BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Rocco de Antares
Photo courtesy: Lirio Blanco Dogos Argentinos |
Breed Registries:
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Note: The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
1. — From the AKC May 2007 Board Meeting, the Argentine Dogo is now eligible to compete in AKC Companion events held on and after January 1, 2008. See http://www.akc.org/reg/fss_news.cfm for full details.
2. — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
Argentina
Height:
24-27 in. (62-68 cm)
Weight:
80-100 lb. (36-45 kg)
Breed Profile:
The Argentine Dogo (also known as the Dogo Argentino or Argentinean Mastiff) was first developed in the mid-1920s in Argentina and is the only internationally recognized dog breed from Argentina. The breed was bred as a fearless hunter capable of hunting big game, such as boar and mountain lion.
The breed was developed by the brothers Martinez, Antonio and Agustin, who used the following formula to create this White Mastiff:
They started with the now extinct Fighting Dog of Cordoba to which they added blood from the Pointer for his keen sense of smell; the Boxer for his spirit and gentleness; the Great Dane for his size; the Bull Terrier for his courage; the Bulldog for his boldness; the Irish Wolfhound for his instinct as a hunter; the Dogue de Bordeaux for his powerful jaws; the Great Pyrenees for his white coat; and the Spanish Mastiff for his power.
Physically, the Dogo gives an overall impression of great power. He is heavy-boned and very muscular, with a massive head, strong neck and deep, broad body. The short, thick coat is always white so as not to absorb heat. The Dogo is alert, determined, fearless, intelligent and versatile.
Today, the Dogo is often used for cattle protection and police work. He is a friendly, outgoing dog with an excellent temperament. He is generally good with children, gentle with other animals, and easily trained. The Dogo is a natural guardian and will defend a threatened family member and his home with his life. Because the Dogo distinguishes between familiar people and strangers, care must be taken to introduce friends and visitors. Early socialization and training are a must for this breed.
Health Issues
The Dogo Argentino is generally a healthy breed; however, like all breeds, certain genetic disorders may be of concern.
- Deafness — Like most primarily white dogs, the Dogo may be born partially or completely deaf. Therefore, it is of great importance that ALL Dogos be BAER tested.
- Hip Dysplasia
If you are considering the adoption of a Argentine Dogo puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
Grooming Information
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
Gacetilla Doguera - Dogo Gazette — Articles, interviews and writeups highlighting and remembering those that helped build the breed — breeders, outstanding dogs, results from shows, and more — all about the Dogo Argentino in Argentina.
Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
