AKA: Argentinian Mastiff, Argentine Dogo

Description: The Dogo Argentino is a muscular and well-structured dog descended from the mastiff breed. It has a massive head that is convex in the front and has a moderate stop. The ears hang naturally but can be cropped. The eyes are either a dark brown or a dark hazel. The nose is black and the jaws are powerful, the teeth forming a scissors bite.

The skin on the Dogo Argentino’s neck is loose, serving as protection for the Dogo Argentino when hunting. The chest is wide, and the tail is long, carried high or swinging but never carried over the back.

Dynamics: The Dogo Argentino was bred to be a fierce hunter and a gentle and loyal family companion in one. It is playful, intelligent, and devoted to its family. It is good with children, and also with other pets if they are raised with them from puppyhood.

Training the Dogo Argentino has to be firm and consistent. This breed is easy to train because it is highly intelligent. There are dogs, though, that are more dominant and are unpredictable because of improper socialization. This breed requires early socialization and obedience training.

Breed Group: Mastiff

Weight: 80-100 pounds (36-45kg)

Height: 24-27 inches (61-69cm)

Color: The thick and glossy coat of the Dogo Argentino is purely white.

Country of Origin: The Dogo Argentino originates in Argentina, where it was bred by Dr. Atonio Nores Martinez during the 1920s. He crossed the now-extinct Dog of Cordoba (which was a mastiff-type sort) with the Great Dane, the Boxer, the Spanish Mastiff, the Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Great Pyrenees, Pointer, Irish Wolfhound, and the Dogue de Bordeaux.

Activities: The Dogo Argentino is a breed that needs plenty of exercise. It is used in hunting, tracking, as a watchdog, guard dog, in police and military work, competitive obedience, and schutzhund. The Dogo Argentino is also used in dog fights, which is a reason why it is one of the 3 breeds banned in the United Kingdom as decreed by the 1991 Dangerous Dog Act.

Grooming: The Dogo Argentino is easy to care for. Its coat has no doggy odor. The nails need frequent clipping, though, as they grow very fast.

Other Info: The Dogo Argentino has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is a generally healthy breed. It will be okay living in an apartment so long as it is sufficiently exercised and taken outdoors from time to time.