Dogo Argentina

The Dogo Argentina is a relatively new breed that appeared in the 1920s as a cross of many large and strong breeds. The base for the new breed was now extinct large and fierce Cordoba Fighting Dog. It was famous for its courage, power, and independence. Other breeds were added to the gene pool of the new breed to avoid aggression problems typical of the Cordoba Fighting Dog. Since the original aim of the Dogo Argentina was hunting big game and serving as a family companions, strong but reliable and loyal breeds were chosen for its foundation stock: Boxer, Bull Terrier, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Spanish Mastiff, Old English Bulldog, Great Pyrenees, Pointer and Dogue de Bordeaux.

For many years, the Dogo Argentina was unknown outside South America. Only in the 1970s it was introduced to the USA and other countries. Up to nowadays, it has a limited recognition. Only several kennels and associations recognize the breed: FCI, NKC, ACR, APRI, and ACA. The AKC, UKC, and many other major organizations don’t recognize the Dogo Argentina as a potentially dangerous breed.

The bad reputation of the Dogo Argentina was created by some irresponsible breeders and people who enjoy dog fights. They select the most vicious breeding stock, choose the most aggressive puppies, and encourage aggression to dogs in their Dogos Argentina. There are lines specially bred for fighting. Such dogs are not suited for hunting and serving as pets, unlike the original Dogo Argentina. Some breeders even crossbreed the Dogo Argentina with the American Pit Bull Terrier. No wander that in the United Kingdom, owning a dog of this breed is illegal without specific exemption, and in Australia, the importation of the Dogo Argentina is banned.

Properly trained dogs of this breed are very loyal and gentle with the family. They have a strong protective instinct and are suited for guarding the property. Other talents of the breed are police and military work, narcotic detection, tracking, competitive obedience, and schutzhund. The Dogo Argentina is not the right breed for novice owners, as it needs a firm but loving owner able to dominate.