Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino has a massive head with cropped or natural ears and a smooth white coat. He is intelligent, loyal, protective and also friendly.

Daily Care

Grooming Tips

Grooming the Dogo is easy because of his short coat, though his large size means it’s a big job. A bath every three months (or when he’s dirty) in a mild dog shampoo is a good idea. Brush his sleek coat with a natural bristle brush or mitt once a week. Use coat conditioner/polish to brighten the sheen.
The rest is basic care. His ears need to be checked every week and cleaned if needed and toenails trimmed once a month. Regular brushing with a soft toothbrush and vet-approved doggie toothpaste keep the teeth and gums healthy. It is essential to introduce grooming to the Dogo when he is very young so he learns to accept the handling and fuss peacefully.

Exercise Tips

Dogo Argentinos are highly energetic dogs and are unsuitable for owners that cannot provide them with daily, rigorous exercise. They are able to navigate various types of terrain and make excellent jogging partners.
As a working breed of dog, they are also at their happiest when given a ‘meaningful’ task which they can devote themselves to.

Feeding Tips

Depending on the size of your dog as an adult you are going to want to feed them a formula that will cater to their unique digestive needs through the various phases of their life. Many dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for small, medium, large and giant breeds. Dogo Argentinos are a large breed.
What you feed your dog is an individual choice, but working with your veterinarian and/or breeder will be the best way to determine the frequency of meals as a puppy and the best adult diet to increase his longevity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Health Tips

Dogo Argentinos surprisingly do not suffer from the various joint ailments that plague other large breeds. However, they do sometimes suffer from pigment-related deafness.

Trainability

Since the Dogo Argentino was created to be a pack hunting dog, obedience was an important trait that was selectively bred into the breed.
Therefore they are highly responsive to training efforts, provided that they are handled with firm but loving leadership. It should be noted that Dogo Argentino’s aren’t for meek or beginner dog owners as they can be a handful if not given proper leadership.

History

This breed has its origin in the province of Cordoba, in the central (Mediterranean) region of the Republic of Argentina.
Its creator was Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez, a (renowned) doctor and member of a traditional family.
In the beginning, it was generally considered a dog for fighting but Dr. Nores Martinez’s liking for hunting led him to take the dog to one of his habitual hunting trips, where the new breed demonstrated its skills, thus becoming a key figure in all his trips. Thus it became quickly an excellent big-game hunting dog.
With the passing of time, this adaptation capacity has made this dog very versatile as regards functions; it has proved to be a noble companion and a loyal and insurmountable protector of those it loves.
In 1973 the breed was accepted by FCI as the first and only Argentinean breed, thanks to the great passion, work and effort of Dr. Augustin Nores Martinez, its creator’s brother and successor.