The Dogo Argentino is also called the Argentinian Mastiff and Argentine Dogo. It is a pack hunting dog specifically bred to chase and catch wild boar and puma. This breed is athletic, strong, and faithful. The blend of the temperament of ferocity in hunting and the gentle savior of humans makes it a prized possession. They are suspicious of strangers and other animals. This breed is best handled by a competent owner. It is intelligent sinuous muscular with agility responsiveness to hunt.
History of Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino was cross-bred out of necessity. In the beginning phase of the 19th century, wild boars were a menace to the agricultural plantation as they destroyed crops. Bore is a big sturdy animal. Humans required all acumen to kill it. These creatures multiplied very fast. They posed danger to the life of humans. Dogo Argentino captured these boars very easily.
Dogo Argentino breeding began in Cordoba the central Mediterranean region of Argentina. It was the pioneering efforts of Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez a well-known doctor in 1928. He did systematic crossbreeding of many purebred old fighting dogs from Cordoba. After different generations, he achieved what he wanted. Doctor Martinez took the dog for hunting and the new breed displayed its skills. Thus it was labeled a big game hunting dog. It was a delight to see this dog being a noble companion to those he loved.
Dogo Argentino has a sharp sense of smell as well as bravery. It could pursue and catch wild boars, peccaries, pumas, and lesser-known wild predators in the Argentinean territory. It can withstand long trips and weather conditions. The dog is a hunter and a guard dog.
Dr Antonio Nores Martinez crossed Cordoba dog with
- Great Dane,
- Spanish Mastiff,
- Boxer,
- Bull Terrier,
- Old English Bulldog,
- Pyrenean Mastiff,
- Irish wolfhound,
- English Pointer, and
- Dogue de Bordeaux.
Dr. Nores experimented with different breeds until he got a dog with the desired traits. It was in 1970 that Dr. Raul Zeballos imported six specimens of Argentine Dogo to the states.
Distinctive Features of Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino has a short all-over white coat and occasionally some have a black spot on the head.
The forelegs are extremely muscular medium-angulated hindquarters. The length of the front leg is equal to one-half of the dog's height at the droop. To discover, race, and catch a risky game, the dog has a good sense of smell, good lung power, and a muscular body. Its maneuvers are alert and intelligent. These dogs are cheerful, humble, and friendly.
Dogo Argentinos gain the height of 24-27 at the shoulder. Males tend to be about an inch taller than females. The weight varies from 80-100 pounds. The body is a little longer than it is tall. The head is big and broad. Life longevity is 9-15 years.
How to Take Care of Pet Dogo Argentino?
Pet Dogo Argentinos are very intelligent dogs who require a lot of attention from their owners. In order to take good care of this pet, one should know how to handle them properly and what to feed them for their better health.
What to Feed Pet Dogo Argentino?
Several dog food agencies cater to breed-specific formulas. Dogo Argentino is a big breed. Take advice from the vet on what and how many times to feed the pup. Feeding requirements will alter from the pup stage to adulthood. Food should be given for slow and steady growth. Serve measured meals at fixed times. Free feeding can cause overweight leading to secondary health issues like arthritis, hip dysplasia as well as diabetes. Unpolluted fresh water should be made available all the time.
How to Setup Habitat for Pet Dogo Argentino?
Dogo Argentinos live well even in an apartment. However, daily exercise should be given. Independent houses should have a tall, sturdy fence for the yard. The dog may not wander off chasing small animals. The dog prefers to live indoors when temperatures drop below freezing.
What are the Health Issues of Dogo Argentino?
Dogo may get pigment-connected deafness. It could be unnaturally one ear or both ears. It is found mostly in the white dog. Other diseases that this dog can get are hypothyroidism, glaucoma, hip dysplasia, and laryngeal paralysis. Diseases are genetically linked.
What it's Like to Keep Dogo Argentino as a Pet?
This strong-willed dog requires consistent training & socialization when still a pup to become a civilized adult. The owner should be self-confident and a good leader to accustom the dog to the kind of behavior expected out of him. Argentino is difficult to train as they have shifting attention scents that distract them. Forceful methods will be futile. They respond to positive reinforcement techniques of training. Train for agility, obedience, and weight pull. One hour of daily energetic exercise is a must to tire out the dog. The exercised dog stays calm at home.
With firm training, they make good family companions and watchdogs. These are brainy brave dogs with a strong instinct to safeguard home and family. They like to be included in family activities. The dog should not be left alone for a long period. Dogo differentiates between known people and strangers.
Maintenance
Dogo Argentino's glossy white hair shed very little and there is not much odor as well. A schedule of weekly brushing should be maintained. Bathing every three months or earlier if dirty should be carried out. A lint roller will keep the surroundings neat. Regularly check ear hygiene. Their nails are big, sturdy, and grow fast, trim them regularly. These dogs are likely to get a sunburn. Do not keep them in the sun for a long time.
In case you purchase Dogo Argentino from a reputed breeder, it will cost substantially. The cost is based on the type of food the pup is being reared on.
Pup Dogo Argentino
Doge Argentino pups require a lot of physical movement and mental stimulation otherwise they become bored and destructive. Apart from hunting these dogs are capable of police work, rescue and search, military dogs, guide the blind, competitive obedience, etc.
Dogo should begin training under firm hands as a pup. Strict boundaries should be set for them because they are strong-willed. Novice owners will not be able to handle them. The best way to train them is through consistency, love, and firm authority. Thus they reach pack leader status. The whole pack takes orders under one leader. Dogo is good with other pets if they have been brought up together since they were small.
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Frequently Asked Question About Dogo Argentino
Some of the frequently asked questions about Dogo Argentino are answered below.
Is Dogo Argentino Dangerous?
As Dogo is indulged in dogfighting rings they are thus considered dangerous and banned in many countries. They have strong prey-catching agility and thus poor companions for creatures like cats and smaller dogs.
Is Dogo Argentino a Good Family Dog?
Despite being agile and imposing and prey hunter still it is a cheerful and friendly dog for a family. Dogo loves the owner and is loyal to them. They love to be petted and loved by family members. Children like their gentle and loving ways. Children should always be supervised with these dogs.
Why is Dogo Argentino Banned?
Dogo Argentino has been banned in many places around the world largely due to its tendency to be aggressive and territorial. This breed was created to kill and attack other dogs in order to be used as a working dog for hunters.
