Other Names: Dogo Argentino, Argentinian Mastiff

Group: Mastiff

Description:

The Argentino Dogo is a large, all-white, short-coated dog with a smooth, muscular body, displaying both power and athletic ability. It is a graceful dog of mastiff stock with very strong jaws, and a short, sleek, glossy, thick, and always white coat. The length of body is just slightly longer than tall, but female dogs may be somewhat longer in body than the male dogs. The length of the front leg (measured from point of elbow to the ground) is approximately equal to one-half of the dog’s height at the withers. The head is powerful with a broad, slightly domed skull and a powerful muzzle that is slightly higher at the nose than the stop, when viewed in profile. The skull is massive and the jaws are strong and tenacious. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The ears are customarily docked, never to hang naturally, close to the skull. The eyes are either dark brown or dark hazel with an alert, intelligent and intense expression. The nose is 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 relatively short tail is set low, thick at the base and tapers to a point. It is never carried over the back, though the dog may swing it and carry it high when it is excited. The short white coat has no undercoat.

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

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

Average Litter Size:

Life Span: 10 and 11 years

History:

The Argentine Dogo was developed in Argentina by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez in the 1920’s. He wanted a dog that was a good pack 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. He created a bullish and fearless hunter with great stamina and a light coat capable of deflecting, rather than absorbing, heat. Some of the Argentine Dogo’s talents are hunting, tracking, watchdogging, guarding, police work, narcotics detection, military, work, competitive obedience, and schutzhund.