Dogo Argentino

also known as Argentine Mastiff, Argentine Dog

Pros History


The Dogo Argentino is a large and powerful breed that has a rich history and a unique set of characteristics. They are known for their strength, endurance, and loyalty, making them a popular choice for hunting, police work, and as a companion dog.

The breed was created in the 1920s by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez, a Argentinean doctor and breeder, with the goal of creating a strong and powerful dog that could be used for hunting big game, as well as for police and military work. He bred several different breeds together, including the Cordoba Fighting Dog, the Pointer, the Boxer, and the Bull Terrier, to create a breed that was powerful, agile, and fearless.

The breed's name, Dogo Argentino, is a reference to its origin in Argentina and its status as a distinct breed. The "Dogo" part of the name is Spanish for "fighting dog", while the "Argentino" part of the name refers to its origin in Argentina.

The breed's development was due to the desire of creating a strong and powerful dog that could be used for hunting big game and as a protector. Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez, the breed's creator, used several breeds to achieve his goal, such as the Cordoba Fighting Dog, the Pointer, the Boxer, and the Bull Terrier, which was a combination of strength, power and intelligence.

Historically, the Dogo Argentino was a popular breed in Argentina and other Latin American countries, where they were used for hunting big game and as a protector. However, in some countries, the breed has been banned because of its history as a fighting dog, and in some other countries, they are considered as a dangerous breed.

Breed Information


Type

Is Dogo Argentino a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Dogo Argentinos originally used for?

hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Dogo Argentinos Live? What is average life expectancy for a Dogo Argentino? How long can Dogo Argentinos live?

10-12 years

The average Dogo Argentino lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Dogo Argentino Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Dogo Argentino?

What is the average height of a Dogo Argentino? How big is a Purebred Dogo Argentino height? Dogo Argentino dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 24-27 inches (61 - 68.6 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 25.5 inches (64.8 cm)
Female 24-26 inches (61 - 66 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 22.0 inches (55.9 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm)
What is the average weight of a Dogo Argentino? How much should Dogo Argentinos weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 88-100 pounds (40 - 45 kg) 55.0 pounds (25 kg) 75.0 pounds (34 kg) 94.0 pounds (43 kg)
Female 77-88 pounds (35 - 40 kg) 45.0 pounds (20 kg) 67.5 pounds (31 kg) 82.5 pounds (37 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Dogo Argentinos get fat easily?

The Dogo Argentino is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Dogo Argentinos Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Dogo Argentino is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Dogo Argentino personality? What are Dogo Argentino dogs best known for?

Sociable
Loyal
Protective
Tolerant
Loving

Shedding Level

Are Dogo Argentinos heavy shedders? How Much Does a Dogo Argentino Shed?

Dogo Argentino dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Dogo Argentino. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Dogo Argentino dog?

The Dogo Argentino dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Dogo Argentinos come from?

Argentina

Ancestry

What are Dogo Argentinos descended from?

mastiff, cordoba fighting dog

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Dogo Argentino breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
National Kennel Club
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Federacion Cinologica Argentina
Backwoods Bulldog Club

Date of Birth

When were Dogo Argentinos first bred? How old is the Dogo Argentino breed?

1920s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Dogo Argentino?

Working
Guardian Dog (UKC)

Dogo Argentino Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Dogo Argentino eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Dogo Argentino nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Dogo Argentino coat be naturally?

White

Coat Length

How long is a Dogo Argentinos coat?

The coat of a Dogo Argentino dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Dogo Argentino Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Dogo Argentino?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Dogo Argentino have in a litter? How many puppies can a Dogo Argentino have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Dogo Argentino can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Dogo Argentino dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Dogo Argentino Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Dogo Argentinos have a lot of health problems?

The Dogo Argentino is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Dogo Argentino?

About 10% Of Dogs Are Born Deaf
Hypothyroidism

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Dogo Argentinos?

