Dogo Argentino Origin and History

Dogo Argentino Breed Origin

The origin and history of the Dogo Argentino dog breed begins, as evidenced by its name, in Argentina in the province of Cordoba. In fact, it is the only recognized dog breed in existence today that originates from this South American country. The Dogo Argentino (or sometimes the Argentinian Mastiff) was developed primarily by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez with the help of his brother Agustin. The brothers were both dog lovers and also avid hunters. Martinez wanted a dog that was a great hunter, fierce and loyal, with great stamina and endurance while also being a great family pet and guardian. In the 1920s Dr. Martinez developed this large breed dog by methodically and carefully crossing about ten different breeds together.

The Dogo Argentino dog breed derives its origin from a mix of dogs. The foundation for the new breed was the now extinct Old Cordoba Fighting Dog that was known as a fierce fighter and a proficient hunter, but lacked many of the other qualities that Martinez was looking for in a perfect hunting dog. The Cordoba Fighting Dog was mixed with the Great Dane, Bull Terrier, Boxer, Pointer, Great Pyrenees, Old English Bulldog, Irish Wolfhound, Dogue de Bordeaux and the Spanish Mastiff. Each of these breeds added an element that Martinez sought as the ideal hunting dog such as size, courage, stamina, spirit, color, power, etc., and Martinez used the Dogo Argentino to hunt wild boar, jaguars and other big game. 

Dogo Argentino Breed History

By 1928, the first breed standard was produced and the Dogo Agentino dog breed was officially born. Naturally a good hunter, the new breed also became a favorite among fans of dog fighting. This reputation continues today, and the dog has a bad reputation, perhaps unfairly, as an overly aggressive dog and is banned in many countries including Great Britian and Australia. The dog is, however, allowed in the United States and many other countries as well. In Argentina the breed was officially recognized in 1964 and in 1973 the Dogo Argentino was accepted by the international dog group, Federation Cynologique Internationale, or FCI. The dog is not officially recognized by the AKC, but the club does list the Dogo Argenito in its Foundation Stock Service. In addition to the Argentino Dogo dog breed's ability to hunt and fight, the dog is also used as a guard dog, in police and military work, as a watchdog, and of course as a family pet.

The Argentine Dogo Handbook

The Argentine Dogo is the perfect canine cocktail; a mix of brains, brawn and beauty. He is a carefully constructed genetic model of the best traits his ten ancestral breeds had to offer. Chapter content includes: * An Historical Perspective * The Dogo in the US * The ADCA Breed Standard * The First Golden Age of the Dogo * A Pictorial History of Notable Dogos * Genetic Defects and Health Problems * Breeding * Selecting a Dogo Puppy * Raising Dogo Puppies * Dogos at Work and Play * Showing Dogos


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Does The Argentine Dogo Make A Good Guard Dog?

A guard dog, could potentially become a large part of your life and family. So it is important that you know what you are getting yourself into when purchasing the dog. Most dogs are territorial and watchful over their families, however there are some breeds that are more naturally suited. Some breeds are genetically born with the right amount of guard drive that takes to be a good protection dog. A dog breed called the Argentine Dogo has the potential to be a great one. 

Originating in Argentina, the Argentine Dogo was developed in the 1920s, by a doctor who desired a dog that could pack hunt and also provide protection for a family. The Argentine Dogo is a mutt that results from the crossing of dogs like the Irish Wolfhound, Pointer, Bull Terrier, Great Dance, Spanish Mastiff, Bulldog and the Great Pyrenees. It resulted in creating a strong, and fearless breed. The Argentine Dogo possess characteristics that make it a wonderful guard dog. They are considered to be playful, social, and very good with children. This breed is sometimes reserved with strangers until learning who is accepted by the family. It is a very intelligent breed and is fairly easy to train. They can excel if they are trained firm and consistent. As well as making an wonderful guard dog, the Argentine Dogo could make an amazing guide dog for the blind.

