The Dogo Argentino: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The Dogo Argentino originates from the Córdoba region in Argentina. It was developed at the beginning of the 20th century by Dr Antonio Nores Martínez from the old Córdoba fighting dog, then refined through selected crossbreeding notably with the Great Dane, the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Pointer and the Boxer. Its standard was established in 1928 and the breed was recognized by the FCI in 1973. First intended for big-game hunting, it later established itself as a companion and protection dog.

The Dogo Argentino is a large dog, massive, powerful and harmoniously muscled without appearing heavy. Its coat is white, sometimes with a small dark spot around one eye. The hair is short and smooth. The head is broad with very developed jaws, the eyes are dark and almond-shaped, the ears are set high and drooping, and the tail is long and tapers toward its tip.

The Dogo Argentino is a well-balanced, courageous, loyal and protective dog. He is attached to his family and enjoys being close to his humans. Calm at home but always vigilant, he can be reserved with strangers. Well socialized, he can live with children and share his daily life with other animals, even if he may seek to dominate certain fellow dogs.

On a daily basis, the Dogo Argentino needs presence, activity and stable reference points. He likes long outings, regular physical exercises and situations in which he can use his energy without excess, especially during his growth. If he lacks stimulation or exercise, he can get bored and become destructive. He does not cope well with an overly sedentary life and thrives more in a spacious environment.

The education of the Dogo Argentino must be early, consistent and firm without brutality. It is an intelligent dog that understands the rules well when they are stable and fair. Socialization from the youngest age is essential, notably with children, strangers and other dogs. Its size and power require serious supervision, ideally with the help of a professional if the owner lacks experience.

The purchase price of the Dogo Argentino varies depending on the lineage, the reputation of the kennel, the quality of health screenings and compliance with the standard. Beyond the initial cost, you must anticipate a regular budget related to food, veterinary follow-up and routine maintenance of a large athletic dog.

The Dogo Argentino is considered a hardy and generally robust dog when it comes from a reputable breeding. Its rapid growth nevertheless requires particular vigilance in order to protect its osteoarticular development. As with other white dogs, a predisposition to deafness exists and must be screened early.

The diet of the Dogo Argentino must be followed rigorously, especially at the beginning of its life, because its growth is rapid and its muscular development significant. An ill-adapted ration can promote joint or muscular disorders and harm its overall condition.

The Argentine Mastiff is also known as the Dogo Argentino. It gained notoriety among the general public thanks to the film Bombon the dog by Carlos Sorin, released in 2004. The breed illustrates well the desire of its creator to design a dog both suited to hunting, close to its family and endowed with a stable temperament.