Dogo Argentino: The Powerful Hunting Dog of Argentina
The Dogo Argentino is an incredibly powerful working breed, developed in Argentina during the 1920s. Originally bred as a big game hunting dog, this breed has become renowned for its strength, endurance, and pack hunting prowess.
This breed of dog was developed by the Martinez brothers, the Argentinian doctors Antonio and Agustin Norse Martinez. They made Selective breeding of the nearly extinct Viejo Perro de Plea Cordobes with different breeds in order to improve the pet’s hunting and guarding characteristics.
The Dogo breed argentine typically stands around 24 to 26.5 inches high and weighs around 80 to 100 pounds. Its distinctively short coat is almost a pure white color, with a colored eye patch. Ear cropping was always a norm, but when natural, it is the ears that hang down.
Regardless of being a loyal guardian and protector, this breed has been viewed as dangerous based on the stigma surrounding it; which has led to its prohibition in many countries for being considered aggressive and about which some places had a total or partial import ban.
Origins and History Dogo Argentino
The Viejo Perro de Pelea Cordobés is perhaps one of the absolute most powerful fighting dogs that could bring down the mightiest of game. However Stanes tendency to be too aggressive to be an enjoyable pet, the Nores Martinez brothers interbred it with the Pointer breed to improve scenting, Great Dane to increase the height, Pyrenean Mastiff for being laid back.
Bull Terrier for white color, stunning Boxer for the demeanour and agility, and Bulldog for powerful jaws. The Dogo later became the subject of a national magazine, and was further thrust into the spotlight when Antonio Nores Martinez pit the Dogo against a boar and a puma and won. After the passing of Antonio Nores Martinez in 1956, Agustin Nores Martinez sat as embassadour for Argentina in Canada, enabling him to spread the dog all over the world.
The Argentino dog has been recognized by the Argentine Kennel Club since 1964, the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1973, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) only in 2020. It was introduced to the USA in 1970 and soon became a favorite among hog hunters located in the western regions of the country.
Through American Kennel Club (AKC) exposure and the resulting recognition, the Dogo very quickly found its fans among those who wanted a very tough looking dog that was very stylish. The Dogo breed argentine is a member of the Working group of the AKC, while it belongs to the group 2 of the FCI Pinscher and Schnauzer Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs, Mastiff subtype
Temperament Dogo breed argentine
The Dogo is among the toughest of breeds, and it is not a breed for inexperienced or casual dog owners. (Generalizations about dog breeds are well established and widely accepted, but individual dogs may different in behaviour from others.) Because the breed can be aggressive toward strangers, people, and even familiar canines, an experienced owner who is firm, confident, consistent, and cautious is required. Because of its power, the Dogo is not suitable for children or old people ,yet, it makes a wonderful watchdog and guard dog.
Despite its hard personality, it is a caring, loyal, and passionate companion who enjoys close contact. Breeders suggest buying a Dogo as a puppy so that the new owner can create a polite relationship and start an obedience plan. The breed is fairly active and responds best when provided activity to keep it engaged. It is not a loud barker.
Care of Argentino dog
Considering all of its characteristics, the Dogo is not suitable for dog parks. It has a lot of exercise requirements which could be satisfied by having a robust fenced yard for running, leash walks, games, agility, obedience, scent work and any other activities that will stimulate it physically and mentally.
The Dogo dog breed is a fan of playing with a ball or a disc, but do not expect them to retrieve it. Little is involved in coat care just bathing and brushing the coat from time to time. Extreme cold and heat are not acceptable.
This is a breed that has been known to be affected by dysplastic hips; therefore, pups must be fed a large breed puppy food, which delays growth and reduces the risk for the disorder.
All puppies in the breed must have their hearing tested using brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) one of the common tests carried out on domestic animals because it is reported that a pigmented related deafness is present in the breed.
The Dogo is undoubtedly one of the toughest breeds on the planet hence it’s a breed not suitable for novices or casual owners (if blanket statements about dog breeds exist, then every dog of its kind has some stereotypical behaviour, however, there can always be exceptions.)
There are other dogs which only the most attentive and experienced owners should take on disobedience and neglect could easily lead to aggression against unfamiliar dogs or even own ones. In terms of its strength the Dogo is not suitable for elders or children; on the positive side, it enjoys qualities such as being an excellent watchdog as well as a guarding dog.
Although tough in nature, it is also very affectionate, dependable, and very expressive which appreciates human proximity. Dogo puppies often get themselves into trouble so it would be good for the new owner to acquire some authority and start obedience training early on. This dog has some activity and should be kept occupied. It doesn’t bark often.
