Dogo Argentino Dog: Characteristic, Health & Fun Facts!

Dogo Argentinos are affectionate and sociable dogs who are a cross between the Argentian Mastiff and the Argentine Doggo.

These dogs are known for their courageous nature, and their hunting and fighting strengths allow them to work with the military and the police for searching purposes.

Since they are loyal and courageous, these dogs are also known to be great protectors. They perceive threats quickly and strive to dedicate their courage to their families. 

About The Breed

The Dogo Argentino is a dog that is very loving and affectionate. These dogs were bred to be large and strong, and they were known to fight for hunting.

These dogs are known to be aggressive while hunting, and their aggression can be seen when they hunt particularly large boars.

These dogs tend to have a high prey drive along with a hunting drive, and they chase smaller animals and dogs since their genetics contribute to this. 

Dogo Argentino Dog Breed History

The Dogo Argentino is a descendant of a Fighting Dog of Cordoba that is now extinct.

These breeds, like their names, were huge fighting dogs who were fierce and known to be great fighters.

These dogs were bred selectively by an individual named Antonio Nores Marinez from Argentina so he could find a loyal companion who was also fierce to handle the geographical terrain of the area.

Later the dog’s fighting and prey drive was seen to be reduced so that their fighting instinct was replaced with their hunting instinct, and they were allowed to work well in a pack of other dogs as well. 

Multiple breeds were mixed to breed this crossbreed which is now a loyal companion with a muscular build. 

Dogo Argentino Dog Breed Job Card/Overview

Breed Name	Dogo Argentino
Other Name	Argentinian Mastiff
Dog Breed Type	Crossbreed
Origin	Argentina
Parent Breeds	Argentinian Mastiff and the Argentine Dogo
Height	23-27 inches
Weight	80-100 pounds
Life Expectancy	9-15 years
Coat Type	Short coat which may be spotted
Common Colors	Red, black, brown or tan
Grooming Needs	Moderate Grooming Needs
Hypoallergenic	Moderate shedding that can be controlled
Temperament	Strong, have a good prey drive, sociable, affectionate
Apartment Living	Could adapt to apartment living
Pet-Friendly	Yes
Health Concerns	Hip Dysplasia, hypothyroidism, glaucoma, laryngeal paralysis, deafness at times
Overall Health	Good
Intelligence Level	Quite Intelligent
Trainability	Trainable with persistent effort
Energy Level	Moderate to high energy levels
Activity	Regular exercise
Litter Size	8-10 puppies

Characteristics 

Adaptability

The Dogo Argentino, though a loyal and protective breed, showcases remarkable adaptability when raised in the right environment.

Known for its versatility, this dog can transition seamlessly between roles as a family pet, a working dog, or a hunting companion.

With proper training and early socialization, Dogo Argentinos can adapt to various living conditions, including apartments or spacious homes.

Their adaptive nature allows them to bond closely with their human families, making them affectionate and gentle companions.

However, it’s crucial to note that their strong protective instincts require responsible ownership to ensure they adapt well to different situations and interact safely with other pets and people.

Proper care, training, and socialization are key to harnessing their adaptability effectively.

Friendliness

Dogo Argentinos are known for their friendly nature, often forming strong bonds with their families.

They are affectionate and loyal companions, making them great family pets. These dogs thrive on human interaction and tend to be good with children when raised with them.

While they are generally friendly, proper socialization from an early age is crucial to ensure they are comfortable around strangers and other animals.

Their protective instincts may make them wary of unfamiliar faces, but early exposure can help them distinguish between friend and foe.

Overall, a well-trained and socialized Dogo Argentino can be a loving and friendly addition to any household, offering both protection and affection to their human companions.

Personality 

The Dogo Argentino is loyal and loving, and they are excellent watchdogs who provide great security and can perceive threats easily.

Their strong prey drives and hunting needs make them great for families who prefer a dog that is strong and wishes to protect their families and pet parents.

These dogs tend to be independent; thus, at times, they tend to be stubborn. In these situations, they must be trained properly.

If complications arise, bring in a professional trainer so they can socialize and be trained in a proper way that will allow them to retain their strength and be ideal pups for their pet families.

Temperament

Friendly with Children

Dogo Argentinos are often friendly and affectionate with children. Their protective nature makes them excellent family pets.

These dogs form strong bonds with their human companions, including kids, and tend to be gentle and patient.

However, early socialization and training are essential to ensure they interact well with children and understand boundaries.

Supervision is crucial, especially with young children, to ensure a harmonious relationship between your Dogo Argentino and your little ones.

Amicable to Other Pets

Dogo Argentino dogs can be amicable to other pets when raised and socialized properly.

Early exposure to different animals and positive experiences can help them become more accepting.

However, their strong prey drive might make them chase smaller pets. Supervision is key, especially with small animals.

With the right training and a harmonious environment, Dogo Argentinos can coexist peacefully with other pets, but caution and gradual introductions are crucial to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.

Barking Tendencies

Dogo Argentinos are known for their strong protective instincts, which can lead to barking tendencies.

They may bark to alert you of potential threats or unfamiliar situations. Early socialization and training can help manage excessive barking.

Providing mental stimulation through toys and activities can also reduce boredom-related barking.

Remember, understanding their needs and addressing them appropriately can help keep their barking under control, making them great companions for quieter living environments.

Possibilities of Staying Alone

Dogo Argentino dogs can stay alone, but it’s essential to consider their needs.

These loyal companions may experience separation anxiety, leading to destructive behavior if left alone for long periods.

