A relative newcomer to our shores, the Argentinian Mastiff embodies the kind of power, strength and courage that stops you in your tracks. Check out these remarkable facts about this impressive South American dog.
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Where does the Argentinian Dogo come from?
The Dogo Argentino is an Argentine large mastiff type breed bred in the early 20th century for dog fighting and for hunting large game such as wild boars, peccaries and pumas. It originates from the province of Córdoba, in the central region of the country.
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Who first bred the Dogo Argentino?
The creator of Dogo was Antonio Nores Martínez, a doctor from a family that placed great value on tradition. In 1928, Dr. Nores Martinez set out to realize his vision of developing a new breed of dog which he named Dogo Argentino. He started with the old Córdoba fighting dog, now extinct. He admired this breed for its power, but wanted to increase its size and strength. Other breeds were added over the generations, starting with the Bull Terrier, then followed by Great Dane, Needle, Boxer, Bulldog, Pyrenean Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound And Spanish Mastiff.
Dr. Nores Martinez selected the white coat color and rejected any dog with a lower mouth and jaw (Bulldog). He worked tirelessly on this mission, and by the 12th generation, his dogs had become loyal. In 1947, he presented his breed to the Club de Cazadores (“hunters’ club”) in Buenos Aires with a breed standard. It was a labor of love for physician brothers Nores Martinez (the late Antonio and his successor, Agustin), but ultimately, their dream of developing a supreme canine hunter and athlete paid off.
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When was the Dogo Argentino accepted into national breed clubs?
It was not until 1973 that the Dogo was recognized as the first and only Argentine breed by the International Cynological Federation (FCI), a global organization that recognizes breeds that can compete in its global dog shows. The breed received full American Kennel Club recognition in January 2020.
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What is the color of the Dogo Argentino’s coat?
Doctors Nores Martinez imagined a completely white dog, and the American Kennel Club the breed standard follows their strict guidelines. Regarding color, the AKC standard allows that “the only tolerable spots are a black or dark-colored spot on the skull but which can also be located on an ear or around an eye or very small dark spots on the ears… More than one spot on the head (except small spots on the ears) is a disqualification… One black spot anywhere other than on the head is a disqualification.
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What is the temperament of the Dogo Argentino?
The Dogo loves family, but is a very dominant and protective breed towards strangers and other dogs. Under “Character and Temperament,” the breed standard tells us that the Dogo is a “strong, tenacious, hardy dog that was created to protect family and property, as well as to hunt large game and destructive predators.” It is a faithful companion at home and in the field. Of all the attributes of the Dogo, he is above all courageous.
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What is the size and weight of the Dogo Argentino?
The Dogo is a large dog breed with a height of 24 to 26.5 inches at the shoulder and a weight ranging from 88 to 100 pounds.
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How long does the Dogo Argentino live?
The life expectancy of the Dogo is 9 to 15 years.
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How active is the Dogo?
High energy level. Adaptable, trainable, and eager to please obedience, agility and rallying are all possible with a well socialized Dogo.
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Is the Dogo Agentino good for new owners?
Generally, no. This breed is far too strong and dominant for most situations.
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Is the Dogo Aregentino a good pet?
He can be. A good Dogo breeder who socializes the puppies from a young age, followed by continued socialization in their new home is essential. If there are other pets in the house, think carefully about the dynamics involved; it is a dominant breed.
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Is the Dogo a good apartment dog?
In most cases, no. This is an active, dominant breed with a high guarding/protective nature.
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Is it easy to train a Dogo?
High training capacity. This breed is eager to please.
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Is the Dogo prone to excessive barking?
Medium to high barking level. Do not buy the Dogo Argentino if you are looking for a calm dog.
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Is the Dogo a good traveler?
Generally, yes. Get him used to car trips early. Crate training is essential for safe car travel, hotel and motel stays, overnight vet visits, etc.
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Is the Dogo easy to groom?
Yes. The Dogo Argentino has a medium to high shedding level, so occasional brushing reduces unwanted white hairs left on furniture, floors and carpets. The breed has a smooth, short coat.
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How popular is the Dogo Argentino?
This breed comes in at number 88 in the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular breeds in 2022, based on annual registrations. (There are a total of 200 recognized breeds.)
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Is there deafness in the Dogo Argentino breed?
Like the Dalmatian, the White Bull Terrier and the White Boxer, the Mastiff can suffer from pigment-related deafness. There is a possibility of an overall rate of deafness of around 10%, with some dogs affected unilaterally (deaf in one ear) and others bilaterally (deaf in both ears). Studies have shown that the incidence of deafness is significantly reduced when the only Dogos raised are those with bilaterally normal hearing. Insist on seeing the health test results of the parents and puppies if you want to add a Dogo to your home.
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Are Dogo Argentinos included in breed bans?
The Dogo has a fighting dog heritage. Coupled with its size, strength and natural dominance, this has led to bans or restrictions on ownership in some countries, including the Cayman Islands, Denmark, Norway, Fiji, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand. -Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Turkey. In the United Kingdom, under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is illegal to own a Dogo Argentino without legal permission. In the United States, some cities may ban the breed, and there may be insurance company policies and housing restrictions that impact breed ownership.