Dogo Argentino Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pictures, Care & More!

The Dogo Argentino is a large and muscular dog with all-white fur. It originated as a hunting breed, but it also makes a great pet as long as you have space for it to run.

Breed Overview

It’s extremely loyal and can serve as an excellent watchdog, but it also likes to relax and lay by your feet at the end of the day. If you are looking to get a large dog like the Dogo Argentino but would like to learn more about it, keep reading while we discuss its temperament, dietary needs, health risks, and more to help you make an informed decision.

Dogo Argentino Characteristics

Dogo Argentino Puppies

In most cases, buying a Dogo Argentino puppy will be on the lower side of an average dog’s price range, but some pedigrees can be more expensive, and you will need to pay more for breeding rights if you intend to become a breeder.

You will also need to get the dog spayed or neutered if you do not purchase breeding rights, and you will need to get rabies and distemper vaccinations. You will also need to constantly supply food, treats, and toys, which can get costly with a large dog like the Dogo Argentino.

These large dogs are also very friendly and affectionate towards their owners and as long as you spend enough time with them to keep up with their energy levels, they’ll be happy to be part of your family.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino is a loyal dog breed that develops strong bonds with its owner. It’s protective, but it can become overly protective and wary of strangers if not properly socialized, so it’s better suited to an experienced owner. It’s smart but strong-willed, so it will require plenty of patience and a solid routine when training, but it loves the attention, so it will enjoy spending the time with you. It’s a sensitive breed that does not like to let you down, so you will need to be careful when you scold it.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

These dogs are great family pets, and they will fearlessly protect your home. It forms strong bonds with all family members and enjoys playing with children. Extra family members can also help keep your dog active so it can stay healthy. The only downside to these large dogs is that they can knock over toddlers, so they will need to be separated or closely monitored if they are able to remain together.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

The Dogo Argentino is a pack dog that prefers to be with other dogs of the same species. However, it will get along with any other dog breed as well, especially if you socialize it as a puppy. It usually doesn’t have a problem with cats due to its large size, but most experts recommend plenty of socialization as a puppy to help make sure they get along.

Things to Know When Owning a Dogo Argentino:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Our Dogo Argentino will eat quite a bit of food once it reaches its full-grown weight of more than 80 pounds. It’s also quite active, so it will need a high-quality brand full of protein. We recommend checking the ingredients list to make sure real meat like chicken, turkey, or beef, and avoiding brands that have corn, soy, or meat byproducts higher on the list. You should also avoid chemical preservatives and artificial colors and instead look for omega fats and probiotics. Follow the feeding instructions on the bag closely to prevent overfeeding and weight gain.

Exercise 🐕

Your Dogo Argentino is a hunting dog that requires plenty of exercise. It’s better suited to a house with a large yard so it can run around, and other family members, especially children, can help your dog stay active, so it doesn’t gain weight. If you live alone, we recommend setting aside at least 60-minutes per day to help keep your pet healthy. Your dog will enjoy playing fetch, tug of war, long walks, and hikes in the woods.

Training 🎾

Unfortunately, your Dogo Argentino is not as easy to train as some other breeds. It’s not that your dog isn’t intelligent because it’s quite smart. However, it has a strong will and will often choose not to participate in your training sessions. An experienced trainer will have better luck keeping the dog focused, but if you are a beginner, you can try keeping your training session short and at the same time each night. Keeping your training sessions consistent will help get your dog into a routine, and your dog will be more likely to be focused.

Grooming ✂️

Your Dogo Argentino has short hair that will only require weekly brushing and an occasional bath when it gets dirty. It will shed like other dogs, but the short hair won’t make a mess of your home. We recommend brushing your dog’s teeth as often as possible to help slow the progression of dental disease. If you hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, you will need to trim them. While not difficult, many owners prefer to get their teeth and nails professionally groomed.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Minor Conditions

Serious Conditions

Male vs Female

The male Dogo Argentino tends to be several inches taller than the female and is usually at least 10 pounds heavier. However, there is no difference in temperament or behavior between the two sexes, especially if they have been fixed.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Dogo Argentino

1. Breeders created the Dogo Argentino to hunt large and dangerous game, like the mountain lion and the wild boar.

2. In 2020, the Dogo Argentino became the American Kennel Club’s 195^th breed.

3. Despite its intimidating appearance, the Dogo Argentino loves to cuddle with family members.

Final Thoughts

The Dogo Argentino makes a fantastic pet for someone with a large yard or some land that it can run on and get the activity it needs. It’s better suited to an experienced owner because of its large size and strong will, but a beginner can be suitable if you have plenty of time to spend with the dog to create a strong bond so the dog will listen to you. It enjoys being part of the family and will fiercely protect your home while you are away. It eats a lot but will require very little grooming, and the short hair won’t make a mess of your home.

We hope you enjoyed reading over our look into this large breed and found the answers you need. If we have helped convince you to purchase one, please share this guide to the Dogo Argentino on Facebook and Twitter.

• See also: 100+ Popular & Unique Dogo Argentino Names

Featured Image Credit: Lunja, Shutterstock