Glaucoma
Laryngeal Paralysis

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Dogo Argentino breed?

Eye
Hearing
Skeletal
Thyroid Tests
Eye Examination

Dogo Argentino Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Dogo Argentinos have a lot of energy?

Dogo Argentinos are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Dogo Argentinos need socialization? How social are Dogo Argentinos?

Dogo Argentinos have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Dogo Argentinos get?

The Dogo Argentino dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Dogo Argentino have? Do Dogo Argentinos sleep a lot?

Dogo Argentinos dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Dogo Argentino drool a lot?

The Dogo Argentino is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Dogo Argentino, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Dogo Argentino dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Dogo Argentinos exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Dogo Argentinos mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Dogo Argentino running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Dogo Argentino dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Dogo Argentinos enjoy doing? How do I keep my Dogo Argentino busy?

None, Walking, Finding sticks, Running, Sniffing, Fetch, Tug-of-war, Jumping, Walk, Snuggling, Dog Parks, Doggie daycare, Swimming, Attack

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Dogo Argentino? How much energy does a Dogo Argentino have?

Medium

Dogo Argentinos are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Dogo Argentino walk each week? How many miles should a Dogo Argentino walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Dogo Argentino, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Dogo Argentino should exercise a day? How much activity does a Dogo Argentino need?

60 minutes

In general most Dogo Argentinos usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Dogo Argentino?

The Dogo Argentino is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Dogo Argentino?

Weekly

Dogo Argentino should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Dogo Argentinos?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Dogo Argentino eat?

3 cups

For an average 88-100 pound (40 - 45 kg) Dogo Argentino feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Dogo Argentino Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Dogo Argentino is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Dogo Argentino Cost Per Month?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a Dogo Argentino is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Dogo Argentino Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Dogo Argentino?

The Dogo Argentino breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Dogo Argentino dog?

Dogo Argentino dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are Dogo Argentino dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Dogo Argentino do well in apartments? Are Dogo Argentinos good indoor dogs?

The Dogo Argentino is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Dogo Argentinos good with kids? Are Dogo Argentinos good around children?

Dogo Argentinos are average friendly dogs towards children.

Senior-friendly

Are Dogo Argentinos good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Dogo Argentinos good with cats? How friendly Dogo Argentinos are toward cats?

Dogo Argentinos are not cat friendly dogs.

Dog Friendly

Do Dogo Argentino dogs get along with other dogs? Are Dogo Argentinos OK with other dogs?

Dogo Argentinos are not dog friendly dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Dogo Argentino dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Dogo Argentinos friendly with strangers?

Dogo Argentinos are not stranger friendly dogs.

Playfulness

Do Dogo Argentinos like to play? Are Dogo Argentinos playful?

Dogo Argentinos have an average level of playfulness. The Dogo Argentinos, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Dogo Argentino easily trained?

Dogo Argentino dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Maintain a healthy weight
    The risk of obesity among Dogo Argentinos is typically low to average.
  • Quiet
    This breed is known for being relatively silent, making it a good option if you're looking for a quieter dog.
  • Protective
    Dogo Argentinos are protective of their family and make great guard dogs.
  • Strong and hardy
    Dogo Argentinos are a large and strong breed that can handle a lot of physical activity.
  • Trainable
    Dogo Argentinos are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement.

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    If you have allergies, you may want to avoid Dogo Argentinos, as they have been known to cause allergic reactions.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    Dogo Argentino dogs require more space than an apartment can provide.
  • Not suitable for first-time dog owners
    Dogo Argentinos require a confident and experienced owner who can provide proper training and socialization.
  • Not cat-friendly
    Cats and Dogo Argentinos tend to not be a suitable pairing.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    A Dogo Argentino may not be the best choice for a dog to have in an office setting.
  • Potential legal issues
    Dogo Argentinos are banned in some countries and municipalities due to their reputation as a dangerous breed.