Dogo argentino: characteristics, upbringing, diseases and how to adopt one

It can be frightening because of its size and what you hear around, but an Argentine dogo is a very affectionate and loyal dog that with the right education will give you great satisfaction. Find out everything there is to know about the majestic Argentine dogo

He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him

Il Argentine Dogo it is a breed well known for its massive structure and for being among the most dangerous in the world due to its aggressive nature which, let us remember once again, is always and only encouraged by the training that the human being gives to his animal . No animal is born aggressive nor an Argentine Dogo.

Few talk about the character and the many personality traits of this white giant, so let's find out more about this splendid breed of South American origin.

Index

Origin

The Argentine Dogo is a breed that was born, as the name already suggests, in Argentina and more precisely in the province of Cordoba when around the first decades of the twentieth century, Dr. Antonio Nores Martínez, a promising Argentine surgeon, mated a breed that is now extinct - the Perro de pelea cordobés - with Great Dane, Pyrenean Mastiff, Bull-Terrier, Boxer, Pointer, Dogue de Bordeaux and Irish Wolfhound, always selecting totally white specimens.

The doctor's intent was to create a strong, mighty breed that could accompany Argentine hunters on hunting trips and help the country's farmers, protect livestock from attacks by wolves and other predators.

In 1964 the Argentina Canine Federation officially recognized the breed which was subsequently included by the FCI in the Molosser group. In honor of Dr. Antonio Nores Martínez, the first Argentine Dogo Club was created.

What does the Argentine dogo look like?

The Argentine Dogo is a medium-large sized Molosser of the Mastiff type and has an athletic, energetic and very muscular appearance. It is a breed mesocephala, that is, the muzzle has the same length as the skull.

Its coat is straight and short, mostly white and does not require special care. According to breed standards, a darker spot around the eyes is accepted.

The whole body is well structured, strong, with a long tail and ears hanging down to the side. Its eyes are rather small, but far from each other, while the nose is quite large. Overall, its physiognomy is very harmonious and the animal always appears attentive, proud and firm in its intentions.

At the withers, males and females reach an average of 65 cm, while their weight is around 45 and 40 kg respectively.

What character does the Argentine dogo have?

The Argentine Dogo is a very courageous and protective dog, with a natural instinct to take care of his family, but he is also very sweet, joyful and extremely affectionate. Being also so intelligent, the specimens of Dogo Argentino are not infrequently used as a guide dog or police dog.

Males tend to be competitive with their peers which is why this animal needs serious upbringing to harmoniously socialize with other dogs. Females, on the other hand, are calmer. In both cases, these dogs do not bark at all, they are rather silent, but this trait is not surprising at all, being also excellent hunters.

An Argentine Dogo is a perfect breed for those with a lot of time available and a great desire to explore new environments and walk in nature. This animal really needs a lot of physical activity, an Argentine Dogo is an excellent sports companion, being a great walker. It is also a great playful so yes to interactive games that positively stimulate the dog.

Is the Argentine Dogo really a dangerous dog?

The answer is clearly a sharp "no". Although the media report impressive fights between an Argentine Dogo and a lion or very sad events in which these dogs tear human beings to pieces, there are no aggressive dogs, but only owners who want their pets to become one.

The Argentine Dogo is a very balanced dog, kind to the elderly and children and whatever people say, his character is really fantastic.

In which countries is it forbidden to own an Argentine Dogo?

In our country, the Argentine Dogo had been included in the List of dangerous dog breeds, of which it has no longer been part of since March 2009. However, it is not allowed in all countries of the world to have an Argentine Dogo as a dog as some nations prohibit it by law. , considering the illegal breed. These include: Cayman Islands, Denmark, Norway, Fiji, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Turkey.

In the United Kingdom, however, you must obtain an authorization to have an Argentine Dogo, while in some of the United States there are other restrictions on the breed.

How to educate an Argentine Dogo?

The Argentine Dogo is a breed that she needs so much to socialize right away with everyone. In general, the more a dog spends time discovering and getting to know his peers, the better he will be able to relate as an adult.

If you decide to adopt a puppy then remember to impose rules to be respected by all family members from the very beginning. After all, your puppy is like a child and needs love, but also consistency. Yes to unlimited cuddles and kisses, but also firmness when it comes to saying no.

To teach your new friend the commands, or go on a leash, equipped with treats (preferably homemade) and a lot of patience. Learning is a constant and gradual process. The Argentine Dogo, however, is a very intelligent dog, which learns easily so the sessions must be no longer than 5 minutes, but it is possible to repeat them even 5 times a day.

Reward your dog for every little progress and try to always use the same tone of voice when asking him / her to do something. Be consistent, once the treats and exercises are done, no more extra rewards.

If you adopt an Argentine Dogo that is already an adult, it is important to know what life the dog has led previously. However, you shouldn't have any particular problems teaching him new things, but if you find yourself in difficulty, consider an educational path with a specialist who does not use coercive methods.

Most common diseases in the Argentine dogo

The Argentine Dogo is a dog that enjoys good health, being its very robust physique, with a life expectancy of 11-12 years. Like all white dogs, he has a genetic predisposition to develop hearing problems if he can become deaf even after three months.

Other pathologies affecting this breed are:

hip dysplasia;
elbow dysplasia;
skin diseases;
otite;
hypothyroidism.

Relationship with children

Despite what is said around, do not be frightened by its strength: the Argentine Dogo is a dog perfect for children. Its sweet and tolerant character confirms that the animal has a predilection for the little ones that it protects from any danger and with great love.

As with any animal, it is important that the animal familiarizes itself with children and that they respect him as a living being, but do not worry because between an Argentine Dogo and a child it is love at first sight.

How to adopt an Argentine Dogo

If you want to open the door of your home to an Argentine Dogo, remember that there are many specimens of this breed, and not, looking for a family. Instead of funding the animal selling business, you can adopt an Argentine Dogo, giving it a second life.

On Facebook there is the Dogo Argentino Lost / Stolen Found in Adoption group where you can find many announcements of adorable Argentine giants ready to be adopted.

To learn more about other dog breeds, read also: