Dogo Argentino, Breed, Price, Compatibility with Family (Oct 2023): The Dogo Argentino, also known as the Argentine Mastiff, is a muscular and powerful breed originating from Argentina.
It is a loyal, intelligent, and protective dog, often used for hunting large game. They have a short, white coat and require firm training and socialization to be well-behaved companions.
Dogo Argentino Breed info:
The Dogo Argentino, a breed developed in Argentina in the early 20th century, was created by crossing various breeds, including the now-extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog.
| Quality | Level |
|---|---|
| AFFECTIONATE WITH FAMILY | Highly |
| GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN | Moderate |
| GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS | Moderate |
| SHEDDING LEVEL | Moderate to High |
| COAT GROOMING FREQUENCY | Low |
| FRIENDLY TOWARD STRANGERS | Moderate to High |
| WATCHDOG/PROTECTIVE NATURE | Highly |
| ADAPTABILITY LEVEL | Highly |
| TRAINABILITY LEVEL | Highly |
| BARKING LEVEL | Moderate |
These muscular, all-white dogs were initially bred for big-game hunting and are known for their loyalty and protective instincts.
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Physical Appearance:
The Dogo Argentino akka Argentine Mastiff, is a large and powerful breed known for its impressive physical appearance. Here are some key characteristics of their physical appearance:
Size:
Dogos are a large breed. Adult males typically stand between 24 to 27 inches (61 to 68 cm) at the shoulder, and females are slightly smaller.
Weight:
Adult males usually weigh between 80 to 100 pounds (36 to 45 kg), while females weigh slightly less, typically ranging from 70 to 85 pounds (32 to 39 kg).
Head:
They have a strong and broad head with a slightly domed skull. The muzzle is short and powerful, with a well-defined stop.
Ears:
Mastiff argentino typically have cropped ears, which are set high on the head and stand erect. Cropping of ears is a controversial practice and is banned or restricted in many countries.
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Eyes:
Their eyes are round and dark, giving them an alert and intelligent expression.
Nose:
The nose is large and black.
Coat:
Their coat is short, smooth, and dense. It is typically all white, although some may have a black spot on the head, which is known as a “pirata” marking. Solid white is the preferred color for show dogs.
Tail:
The tail is long and thick at the base, tapering to a point. It is typically carried low and should not be curled over the back.
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Build:
Dogo Argentinos have a muscular and athletic build. They are known for their strength and agility.
Bite:
They have a scissor bite, where the upper and lower teeth meet in a scissors-like manner.
Dogo Temperament and Personality:
Mastiff argentino is known for its distinctive temperament and personality traits, which make it a unique and loyal breed. Here are some key characteristics of the Dogo Argentino’s temperament and personality:
Loyal and Protective:
Dogos are extremely loyal to their families. They are known for their protective nature and will often go to great lengths to protect their loved ones. This protective instinct makes them excellent guard dogs.
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Courageous:
Dogos are courageous and fearless, which is a trait that has been honed through their history as hunting dogs. They have been used to hunt large and dangerous game, so they are not easily intimidated.
Affectionate:
Despite their protective and fearless nature, Dogo Argentinos can be affectionate and loving with their families. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners and can be quite affectionate and even cuddly.
Socialization is Important:
Early socialization is crucial for Dogos. They should be exposed to various people, animals, and situations from a young age to ensure they develop into well-adjusted adults. Proper socialization helps mitigate potential aggression and fearfulness.
Strong-Willed:
Mastiff argentino can be strong-willed and may require a firm, consistent owner who can establish themselves as the pack leader. Proper training and positive reinforcement techniques are essential for managing their strong will.
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Energetic:
This breed is energetic and requires regular exercise. They enjoy activities such as long walks, runs, and playtime. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, they can become restless and potentially destructive.
Intelligent:
They are intelligent dogs, which means they can learn commands and tasks quickly. Their intelligence also requires that they be mentally engaged through training and problem-solving activities.
Good with Children:
When properly trained and socialized, Dogo Argentinos can be good with children. They are known to be gentle and protective of their families. However, as with any large breed, supervision is essential when they are around small children.