Providing mental stimulation with toys, a comfortable space, and a routine can help ease their solitude.

However, it’s best to limit alone time and ensure they receive ample exercise and social interaction to keep them happy and well-adjusted when you’re away.

Pros And Cons Of The Dogo Argentino Dog Breed 

Male Vs. Female Attitude

There is no difference in attitude between the male and female Dogo Argentino.

Both of them have great temperaments, and the only difference that exists between them is that of size since the males tend to be slightly larger than the female dogs by an inch or so. That’s the only differentiated factor. 

Appearance

General Appearance

The Dogo Argentino boasts a distinctive appearance. They are robust, muscular dogs with a powerful build.

Their most noticeable feature is their all-white coat, which is short, smooth, and shiny. Their head is broad, with a strong, square-shaped muzzle and a black nose.

Their eyes are expressive, often dark or hazel in color, conveying a sense of intelligence and loyalty.

These dogs have a thick neck that blends smoothly into their muscular shoulders and chest.

Their ears are typically cropped to stand erect, giving them a vigilant expression. Dogo Argentinos have a straight, sturdy back, and their tail is often docked.

Coat Color

The Dogo Argentino has a short coat that tends to be solid and all-white in color.

Sometimes they have a black spot on their heads that may be easy to spot. Although their coat is short and does not shed much due to its size, it is easy to maintain.

However, these dogs may need to be groomed in a complex manner. They need to be brushed weekly and bathed regularly at least every few months or quicker, in case their coats get dirty.

Since they do have a short coat, lint complications may occur, and it may coagulate on their coats; thus, keep a lint roller with yourself so that it is controllable. 

Shedding

Though these dogs have short coats, they shed quite a bit. It is not too much since their coats are not very long, but seasonal shedding does occur.

Regular brushing and bathing can keep shedding controlled. 

Size

This crossbreed is about 24-27 inches at the shoulder, and the males are slightly taller than the female dogs by an inch or so. The breed weighs about 80 to 100 pounds.

These dogs are thus not very large but tend to be tall and have a broad frame which has them resemble the build and structure of the Pit Bull Terrier or the Bulldog.

They do not have a breed standard since they are newer mixed breeds. They can be larger or smaller depending on their lifestyle and genetics. 

DOG BREED GROUP	SPORTING DOGS
HEIGHT	23-27 INCHES
WEIGHT	80-100 POUNDS
LIFE SPAN	9-15 YEARS

Health

Generally, this dog does not suffer from any health conditions; however, they are sensitive to some pre-existing health problems.

These dogs mainly suffer from deafness as a central issue. About 10 percent of the dogs of this crossbreed have deafness in either one or both ears.

This is often known as pigment-related deafness and seen in white-colored dogs of the Dalmatian and Bull Terrier breeds. Look out for the following diseases. 

Hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, glaucoma, and laryngeal paralysis.

To ensure that the breed does not develop any of these conditions or even more complicated health conditions, visit your veterinarian regularly.

This will help you recognize any early onset of diseases and also keep your dog healthy and nutritious. 

Maintenance And Care

Dogo Argentinos are dogs with a significant problem of partial or complete deafness at times, this is something to consider while looking at how to care for them.

These dogs have pigment-related deafness which can occur. To avoid escalation, it is essential to visit your veterinarian regularly and ensure that the regular health of your dog is maintained.

Since these dogs are on the medium to larger side and have a high energy drive, engaging them in regular exercise is an essential aspect of care.

If they are not regularly allowed to spend their energy, these dogs may become self-destructive or bored. To avoid any anxiety and habits like these engage them in regular strenuous exercise.

Grooming

Grooming a Dogo Argentino is relatively easy due to its short, smooth white coat. Brushing once a week helps remove loose hair and maintain their coat’s shine.

Bathing is necessary only when they get dirty or have an odor. Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming are crucial.

Check their ears for signs of infection and clean them gently. Trim their nails to prevent overgrowth.

Overall, keeping your Dogo Argentino clean and well-groomed contributes to their health and appearance.

Food And Nutrition

Dogo Argentinos need a diet that is well-fitting for a dog that is made for large-sized breeds. Along with this, they need to be hydrated and drink a lot of water.

Since these dogs have high energy and require enough energy to fit their exercise needs, it is important to feed them with high-energy components in their food.

This will keep them well-fed and ensure their nutritional needs are met as well. 

Food Cost

Feeding a Dogo Argentino can cost around $60 to $100 monthly, depending on the brand and quality of dog food chosen. Homemade diets may vary in expenses.

Exercise And Activity Level 

Dogo Argentinos are energetic dogs who need at least an hour or two of exercise every day so that they do not burn out and fall into habits that are destructive for them and spoil their mental and physical health.

Regular exercise will keep them healthy and allow them to have an enhanced life. 

Trainability

Dogo Argentinos are trainable dogs with the right approach. They’re intelligent, eager to please, and quick learners, but their strong-willed nature can pose challenges.

Begin training early, focusing on positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. Consistency is key; establish clear boundaries and rules.

Socialization is crucial to prevent aggression. Expose them to various people, animals, and situations from an early age.

Obedience training is a must, as they can be headstrong. Be patient and firm, but avoid harsh methods, as they respond better to gentle guidance.

Dogo Argentinos thrive in structured environments with regular mental and physical stimulation.

Conclusion 

The Dogo Argentino is a dog that has a high prey drive; however, they could chase smaller pets and animals around their homes if they do come across them.

Thus these dogs are to be sociably trained, and they are best suited for homes where smaller animals are not there. 

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