Facts & Origin
Origin and history of the Dogo Argentino
In German, Dogo Argentino means "Argentine Great Dane." Antonio Nores Martinez, an Argentine doctor, began breeding the Dogo Argentino in 1928 with the goal of obtaining a dashing big game hunter for the puma, jaguar and wild boar.
To this end, he first obtained the genes of Bull Terrier, Mastin Español, Boxerand Bulldog entered the gene pool of the dog breed and war and hunting dogs were born, known as Perro de Pelea Cordobés, whose appearance was already large and white. The latter gives the advantage of being easily distinguishable from wild animals.
Afterwards alsoGreat Danes,English Pointer,Irish WolfhoundsPyrenean Mountain Dogs but alsoGreat Daneshave been crossed with.
Suitability and attitude
From the beginning, the Dogo Argentino was bred as a hunting dog, but more recently, its independent action is also proving advantageous for use as a guard dog and guide dog for the blind. It is also possible to buy him as a demanding family dog.
Where he is listed as a list dog, you can prove the non-dangerousness by a character test. Otherwise, the keeping of the assertive dog is subject to conditions. A well-behaved Argentine Mastiff can also be used as a welding dog and tracking dog.
The Dogo Argentino as a list dog
The responsible handling of an Argentine Mastiff was unfortunately not always given in the last decades. Due to such incidents, there are now different regulations for the dog breed:
- Keeping, breeding and import prohibited: Denmark, partly Switzerland (Valais, Geneva).
- Import prohibited: Australia, Portugal, New Zealand, Romania, Denmark, Singapore, Iceland, Ukraine.
- On the breed list with conditions: Switzerland (Ten of 13 cantons) - in eight cantons only with keeping permit -; Austria (provinces of Vienna - with dog license -, Lower Austria - with certificate of competence -, Vorarlberg - with special permission of the mayor -)
- Breed list category 2: Germany (Baden-Württemberg, Berlin, Bavaria, Brandenburg, Hesse, Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia)
Before the acquisition you should inquire absolutely again about the regulation in your home area.
| Alternate Name | Argentinian mastiff |
| Origin | Argentina |
| Life expectancy | 10 - 12 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance |
| Activity level | average |
| FCI group | Molossian type |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | Pastoral Group |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Typical character traits of the Dogo Argentino
The character of the Dogo is formed to a large extent by the example of the parents. From them the Dogo Argentino puppy learns the close relationship with people, whom he trusts completely withoutconditions or reserve and whom he protects reliably with a thorough education, as well as the calm social behavior. This breed never shows aggressiveness without reason, in the breed standard is even prescribed a special attention to it. He is also a cuddler and extremely fond of movement. He is rather indifferent to strangers.
During the hunt in packs, in which he never gives loud on the trail, he can attack the prey animal courageously as well as without hesitation. He has a good sense of smell, is agileYou can restrain his originally bred hunting instinct with consistent training, but hardly suppress it.
Education and care
Despite further development, keeping a Dogo Argentino still means a great challenge to your self-confidence and your consistency as an owner. Training must start early and may be consistent even in adulthood. Therefore, the Argentine Mastiff is only suitable for keeping by people experienced in dogs.
Physical care, on the other hand, is simple: regular brushing of the very short hair is good for the skin and strengthens your bond with your four-legged friend.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
Breed diseases of the Dogo Argentino
A common congenital disease of the Argentine Mastiff is deafness. A responsible breeder will show you if this is present before you buy a Dogo Argent ino. If you are not sure, it is best to take your puppy to the vet for a thorough check-up. At the same time they will check for hip dysplasia. However, HD in this athletic breed often occurs recognizably only in increasing adulthood. Deafness could also occur in old age.
Life expectancy
Dogo Argentinos live an average of only 10-12 years.
Breeding, purchase and adoption
Dogo Argentino breeding is prohibited in many countries. Unfortunately, due to great demand from the field of hunting, dog competitions and protection dogs, many Argentine mastiffs are on dubious markets or in animal shelters. The proud and beautiful appearance of the white Molossoids also plays a sad role in this development.
If you have the necessary dog experience, it is better to go to rescue stations and animal shelters instead of breeding your own. Many of the animals given there are against all skepticism well socialized and thus in the future with the necessary training as faithful and cuddly as a dogo from the breeder.
Breed characteristics of the Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is classified by the FCI as Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs), Section 2 (Molossoids) and Subsection 2.1 (Great Dane-type dogs). No working test is required.
The breed standard specifies a height at withers of 60-68cm and a weight of about 40-50kg for males and a height of 50-65cm and a weight of about 40-43kg for females.
The gait
This dog breed moves nimbly and determinedly. Once the dog's attention is aroused, the gait changes significantly and becomes sublime with quick reflexes, which istypical of the breed.The walk is slow and quiet, the trot elongated, with good reach of the forequarters and strong thrust from the hindquarters. In canter, the dog unleashes all his energy and all his strength. His movement is confident at thewalk,trot and canter. The movement should be harmonious and balanced to show a solid conformation .Passing gait is not accepted according to the breed standard and is considereda very serious fault.
The head
The Dogo Argentino has a mesocephalichead, which appears strong and powerful. The cranial and facial axes are convergent. His skull is massive,convex longitudinally and transverselydue to the emphasis of the masseters and neck muscles. The occipital crest is blurred as a result of the strong development of the neck muscles, but the stop is defined - but it should not be deep or rectangular. The facial skull is of the samelengthas theupper head,i.e.the line joining the two processus zygomaticus ofthe frontalbone isequidistantfromtheoccipital crestthanfrom the anterior margin of theupper jaw.
