker, but they do need activities to occupy them.
Argentine Dogos are courageous guard dogs thanks to their loyal, protective, and tenacious natures. They are not a good choice for inexperienced or casual dog owners, and they need an obedience regime to establish a respectful relationship.
Possible Health Problems
The Dogo Argentino is a generally healthy breed, but like any other dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Deafness is a rare condition that can occur in some Dogo Argentinos, especially those with a white coat. This condition can be avoided by getting puppies whose parents had normal hearing in both ears.
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is another potential issue that can affect Dogo Argentinos. This condition is mostly inherited and can cause an unstable hip joint. Regular exercise and monitoring your dog's weight can help manage the condition.
Sun protection is also essential for Dogo Argentinos, as they can be sensitive to too much sun. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, so it's crucial to take precautions during the summer months.
Some genetic health conditions can affect Dogo Argentinos, including Disproportionate Dwarfism. This disorder affects bone and cartilage development, leading to changes in limb length and conformation, body length and height, and head shape.
It's essential to be aware of these potential health issues and work with your veterinarian to plan for your pup's lifelong care.
Here's an interesting read: Dogo Argentinos Illegal
Frequently Asked Questions
What dogs need to be muzzled in the UK?
No dogs are required to be muzzled in the UK, but certain breeds are banned from entering the country altogether
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