The Dogo Argentino (also known as the Argentine Mastiff) is a large, white, muscular dog that was developed in Argentina primarily for the purpose of big-game hunting, including wild boar and puma; the breeder, Antonio Nores Martinez, also wanted a dog that would exhibit steadfast bravery and willingly protect its human companion to the death. It was first bred in 1928, from the Cordoba Fighting D
og along with a wide array of other breeds including, but not limited to, the Great Dane. Appearance
The Dogo Argentino is a large white short-coated dog with very muscular and strong body that rarely has any markings (any type of marking or spot on the coat is considered a flaw. Weight: From 90 to 130 pounds. The length of the body is just slightly longer than the height, but female dogs may be somewhat longer in body than 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 has a broad, slightly domed skull and the muzzle is slightly higher at the nose than the stop, when viewed in profile. The tail is set low, thick at the base and tapers to a point. It has been described as looking similar to the American Bulldog but very tall with a solid white coat. The breed has also been described as looking similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier. Health
As in the Dalmatian, white Boxer, and the white Bull Terrier, the dogo may experience pigment-related deafness. There is possibility of an approximate 10% deafness rate overall with some dogos afflicted unilaterally (one deaf ear) and some bilaterally (deaf in both ears). Studies have shown that the incidence of deafness is drastically reduced when the only breeding stock used is that with bilaterally normal hearing.Hip dysplasia are also a common health concern. Temperament
A Dogo Argentino with uncropped ears. Kumelen - female Dogo Argentino
Dogos are big-game hunters and are sometimes trained for search and rescue, police assistance, and military work. The Dogo Argentino can be good with kids if properly socialized at early age. Dogo Argentinos are protective of what they perceive as their territory and will guard it against any intruder. They get along with other dogs as long as they have been properly socialized, but will usually not tolerate another dog trying to assert dominance over them, therefore they might not coexist peacefully with another strong breed. The Dogo has a life expectancy of nine (9) to twenty (20) years. Fighting and legality
While the Dogo Argentino was bred primarily from the extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog, it was bred to be a cooperative hunter; to accompany other catch dogs and bay dogs on the hunt without fighting with the other dogs. Aggressive traits inherent in the Cordoban Dog were specifically bred out; to enable a stable cooperative nature in a pack. However, in areas where dog fighting continues, Dogos Argentinos have rarely been used for fighting although they have aggressive nature. In the United Kingdom, it is illegal to own a Dogo Argentino without lawful authority, under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and dogs of the breed may be seized by the police. The maximum penalty for illegal possession of a Dogo Argentino is a fine of £5,000 and/or up to six months' imprisonment.Breed-specific legislation varies in the United States, with bans on the breed enacted in Aurora, Colorado and New York City public housing. The Australian government has banned the importation of this dog. The dog is also illegal in New Zealand,Norway,Denmark,Iceland, Romania,Singapore, and Ukraine. The ban in the UK has received criticism with a spokesperson from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals stating that the law must "focus back on the real problem ... the owner". History
In the 1928, Antonio Nores Martinez. a medical doctor, professor and surgeon, set out to breed a big game hunting dog that was also capable of being a loyal pet and guard dog. Antonio Martinez picked the Cordoba Fighting Dog to be the base for the breed. This breed is extinct today but was described as a large and ferocious dog that was a great hunter. He crossed it with the Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Old English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Great Pyrenees, Pointer, Irish Wolfhound and Dogue de Bordeaux. Nores Martinez continued to develop the breed via selective breeding to introduce the desired traits. Dr. Raul Zeballos introduced the Dogo Argentino to the United States in 1970.