Breed Data
Other names: Dogo, Dogo breed Dogo, Argentine Mastiff
Area of origin: Córdoba (Argentina)
Breed group: Working
Height: 61-67cm
Weight: 80 – 100 pounds
Life span: 9-15 years
Did You Know?
The Dogo is a native Argentine species and developed from a number of crossbreeds so that they may be used to hunt large animals. Owing to the potentially dangerous temper of these breed as well as their past as dogs that were bred to fight and hunt, doges are banned or illegal to own in various other countries.
Health Concerns and Conditions Dogo breed argentine
Hip Dysplasia
An orthopedic disease are common in large dog breeds. Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease in which the ball and socket of the hip joint do not work together properly. Advanced arthritis may develop from hip dysplasia and cause pain and reduced mobility in elderly dogs. It can be corrected with weight control, nutritional support, or surgical repair.
Periodontal Disease:
This is more or less confined to all dogs including the Argentino dog. It is advised that owners of the Argentino dog brush the dog’s teeth and provide dental treatment and care to reduce the chances of tartar and gum inflammation. It is also capable of self-medication and can be brushed once a week and cleaned every year.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV):
This gastrointestinal emergency, commonly referred to as a bloat, is caused when the stomach distends with gas and rotates, which can result in the cessation of blood supply. It is advisable to perform a gastropexy procedure for prophylaxis especially among puppies.
Skin Care
Dogo breed argentine on average do not have skin that is sensitive however they can possess regions on their skin which are non pigmented in color and reside beneath their white fur and sunlight causes them to be prone to burning.
Exercise caution on letting them bask in the sun for prolonged periods of time including putting their head out of the car window when driving for long distances. Sunscreen made for dogs can be used to protect the skin from burning.
Allergies: Allergies of the skin owing to food hypersensitivity, allergies from the environment, and allergies to grooming products.
Irritations: irritation in the form of rashes or dry skin due to lack of adequate moisturizer.
Management: consist of routine skin assessments, application of moisturizing creams, application of skin products which have low concentrations of allergens and sun avoidance.
Deafness:
This condition restricts the normal respiration in the dog. A nerve issue that prevents normal opening of vocal folds due to poor folding causes this condition and in extreme conditions, it mandates surgical correction.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can result in skin conditions, weight gain, low energy levels, and low energy levels. A patient suffering from such a condition can go for medication.
Laryngeal Paralysis:
This condition restricts the normal respiration in the dog. A nerve issue that prevents normal opening of vocal folds due to poor folding causes this condition and in extreme conditions, it mandates surgical correction.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can result in skin conditions, weight gain, low energy levels, and low energy levels. A patient suffering from such a condition can go for medication.
Ear Care
If a dog suffers from recurrent ear infections, it may be important to clean its ears more often. Ask a veterinarian what kind of ear care is appropriate for your Dog breed argentine dogo
Behavior and Training
Argentine dog dogs are intelligent and stubborn, and they require a teacher who is both firm and patient. Their keen instincts will lead them to pursue any small animal that is running away. It is also essential to expose them to different people and situations at an early age. The use of positive reinforcement methods is the most effective approach with this breed throughout the training process. Dogo breed argentine are not recommended for the first time owners due to their highly demanding temperament.
Fun Activities for Dogo Argentinos
- Playing with a ball
- Going for walks or runs on a lead
- Chasing small game
- Leaping in and out of obstacles
- Completing tasks in a sequence
Grooming
Dogo breed argentine have moderately short soft coats that are soft in texture. They do not need proper grooming however, they should be bathed once during the month or when necessary. They can invite a sunburn over the un-pigmented portions of their skin, therefore they should not be kept out in the hot sun for extended periods.
Behavior of Argentino dog
This breed is usually quiet and does not bark much, however, as hunters, they have a strong prey drive. A Dogo breed argentine should be put on a leash or in enclosed areas to prevent them from darting after birds, rabbits, or squirrels which they may think of as pets.
A Argentino dog that is left unsupervised will most likely get into something or create a mess. To enhance the general well-being of your pet, it is advisable to monitor their movements and introduce a routine which will help in diminishing their physical and mental energy.
Training Dogo Argentino
Argentino dog may not be an ideal dog for first-time pet owners due to their strong prey drives and high energy levels. They are intelligent animals however, Dogo breed argentine were created to work independently, therefore they can be quite headstrong and require patience when training.
Using positive reinforcement training methods when working with a dogo breed dogo should produce ideal results. It is also essential to socialize theArgentino dog puppy as soon as possible so they do not develop fears and insecurities of new people and other animals outside their household.
