Dogo Argentina Breeders

Early Dogo Argentina breeders of the 1920s tried to create a strong and courageous dog able to hunt big game, like boars and cougars. As the base for the new breed was chosen a large and fierce hunter – the Cordoba Fighting Dog. They were unable to work in packs, but were very efficient in hunting big game. Many other breeds were crossed with the Cordoba Fighting Dog to make it more cooperative, such as Spanish Mastiffs, Great Danes, Boxers, Old English Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, Great Pyrenees, Pointers, Irish Wolfhounds and Dogue de Bordeaux. The best features of these breeds combined in a new breed named the Dogo Argentina or Argentinian Mastiff.

The first standard for the new breed was accepted in 1928. For many years, this breed was unknown in other countries outside South America. Only in the 1970s, these dogs were introduced to the USA. Many Dogo Argentina breeders in South America and some other countries encourage aggression in their dogs to make them successful fighters. Working abilities of this breed appealed to people who organize dog fights. This gave the breed reputation of a fierce and dangerous dog. In Great Britain, the Dogo Argentina and two other breeds (Fila Brazileiro and Japanese Tosa) are totally banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991.

Actually, a well-bred and properly trained Dogo Argentina is very reliable and trustworthy. Banning the breed is a fault of irresponsible Dogo Argentina breeders and owners who teach their dogs to fight. Given early socialization and obedience training, these dogs make excellent companions well suited for families with children. They are good at watchdogging and guarding. After special courses, these dogs become good police and military dogs. They are also able to detect narcotics and compete in obedience. Some Dogos Argentina are still used in hunting. They are excellent in schutzhund.

Nowadays, the breed is recognized by NKC, FCI, APRI, ACR, and ACA. The AKC doesn’t register the Dogo Argentina. If you are going to buy a show quality puppy, ask what breed clubs or kennel registered it. All responsible Dogo Argentina breeders have to register their dogs.