The muzzle
The muzzle has the same length as theskull with a concave nasal bridge . The noseset on it is black pigmented with wide nostrils. This breed of dog has taut, black lips, which should never hang loosely, with free edges. A scissor bite is desired in a breeding specimen, but a pincer bite is accepted.
The spacious cheeks of the Dogo Argentinos are marked, covered by a strong skincktand without wrinkles. The masseter is well developed.
The eyes
The almond-shaped,darkor hazel eyes are set wide apart and create a lively, intelligent look, but at the same time appear stern. Theeyelidsare preferablyblackpigmented.
The ears
The triangular ears aresethigh onthe sidesandwide apartthrough thebroadskull.Because oftheiroriginaluse, the ears should be cropped and upright according to the breed standard, and their length shouldnot exceed 50% of the length of the front edge of the pinna. If they arenot docked,they are of mediumlength, broad, thick, flat and roundedat their tip.
The hair is smooth and slightly shorter than on therest of the body. There may be small spots on the ears, which, however, are not penalized in the evaluation.Ears are naturally hanging and cover therear parts of the cheeks. When the dog is alert, the ears may be semi-erect.
The trunk
Dogo Argentinos have a thick,archedneck, whose very thickskin formsfolds with slight wrinkles - but without a dewlap. The elasticity of the skin of the neckcomes from thefact that thecellular tissue is very lax.
The rectangular body has a length (measured from the point of the nose to thepointof the buttock ) which may exceed onlyupto10% ofthe height at the withers. It should be noted that the upper profile line ishigher at the high, well-marked withers and slopes gently downto the broad croup of medium inclination with a slight sl ope. In adult dogs, a medium furrow is formedalong the spinedue to the prominence of the spinal muscles, as the back is very strongly developed. However,when viewedfromtheside, the linemust not give way . The loins are short, broad and well muscled.
The chest is broad and deep and the sternum,seenfrom the frontandside,should be below the line of the elbows to allowthegreatestpossible respiratory capacity.The thorax is long with slightly arched ribs . There is a lower line of profile ,slightly raised above thelower line of the thorax, which isstrong and with good muscular tension.
The tail
The tail of this breed islong to the hocksbut notreaching further and isthick and set on medium high. At rest it hangs down naturally, in actionormovementit israised in anarch, curvedfarupwards.
The limbs
The shoulder blades areoblique with great muscular emphasis,but without exaggeration. The humerusshould be of equallength and have a good inclination. The robust elbow is covered by a slightly thicker and elastic skin , without folds or wrinkles. It isnaturally placedagainst the rib wall. The forearm is also of equal length to the upper arm and is set vertically. The bones are stocky and straight withwell developed muscles. The long foretarsus should beinextension oftheline ofthe forearmwithout bony prominences or skin folds. The metatarsusissomewhat flat, but of good bone substance and with a slightinclination when viewedfrom the side.However, it must not give way.
In general, the hindquarters are verymuscular withshorthocks. The thighshould be in keeping with thewhole, strong with visible and very stronglydevelopedmuscles . The knee has good angulation and the lower leg is slightlyshorterthanthethigh,but equallystrongand muscular.Overall, the hock and hind pastern areshort,strongandstocky, guaranteeing thethrust ofthe hindquarters . The hindtarsaljointshould be strongand thehocksvisible. The hind pasternis sturdy, almost cylindrical andvertical, without dewclaws.
The front feet consist ofshort, closedtoes with strong, thick and coarse pads, preferably pigmented black. The hind feet have the same characteristics, but aresomewhat kleiner and broader.
The coat
The skin of this breed is smooth, thickleichförmig, thick but elastic.On the body it liesthroughhalfflabby subcutaneous tissue, without wrinkles (except forinneck, where the subcutaneous connective tissue is particularly flabby). is particularly flabby). Preferably, the margins of the oral mucosa and conjunctiva should be black pigmented. Black pigmented skin isis not penalized.
It iscovered with uniformlyshort fur, which is smooth and about1.5 to 2cm long. Density and thickness vary according to the climate.
In terms of color, only pure whiteis allowed. Only a black spot or dark color on the skull isallowed, the same can beon an ear or around the eye. Thesizemust alsohave a proper proportion then: It must not occupy more than 10% of the area of the head. In the case of equalspecimens,thejudgeshallalways decide infavor of the dog thatis thepurest white.
| Fur length | short |
| Fur | flat coated |
| Ear shape | Floppy Ear |
| Tail | lang |
| Anatomy | muscular, massive |
| Size ♀ | 60 - 65 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 40 - 45 kg |
| Size ♂ | 60 - 68 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 35 - 40 kg |
| Suitable For | - |
Colors
Known Diseases
Hip dysplasia (HD)
Hip dysplasia (HD) is a genetic condition in dogs where the hip joint is not shaped properly. This leads to pain, stiffness and restricted movement.
Numbness
Often occurs in old age.
FAQ
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The Dogo Argentino is considered a dangerous dog breed and is popularly called "fighting dog". He is on some lists in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
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A Dogo Argentino is a breed of dog that was bred in Argentina to hunt large wild animals such as bears and pumas.
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Dogo Argentinos are a large breed of dog and can grow between 24 and 27 inches tall and weigh between 80 and 100 pounds.
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Dogo Argentinos require regular grooming, including brushing, bathing and regular exercise. It is also important to ensure that they receive a balanced diet.
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Dogo Argentinos can suffer from certain health problems such as heart problems, eye problems and skin conditions. It is important to make regular veterinary visits to detect and treat such problems early.
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Dogo Argentinos can be suitable as family dogs, but it is important to note that they have a strong hunting instinct and require intensive training and socialization. It is important to ensure that a Dogo Argentino is well raised and trained to control its strong personality and protective instincts.
