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Characteristics, History, and Health
Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino, also known as the Argentinian Mastiff, was first bred in Argentina in the 1920s by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez. The doctor aimed to create a breed that was not only capable of big-game hunting, such as wild boars and mountain lions, but also of being a loyal companion and protector. The breed's primary ancestor is the now extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog, which was crossbred with various other breeds, including the Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Old English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, and Dogue de Bordeaux, to name a few.
Main Info
- Origin
- Cordoba, Argentina
- Alternate Names
- Argentine Mastiff, Dogo, Argentine Dogo
- Life Expectancy
- 9-15 years
- Average Male Height
- 24-26.5 inches
- Average Female Height
- 24-25.5 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 80-100 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 70-90 pounds
- Coat Length
- Short
- Coat Type
- Smooth
- Coat Colors
- White
- Coat Pattern
- Solid/None
Genetic Predispositions and Health
The Dogo Argentino is generally a healthy breed, however, they may suffer from deafness, degenerative myelopathy, elbow dysplasia, glaucoma, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, laryngeal paralysis, and mast cell tumors. This breed is susceptible to bloat, also known as gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). This is a life-threatening condition that can come on suddenly, so it’s important to know the warning signs and get an affected dog immediate veterinary care.
Personality and Behavior
Dogo Argentinos are known for their bravery, tenacity, and strong protective instincts. They are generally friendly towards humans and exhibit loyalty towards their family. Despite their tough exterior, they are often gentle and affectionate with their families, including children2. However, their strong prey drive and protective nature can make them aggressive towards other dogs or perceived threats, so they require early socialization and firm, consistent training.
Fun Facts
The Dogo Argentino was developed to find, chase, and catch dangerous game. This emphasized the importance of their having a good nose, great lung capacity, and a powerfully agile, muscular build.
The breed was recognized by the Federacion Cinologica Argentina in 1964, and by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in July 1973.
References
Doi:10.1002/9781119540687 https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/292g02-en.pdf https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dogo-argentino/
https://www.ukcdogs.com/dogo-argentino
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