Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino, as its name suggests, is originally from Argentina, where it was bred as a big game hunting dog. The coat of the Dogo Argentino allows it to blend in with the environment to facilitate hunting. They are also known for their determination and bravery.

General details

Dogs of the breed are of medium size and have an athletic and powerful appearance. The weight ranges between 36 and 45 kilograms, while the height varies between 61 and 69 centimeters in males and between 60 and 66 centimeters in females. The life expectancy of this breed is 9 to 15 years. They belong to Group 2 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which groups together Pinscher and Schnauzer type dogs, Molossoids, mountain type dogs and Swiss Cattle Dogs.

Breed history in brief

The Dogo Argentino is a breed developed in Cordoba (Argentina) in the 1920s by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez. The creation of the Dogo Argentino was based on several crosses with different breeds, the main one being the Perro de Pelea de Córdoba. The breeds with which it was crossed were Boxer, Pointer, Great Dane, Bull Terrier, Bull Dog, Pyrenean Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux and Irish Hound. The resulting breed was athletic, strong, tenacious, loyal and with a powerful bite. The Dogo Argentino was very popular in Argentina where it was used for hunting, but also as a police and military dog. In the 1970s it arrived in the United States and in 1973 it was accepted by the FCI. Today, the breed is still appreciated, however, there is some controversy because of its possible aggressive disposition.

Breed characteristics

Dogo Argentino is a powerful, energetic breed with harmonious proportions. The body is rectangular with a higher topline at the withers and slightly sloping towards the croup, the head is of the mesocephalic type with medium sized almond-shaped eyes, well separated and dark. The ears are of medium length, triangular in shape and naturally pendant. The tail is long and in repose is drooping. The coat is short, smooth and its density varies according to the climate, being denser in cold climates. The usual color of the coat is solid white, although the standard established for the breed by the FCI admits a dark color in areas such as the skull, ears or around the eyes. The Dogo Argentino is strong but agile, with a good sense of smell. It is characterized by its protective, energetic and independent nature. These dogs have been pigeonholed as aggressive dogs because of their dominant nature towards other dogs, however, this type of unwanted behavior can be avoided with early training and socialization. The dogs are affectionate and loyal to their family members.

Common health problems

The breed is generally healthy, although they have been associated with a number of diseases or disorders, some of which are a consequence of their size. The disorders or diseases are hip dysplasia, congenital deafness, ciliary dyskinesia, hemolytic anemia, renal hypoplasia, narcolepsy, cataracts, hemophilia A, hypothyroidism, microphthalmia, intervertebral disc disease or progressive retinal atrophy.