<b>History:</> The Argentine Dogo was developed in Argentina by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez in the 1920's. He wanted a dog who was a good hunter and guardian, but could also be trusted with the family. He started with a now extinct mastiff-type breed called the Dog of Cordoba. He added Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Great Pyrenees, Pointer, Irish Wolfhound and Dogue de Bordeaux. The resulting breed, not only met Martinez' original expectations as a big game hunter and family guardian, but has also been successful as a guide dog and in military and police work.
<b>Description:</> A muscular, yet graceful dog of mastiff stock with very strong jaws, and a short, sleek white coat. The head is convex in the front, with a moderate stop. The muzzle should be about the same length as the skull. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The eyes should either be dark brown or dark hazel with an alert, intelligent and intense expression. The nose should be black. The chest is wide and deep giving an impression of strength. The skin on the neck is loose to protect the dog during the hunt. The long tail reaches to the hock. It is never carried over the back, though the dog may swing it and carry it high when excited. The short white coat has no undercoat.
<b>Notes:</> The single white coat is very easy to care for and does not have a doggy odor. Be sure to bring the Dogo inside when temperatures drop below freezing. Pay special attention to the nails, as they tend to grow very quickly and therefore need frequent clipping.
<b>Personality:</> An excellent guardian of the home. Loyal to the family. Playful and intelligent. Good with children. Loves to kiss and cuddle with those the family accepts. This is a highly intelligent, powerful dog who needs a firm and consistent, but loving, hand. Adult Dogos can be aggressive with other dogs, however, the Dogo does not usually provoke the confrontation. The Argentine Dogo is not a breed for everyone. All dogs are individuals; some are more dominant or possess a stronger prey drive than others. Breeders should work with prospective owners to match the dog with the household.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Moderately protective.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Moderately dependent on people.
<C>Dominance:</C> Very high.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Docking:</C> The ears are customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Moderately active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Not recommended for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Average (10 to 12 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, watchdog, guarding, police work, narcotics detection, military work, competitive obedience, and Schutzhund.
<b>For More Information:</>
Argentine Dogo Club of America, Inc., 2014 Albany St., Lafayette, IN 47904
<b>Photo Caption:</> ARGENTINE DOGO
Arg/ADCA Ch. Alto Chocori Del Choyoy. Owned by Dee Gannon. Photo copyright: Bruce and Jeane Harkins.