Prey Drive:
Due to their history as hunting dogs, Dogo Argentinos may have a strong prey drive. They might not get along well with small animals, and it’s essential to introduce them carefully to other pets in the household.
Independent:
They can be somewhat independent and may not always be eager to please. This means that consistent training is necessary to establish good behavior.
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Mastiff argentino, Training and Care
Training and care for a Dogo Argentino or Argentine Mastiff, require special attention and consideration due to their size, strength, and temperament. Here are some important tips for training and caring for a Argentine Mastiff:
Early Socialization:
Start socializing your Dogo Argentino from a young age. Expose them to various people, animals, and situations to help them become well-adjusted and confident. This is crucial for reducing potential aggression and fearfulness.
Positive Reinforcement Training:
Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and rewards, to motivate and train your Dogo Argentino. They respond well to positive reinforcement, and it helps build a strong bond between you and your dog.
Consistent and Firm Leadership:
Establish yourself as the pack leader through consistent and firm but fair leadership. Dogo Argentinos can be strong-willed, so it’s important to maintain consistent rules and boundaries.
Obedience Training:
Basic obedience training is essential for this breed. Teach them commands like sit, stay, come, and leash walking. This not only ensures their safety but also makes them more manageable and well-behaved.
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Exercise:
Dogo Argentinos are active dogs and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Plan for daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. Engaging in activities like fetch, agility training, and obedience training can help channel their energy.
Secure Fencing:
Ensure you have a secure and high fence in your yard, as Dogo Argentinos are strong and can jump relatively high. Proper containment prevents them from wandering and keeps them safe.
Grooming:
Their short, dense coat is relatively low-maintenance. Regular brushing to remove loose hair and occasional baths when needed are usually sufficient. Check their ears for cleanliness and trim their nails as required.
Healthcare:
Regular vet check-ups are crucial for maintaining your Dogo Argentino’s health. Discuss preventive care, vaccinations, and any breed-specific health concerns with your veterinarian.
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Diet:
Provide a well-balanced, high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Portion control is important to prevent obesity, which can be a concern in large breeds.
Mental Stimulation:
In addition to physical exercise, provide mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions can keep their minds engaged.
Social Interaction:
Despite their protective nature, it’s important to ensure your Dogo Argentino is well-socialized and gets exposure to different people and dogs. This helps them become more well-rounded and less likely to exhibit aggressive behaviors.
Monitoring:
Keep an eye on your Dogo Argentino’s behavior and mood. Look out for signs of discomfort, illness, or stress. If you notice any concerning changes, consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer.
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Training for Aggression Control:
Given their protective instincts, it’s crucial to have a solid recall command (e.g., “come”) and the ability to control any aggressive tendencies. If your Dogo Argentino displays aggressive behavior, consider working with a professional dog trainer experienced with the breed.
Dogo Argentino Price 2023
The price of a Dogo Argentino puppy can vary depending on a number of factors, including the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s pedigree, and the region where you live. In general, however, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,000 for a Dogo Argentino puppy from a reputable breeder.
Some of the factors that can affect the price:
- Breeder’s reputation: Puppies from breeders with a good reputation and who health test their dogs will typically be more expensive than puppies from less reputable breeders.
- Puppy’s pedigree: Puppies from champion bloodlines or with a lot of inbreeding will typically be more expensive than puppies from less impressive bloodlines.
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- Region: Puppies in high-cost areas, such as major cities, will typically be more expensive than puppies in lower-cost areas.
If you are considering getting a Dogo Argentino, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. It is also important to make sure that you are prepared for the financial and time commitment involved in owning this breed.
Is Dogo Argentino a good family dog?
The Dogo Argentino is a large, powerful dog breed that was originally bred for hunting wild boar. They are known for their strength, courage, and loyalty. Dogo can make great family dogs, but they are not the right breed for everyone.
If you are considering getting a Dogo Argentino, it is important to do your research and make sure that you are prepared to provide them with the care and training they need.
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Mastiff argentino require plenty of exercise and socialization. They are also intelligent dogs that need to be mentally challenged.
If you are willing to put in the time and effort to train and socialize your Dogo, they can be a loving and devoted companion. However, it is important to be aware of the potential challenges of owning this breed before making a decision.