Dogo Argentino

Breed standard: FCA, FCI | Size: Large | Average lifespan: 10+ years | Temperament: Brave, intelligent, and calm | Coat: Short | Origin: Argentina.

The Dogo Argentino is a large dog with a short coat. This breed is often nicknamed the Dogo and is courageous and intelligent.

The origins of the Dogo Argentino

A cross between several breeds

The history of the Dogo Argentino is relatively short because this breed has existed only for less than a century. To be more precise, their origins date back to the year 1928. Argentinian dog breeders, Antonio Nores Martinez and his brother, Augustin, aimed to breed high-performance molosses for hunting and to protect farmers’ herds from thieves and large predators in the hostile environment of the Argentine pampas.

In the late 1920s, the two Nores Martinez brothers began to crossbreed different breeds to create the perfect animal for their purpose. However, their criteria were quite strict. They wanted a breed with impressive stamina, if not great speed. The dog needed to be both powerful and courageous. In addition, they needed to be able to find their prey silently, as well as be able to quest as part of a team. As for the desired appearance, the expected breed needed to be medium to large in size, have a short coat to withstand extreme heat and a white coat so that the dog would not be mistaken for another animal.

First a cross between a Cordoba fighting dog and a Bull Terrier

To come to this result, first, the Nores Martinez brothers crossed male Cordoba fighting dogs (Perro de pelea cordobés), which is now an extinct breed, renowned for its hunting qualities, fighting ability and power. This breed was already the result of a cross between the Boxer, Bull Terrier, Bulldog and English Mastiff, with Bull Terrier female dogs.

The Argentinian dog breeder brothers repeated crossings for 8 generations of dogs. They obtained a breed having the physical and mental characteristics of the different breeds they came from.

Crossbred with the Pyrenean Mastiff and Pointer

Puppies from the 8th generation of the first crossing of the Nores Martinez brothers were crossed during 12 generations with females of the breed Pyrenean Mastiff, a large shepherd dog with a white coat that perfectly fulfills its protective role. At the end of these 12 generations, a cross with the Pointer breed was added to obtain a breed with flair, capable of querying on the wind.

Six purebred Dogo Argentinos were born, and the breed standard was set in 1947, almost 20 years after the first crosses were made. The FCI (Fédération Cynophile Internationale) officially recognized the breed in 1973.

The character of the Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino is a brave and intelligent guard dog. As they are calm and very willing to learn, they are easy to train.

The qualities of the Dogo Argentino

The main quality of the Dogo Argentino is that they are very good guard dogs. This dog breed’s stature is a real deterrent, and its power can intimidate even the most reckless individuals. Moreover, the Dogo barks very little and never for no reason, making it the perfect alert in case of danger.

While this dog is very brave, it is also sociable and easily cohabits with other pets. These dogs are affectionate towards their masters. Well-trained Dogo Argentinos are faithful, loyal, and protective. While this breed is naturally calm, they still need to get out and let off steam every day in the fresh air.

Are there downsides to having a Dogo Argentino?

The Dogo retains their instincts for hunting big game. If not properly trained, they can quickly attack wild animals and, as they are very protective, strangers who threaten their owner. In addition, Dogos have difficulty tolerating other dogs, especially males, which can lead to territorial disputes at puberty.

Furthermore, the Dogo Argentino’s great sociability demands the constant presence of its owner at its side. In fact, this dog can quickly suffer from loneliness and cannot remain without company for several hours. Lastly, its natural vitality requires several daily outings.

You might find this article interesting: How often and for how long should I walk my dog?

The physical characteristics of the Dogo Argentino

General

Remarkable for its large size and concentrated air, the Dogo is a slender dog with a white coat and the impressive physique of a molossoid.

Head

Its convex head shows its strength. Its jaws are equipped with powerful muscles. Their tight, black lips cover their entire teeth. The Dogo Argentino’s nose is fairly large, always black, with very open nostrils.

When it comes to their eyes, they are wide-set, lively and attentive. They are almond-shaped and black or very dark.

As for the breed’s ears, they are carried high. They open sideways and droop at rest and are semi-erect when alert.

Body

This dog breed has a massive, muscular and very harmonious body that fits into a rectangle. Its neck is curved, moderately long, and descends to powerful withers. When it comes to their back, it’s very muscular. The loins of this dog are short and broad, with a slightly sloping croup.

The Dogo’s tail is long. They have short, tight toes with strong, thick, and resistant black paw pads.

Coat, color, and grooming

Coat

The Dogo Argentino has a short coat that measures between 1.5 and 2 cm all over their head and body.

Color

This breed has an entirely white coat. However, it’s possible for some dogs to have a small black or dark colored mark on their head, usually around their ears or muzzle.

Grooming and caring for a Dogo Argentino

As these dogs have a very short coat, it’s easy to take care of. It’s enough to brush them once a week. With that being said, it’s best to take a close look at your dog’s coat after a walk in the woods, to quickly remove any external parasites (ticks, fleas, etc.) that they may have picked up.

Did you know?

The French politician Emmanuel Macron has a Dogo Argentino named Figaro.