Strong enough to guard, smart enough to obey, and loving enough to cuddle; what more could you want in a dog?
One Dogo Argentino is a beautiful blend of power, grace, and devotion. This is a breed that often catches the attention. It possesses a muscular body along with a striking white coat. But the Dogo possesses more than just looks. Beneath the surface of its white coat, there is a very loyal, intelligent, and affectionate dog. It works best as both a protector and a companion.
In this comprehensive breed guide, we’ll explore everything about the Dogo Argentino. You will discover the details on its impressive history, its temperament, training, and care needs.
Go through the blog thoroughly, and decide if this bold breed can be a part of your family.
Dogo Argentino at a Glance
Size and Weight
Let’s start with the basics. Dogos are impressively big dogs. Their weight is not just for showing off. They were bred to hunt big games like wild boar and puma.
- Males: 24 to 26.5 inches tall
- Females: 24 to 25.5 inches tall
- Weight: 80 to 100 pounds
Don’t let its size terrify you. This breed is also graceful as it is powerful.
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Coat and Shedding
The Dogo possesses a short and smooth white coat. It doesn’t shed much. This makes its grooming very easy for the owner. If you brush them once or twice a week, it is enough to keep them looking sharp.
Lifespan
Dogos can live a long and healthy life with proper care. Their lifespan typically ranges between 9 to 15 years.
Barking Habits
Dogos don’t bark without reason. They’re naturally calm and alert. This makes them excellent watchdogs. So, if you’re worried about noise, you don’t need to.
Cost to Buy or Adopt
The price of a Dogo is between $1,000 to $4,000. This depends on the bloodline and breeder reputation. Its adoption is also a great (and more affordable) option if you’re open to giving your Dogo a loving home.
Temperament and Personality
Protective and Loyal
Dogos are natural protectors. They’re bred to defend, so they’re often cautious of strangers. But this makes them excellent watchdogs.
A Dogo will give its life for its family. And for that you must earn its trust first.
Because of this, early socialization is the key. Expose them to people, pets, and places from a young age. This way they grow into confident and well-rounded dogs.
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Affectionate with Family
Despite their tough exterior, Dogos are total sweethearts with their families. They form strong bonds with their family. They flourish in houses where they feel like they are a part of the home.
However, they’re not the best match for small children. This is mainly due to their size and strength. If you have kids and a Dogo at home, never leave them alone together.
Energy Levels
A Dogo is a high-energy breed that needs daily practices for its athleticism and brainpower. A bored Dogo is a destructive Dogo, so you must keep them busy with one thing or the other!
Suitability as a Family Dog
With the right training and structure, Dogos can make fantastic family companions. But they’re not ideal for first-time dog owners.
Dogos do best in homes with plenty of space (a yard, ground, lawn). They love being committed to their consistent training and exercise.
Tip: If you live in an apartment, dedicate at least an hour a day for exercise and your dogo’s mental stimulation.
Intelligence and Trainability
Highly Intelligent
Dogos are wicked smart. They love activities that challenge their minds and bodies. They enjoy games like fetching, running through agility courses, as well as pulling weights. They even like learning advanced commands in obedience training.
Training Tips
The Dogo’s training should start during very early years. You should also be consistent with it. They respond best to positive reinforcement, i.e, praise, treats, and fun!
They’re strong-willed, so experienced handlers will get the best results. A firm but loving approach can work best with the dogo.
Tip: Incorporate play and exercise into training sessions. This will keep your Dogo engaged and excited to learn.
The History of the Dogo Argentino
Origin Story
The Dogo Argentino was created in 1928 by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez. He was an Argentinian surgeon with a vision. The vision was to develop a dog that would be able to hunt big game. Moreover, it could guard the home, and be a loyal family companion.
Breed Composition
To make his dream a reality, Martinez started with the now-extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog. He blended it with several breeds known for strength, tracking, and temperament.
Notable breeds in the mix include:
- Great Dane
- Boxer
- Bull Terrier
- Bulldog
- Irish Wolfhound
- English Pointer
- Spanish Mastiff
- Dogue de Bordeaux
This impressive breed mix gave the Dogo its different characteristics; i.e, its athleticism, courage, and loyalty.
Recognition and Spread
The Dogo Argentino wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) until 2020, although it’s been present since the 1920s. It first came to the U.S. in the 1970s. After that it has gained popularity as a versatile working dog.
This breed does all the work ranging from police and military work to search and rescue as well as home protection.
Caring for a Dogo Argentino
Grooming Needs
With its sleek white coat, Dogo’s grooming is super simple:
- Brush once or twice a week
- Bathe as needed (especially after a muddy adventure)
- Clean ears regularly
- Trim nails
- Brush teeth daily
One more bonus? Dogos don’t drool much and rarely develop that “doggy odor.”
Feeding and Nutrition
Dogos thrive on high-quality, protein-rich food. Their food could be store-bought or homemade (with your vet’s guidance).
Dogo Puppies need a balanced puppy formula for the first 12–18 months to support proper growth.
Tip: Always provide freshwater. Avoid overfeeding to maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise and Daily Routine
This breed needs at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Great options include:
- Brisk walks
- Hiking
- Fetch in a fenced yard
- Tug-of-war
- Agility training
Health Issues and Prevention
Common Health Problems
Dogos are generally healthy. But they can face a few concerns:
Deafness: Like other white-coated breeds, Dogos can develop pigment-related deafness. This issue especially occurs if both ears lack pigment.
- To avoid this, you should choose breeders who test parents for hearing issues.
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD): It is a genetic condition that can cause pain and mobility issues.
- You can prevent this issue with exercise and weight control.
Other Considerations
Dogos have sensitive skin and are prone to sunburn. Reduce their direct exposure to sun and also consult your vet about safe sun protection.
Special Considerations for Ownership
Leash and Prey Drive
Dogos were bred to hunt. This instinct runs deep in their veins. They’re known for their strong prey drive. This means:
- Keep them leashed (chained) on walks
- Avoid off-leash play in unsecured areas
Legal and Ethical Considerations
While the Dogo Argentino is legal in the U.S., it’s banned or restricted in some of the countries. This includes the UK, Australia, and New Zealand mainly. It is also banned in some of the states of the US.
Important: It’s illegal to breed or train Dogos for fighting. But a responsible ownership of Dogos is very important.
Compatibility with Other Pets
Dogos may not always get along well with other pets. They especially don’t like smaller or weaker dogs. Early and ongoing socialization is very important to help them coexist peacefully.
Ultimately…
The Dogo Argentino is a very powerful and intelligent dog. It is a fiercely loyal breed. They live their best life in the correct environment. Because of their history in protection and hunting, they need proper structure, training, exercise, and love.
They’re not a one-size-fits-all dog. But for the right owner, they can become the perfect partner. For more expert tips, visit ibelu.com.
A Dogo is more than a pet. It becomes a man’s companion, protector, as well as a best friend; all in one.
