Gun Dog Breeders: 6 Dogo Argentino Facts

The Dogo Argentino breed is a paradox of sorts. On one hand, these dogs are known as ferocious and powerful hunting dogs that can track and catch big and small game. Yet they also can be one of the gentlest and most loving pets for families among all dog breeds.

Here are six facts about the breed.

1. Origin
The Dogo Argentino, or Argentinian mastiff, originated in Argentina in the 1920s, according to the Dog Channel. Augustin and Antonio Nores-Martinez developed the dog to be a big-game hunter. The brothers bred into the Dogo the finest characteristics of hunting dogs ranging from the Great Dane and boxer to the Spanish mastiff, bulldog, and bull terrier. Their efforts produced a hunting dog with great endurance, pack-leading skills, and a steady temperament.

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2. Deafness
These dogs' white-colored coats make their skin sensitive. They also are susceptible to deafness, according to Pet 360. Roughly 10 percent of the litters raised are deaf, according to the Dogo Argentino Club of America.

3. Not Hypoallergenic
Some dog owners prefer the Dogo Argentino thinking it is hypoallergenic due to its short white coat. Vet Street said that is not the case. The root cause of allergies in dogs is dander, also known as the dead skin cells that all dogs shed.

4. Living Conditions
Contrary to some breeder claims, a Dogo Argentino can live happily and contentedly in an apartment if it receives plenty of daily exercise, although the best living arrangement for these mastiffs is a home with an average- to large-sized fenced-in yard or a farm, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. They are not good outdoor dogs, though. Make sure your dog stays inside when temperatures fall below freezing.

5. Life Expectancy and Other Statistics
A typical Dogo Argentino lives 10 to 12 years, according to Dogo.com. They grow to weigh anywhere from 80 to 120 pounds and reach heights of 23.5 to 27.5 inches tall.

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6. Not for First-Time Owners
If you have never owned a dog, a Dogo Argentino is not for you. New dog owners should steer clear of these as well as most bully breeds and guarding/working breeds, according to Dogster. Some families mistakenly purchase a Dogo Argentino as a status symbol before discovering how much training and exercise these dogs need to be happy, content and healthy.

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