One of the ingredients that make a good guard dog are good nerves. The build of an Argentine Dogo can sometimes be intimidating, this is only because they are very muscular. In order to maintain its strong muscular structure, this breed needs to have plenty of physical exercise. The Argentine needs to be socialized with people and dogs from an early age. Training for this breed could sometimes be challenging because they are constantly intrigued by smells and sights around them. In order to successfully train them, you must keep their attention at all times. They are also strong-willed and independent, they will thrive though if their owner is equally consistent and confident.

Of course, one cannot assume that any dog of a favorable breed will be suitable for work as a guard dog. Every dog is different, and choosing a suitable guard dog happens on an individual basis. However, the basis of a good guard dog is good genetics, and nerves, the German Shepperd, Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd have some of the best bloodlines, which have been bred for years to be the very best.

The Argentine Dogo Handbook

The Argentine Dogo is the perfect canine cocktail; a mix of brains, brawn and beauty. He is a carefully constructed genetic model of the best traits his ten ancestral breeds had to offer. Chapter content includes: * An Historical Perspective * The Dogo in the US * The ADCA Breed Standard * The First Golden Age of the Dogo * A Pictorial History of Notable Dogos * Genetic Defects and Health Problems * Breeding * Selecting a Dogo Puppy * Raising Dogo Puppies * Dogos at Work and Play * Showing Dogos

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Meet the Argentine Dogo

Argentine Dogo History

In the 1930s in Argentina, Antonio Nores Martinez set out to breed the ultimate big game hunting dog. His desire was to create a dog that would be capable of hunting dangerous game such as wild boar and cougars, but a dog also capable of being a loyal pet and family guardian. Martinez picked the Cordoba Fighting Dog to be the base for the breed. This breed is extinct today but was described as a large and ferocious dog that was both a great hunter and fighter. He crossed it with Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Old English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Great Pyrenees, Pointer, Irish Wolfhound and Dogue de Bordeaux. Martinez kept improving the resulting breed via selective breeding to introduce the desired traits. The first standard for the Dogo Argentine was written in 1928. The Dogo Argentine was introduced to the United States by Dr. Raúl Zeballos and family in the early 1970s.

Argentine Dogo Temperament

 Argentine Dogos are a loyal and courageous breed and make good family pets for the right person. These dogs are considered very socially dominant and need an owner that is familiar with handling molosser breeds. Dogos are not a good choice of pet for the novice owner. They have very high prey/hunting drives and  they have a tendency to chase anything that moves. Care must be taken with small household pets, because they dog may view them as prey or try to dominate them. They are a very intelligent breed that is known for being very stubborn, so training may take some time. Dogos typically do not do well with same sex dogs, it is strongly suggested that your Dogo be spayed or neutered to reduce dog aggression. Dogos are also a high energy breed that needs frequent opportunities to blow off steam, chasing sticks and running are a favorite activity. They also make excellent watchdogs and make an effective deterrent in their appearance alone. 

Argentine Dogos Appearance

Argentine Dogos are a very large, powerful breed that usually weighs between 80 to 100 pounds and usually stand 23 to 27 inches at the withers. The musculature of this dog is very prominent. They have a large, blocky head and a short, smooth coat that is always white.

Argentine Dogo Grooming

Dogos are a fairly easy dog to keep. They are considered a constant medium shedding dog and must be brushed once or twice a week to loosen dead hair. Since they do loose hair on a constant basis, they are not a good choice for an individual suffering from dog allergies.

Argentine Dogo Life Expectancy and Health Problems

Dogos are a robust healthy breed that suffers from few health problems. Some of the more common concerns are Deafness, Hip Dysplasia, Sun Burn and skin allergies. Sun burn is one of the most common problems since the white coats of these dogs let sun easily penetrate to the skin. Dogos must also be exercised with care during hot weather. Their short muzzles hinder their ability to cool themselves when panting. The average lifespan of this breed is 10 to 12 years, which is average for a breed of this size.

Dogo Argentino: A Comprehensive Owner's Guide

Dedicated to the powerful Dogo Argentino, this is the only book of its kind on this remarkable Argentine superdog. Given the limited amount of accurate information available on this breed, this much needed book offers owners and potential owners of the Dogo Argentino specific instructions on the rearing, caring for and training of the breed. The Dogo was bred to be fearless, powerful and massive, and today’s Dogo naturally demands an owner who is properly informed and prepared to handle it.

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