Dogo Argentina Dogs

Dogo Argentina dogs appeared in the 1920s as guards and hunting companions that can also be trusted with the family. The foundation stock for the new breed was taken from the now extinct Dog of Cordoba. Other breeds that were added to the Dogo Argentina were Boxer, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Great Dane, Spanish Mastiff, Pointer, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhound, and Dogue de Bordeaux. The resulting breed combines the best features of all these dogs and can make an excellent big game hunter, military and police dog, guide dog, and a family companion. Other talents of the Dogo Argentina are tracking, watchdogging, obedience, conformation, and schutzhund.

Dogo Argentina dogs are characterized by a great stamina and intelligence. They are very successful in dog fights that are still popular in South America and some other parts of the world. It gives the breed a bad reputation in Europe and the USA. In Great Britain, this breed together with the Fila Brazileiro and Japanese Tosa is banned as potentially dangerous. The bad reputation of the breed is a fault of irresponsible breeders and owners, but not of the dogs themselves. If well bred and properly trained, Dogo Argentina dogs are absolutely reliable, gentle, and unable to hurt anyone.

Dogo Argentina dogs can be registered through NKC, FCI, APRI, ACR, and ACA. They belong to the Mastiff group of breeds. According to the breed standard, these dogs are muscular, but graceful, with very massive jaws and very short and sleek coat with no undercoat. The only accepted coat color is white. The chest of Dogo Argentina dogs is deep and wide; the skin on the neck forms loose folds for protection during the fight. The eyes are deep set and dark brown or hazel in color; the ears are usually cropped; the nose is wide and black. The typical expression of these dogs is alert and intense.

A well-trained Dogo Argentina is loyal and gentle to the family. It can be trusted with children and makes a good companion for active families. Dogs of this breed need a firm, but loving hand. Most Dogo Argentina dogs are obedient and easy to train.