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Dogo Argentino breed guide
American Kennel Club (AKC) calls the Dogo Argentino a pack-hunting dog bred to pursue big game such as wild boar and puma, with the strength, intelligence and quick responsiveness of a serious athlete.
The short, smooth coat is completely white and a dark patch near the eye is allowed if it covers no more than 10% of the head.
- Height
- 24 to 26.5 inches male, 24 to 25.5 inches female
- Weight
- 80 to 100 pounds
- AKC group
- Working Group
Dogo Argentino temperament
The ideal Dogo Argentino is a study in harmony: large, powerful and athletic with a strong head on a thick but elegant neck, giving an impression of explosive power and energy.
Developed to find, chase and catch dangerous game, the Dogo Argentino must have a good nose, great lung capacity and a powerful yet agile build.
Dogo Argentino lifespan
The Dogo Argentino lives 9 to 15 years. AKC calls it a healthy dog with few genetic problems and a responsible breeder can teach prospective owners about specific health concerns in the breed.
Dogo Argentino care
Beyond a regular weekly grooming, an occasional bath keeps the Dogo Argentino clean and the strong, fast-growing nails need regular trimming with a clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking.
Exercise options include backyard play, preferably fenced and walks several times a day, plus indoor games like hide-and-seek and outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking and retrieving balls.
Dogo Argentino history
The breed originated in the province of Cordoba in central Argentina, created by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez, a renowned doctor from a traditional family. In 1928 his passion for dogs led him to set the bases and a standard for a new breed he named Dogo Argentino.
His work was based on methodical crossbreeding of several purebreds with the old fighting dog of Cordoba, a very strong and vigorous dog.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 5 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 5 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 4 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 3 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 4 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 5 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |
More Working Group guides
Sources
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Dogo Argentino by joseltr, CC0
