Dogo Argentino

Some dog breeds are ideal for just about anyone, particularly first-time dog owners. Unfortunately, this may not be the case with the Dogo Argentino. Although this breed can be perfect for anyone who has experience with difficult dogs or breeds, there are others who may find this dog to be too challenging. Nonetheless, there are several things about the Dogo Argentino breed that are well worth keeping in mind. You can start with the oft-heard rumor that Dogo Argentinos are hypoallergenic. This is simply incorrect. There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog breed. Beyond that fact, there are several other elements to this breed to consider.

Dogo Argentino Appearance

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The first thing to keep in mind with the Dogo Argentino is that we are talking about a rather large breed of dog. Most Dogo Argentinos will weigh roughly eighty pounds. These dogs are also noted for having a gorgeous, smooth white coat. The coat is very short, and many would describe the coat as being quite shiny, as well.

Many also love the small, intense eyes of the Dogo Argentino. These are extremely intelligent dogs, and this is very keenly reflected in their eyes. They have powerful legs, as well.

Dogo Argentino Grooming

Because the Dogo Argentino has a short, shiny coat, grooming them is not particularly challenging. However, given their immense size, you can expect the task of grooming to be fairly time-consuming. A bath should be given to your dog every three months or so, and you should also combine this bath with a mild shampoo for dog use. In terms of brushing their coat, this is something you will need to deal with once a week or so. Natural bristle brushes are going to be your best bet, but you can also accomplish a great deal with a simple mitt. Conditioner/polish can be a great way to keep their coat looking shiny for years and years to come.

Everything else associated with this breed will basically come down to general care for dogs. You will want to check their ears every week, and you will also want to make sure their nails are properly trimmed about once a month. Regular tooth brushing with a toothpaste for dogs is also going to be important.

Because of their sometimes-difficult temperament, you will want to get into these grooming habits early on. When they are still puppies is a good time to start.

Dogo Argentino Temperament

There are essentially two sides to virtually every Dogo Argentino example. It can be extremely gentle, particularly with those it trusts. By the same token, it can also be intensely aggressive. Working with the dog early on is going to be absolutely vital, so your Dogo Argentino can properly understand when certain behaviors are appropriate.

When your Dogo Argentino loves and trusts its family, it will want to spend lots and lots of time with them. It will also be highly protective of them. This can be problematic when strangers approach, or if there are other dogs/animals in the home. A Dogo Argentino can potentially have issues with all of these possibilities, so it is important to begin training and socializing as early on as possible. These are highly intelligent dogs who are also extremely strong-willed. It can be very difficult at times to get them to do things they just don’t want to do. This is where patience is going to be crucial. It is also going to be highly important to take a strong, decisive leadership role with your dog. Establishing this early on will make it a lot easier to work with your Dogo Argentino, while enjoying their many positive traits.

Dogo Argentino Training

Even at eight weeks of age, you will almost certainly want to start training your Dogo Argentino. Some wait until around six months to begin serious training, which is standard with many other breeds. This can prove to be a mistake. At the six month mark, your Dogo Argentino is going to be decently settled into their personality and understanding of the household. To be sure, you can still train them at this juncture, but it will be a bit more challenging. Puppy kindergarten might be a good idea, but make sure their vaccines are up to date.

Dogo Argentino History

Argentinian Antonio Nores Martinez wanted to create a big hound who could handle big game. The Fighting Dog of Cordoba, now extinct, was the catalyst that eventually created the Dogo Argentino. The fighting desire in that breed was eliminated, and eventually replaced with the desire to hunt. Many other dog breeds were used in the creation of the Dogo. Nores Martinez would die in a robbery, before he would have the chance to see his breed take off. It was eventually accepted as an official breed in Argentina, and it has become popular in other parts of the world, as well.