Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years, which is respectable for a dog of this size. This longevity depends heavily on the quality of growth, the weight maintained throughout life, appropriate exercise and veterinary follow-up.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Well selected, the Dogo Argentino shows good overall robustness and an interesting genetic diversity. It nevertheless remains sensitive to joint problems of large breeds and to a few conditions to monitor throughout its life.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Monitoring must focus as a priority on the musculoskeletal system, hearing, and the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Controlled growth, appropriate screening, and well-balanced physical activity contribute greatly to preserving its health.
Hip dysplasia: A joint malformation in large breeds that can lead to pain, lameness, and early osteoarthritis.
Elbow dysplasia: An elbow condition that can cause stiffness, locomotor discomfort, and progressive joint wear.
Deafness: A known predisposition in white-coated dogs, ideally screened from a very young age.
Gastric torsion: A serious digestive emergency favored by large size, which calls for split meals and calm after eating.
Epilepsy: Neurological seizures may appear in some individuals and require veterinary follow-up.
Glaucoma: An increase in pressure in the eye that can quickly threaten vision if not treated.
Hypothyroidism: A hormonal disorder that can result in fatigue, weight gain, and skin changes.
Laryngeal paralysis: A respiratory condition that can cause discomfort during exertion and an abnormal breathing noise.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Dogo Argentino tolerates heat fairly well if the effort is adapted and if water is available, but its short coat protects it less from damp cold and harsh winters. In the middle of summer, prolonged exposure to the sun must be avoided due to the risk of heatstroke.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Maintaining a stable weight is essential to limit the strain on the joints. In this athletic dog, the balance between ration, food quality and activity level must be reassessed regularly, particularly during growth and after sterilization.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the puppy’s hearing screened.
- Monitor growth and avoid overly intense exercise at too young an age.
- Split meals and limit activity right after eating.
- Regularly check weight and gait.
Vaccination
Dogo Argentino vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Dogo Argentino need? Like all dogs, Dogo Argentinos should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Dogo Argentino vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Dogo Argentino booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Dogo Argentino need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Dogo Argentino
It is advisable to favor breeding dogs screened for deafness and evaluated for the joints, notably the hips and elbows. Careful veterinary monitoring during growth and then in adulthood helps to detect early any potential orthopedic, digestive or endocrine disorders.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
