Dogo Argentino

Temperament & Personality

You'll find your Dogo Argentino to be energetic and courageous, with a fiercely loyal nature to its family. This breed is intelligent and affectionate, forming strong bonds with loved ones. Dogos are generally calm indoors and not prone to excessive barking, but they do have a strong prey drive. Early socialization is important: well-socialized Dogos can be friendly and playful with children and strangers, whereas untrained Dogos may be reserved around new people. Always supervise young children around this large dog due to its size and energy.

Care, Living Environment, & Grooming

Dogo Argentinos require a very active lifestyle. They should get at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day – think running, hiking, or intense play – to keep both body and mind engaged. A securely fenced yard is ideal for them; they do not do well in small apartments unless their exercise needs are diligently met. Climate-wise, Dogos have short white coats with little protection. They tolerate warm weather but can sunburn easily, so provide shade or dog-safe sunscreen. In cold weather they may need a doggy coat or shelter, as they lack insulation. Feed a high-quality large-breed diet: puppies up to three small meals a day, adults twice daily. Because Dogos tend to inhale food quickly (risking bloat), use a slow-feed bowl to encourage chewing.

• Weekly: Brush the short coat to remove loose hair; check and clean ears; trim nails and brush teeth.
• Monthly: Bathe if needed (their skin isn't oily); continue regular brushing; and inspect skin for any irritation or parasites.
• Biannual: Attend to any seasonal grooming tasks. (Dogos don't need special coat trimming.)

Training & Socialization

Dogo Argentinos are intelligent but also independent and strong-willed. They respond best to consistent, reward-based training methods. Always use positive reinforcement (treats, praise, toys) and short, fun training sessions. Harsh corrections or punishment will only make a Dogo wary or stubborn. Start socialization early: expose your puppy to many people, pets, sounds, and environments in a calm, controlled way. This breed's natural instincts (such as guarding and chasing) mean they need clear, confident leadership. Consistent boundaries and obedience training are vital. Because of their strong prey drive, practice recall and "leave it" commands so your Dogo learns to ignore small animals.

Health Considerations

Dogo Argentinos live on average about 10–12 years. They are generally sturdy, but some serious health issues can occur:

• Congenital deafness – Dogo Argentinos can have partial or total hearing loss (around 25% are affected).
• Hip dysplasia – inherited malformation of the hip joint, leading to arthritis and lameness.
• Hypothyroidism – underactive thyroid, causing weight gain, lethargy, and skin changes.
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) – a life-threatening twist of the stomach seen in deep-chested breeds; many vets recommend a preventive gastropexy (tacking the stomach) for at-risk dogs.
• Skin issues – their white coat means lack of pigment and low protection from the sun, so they can get sunburns and heat rash; food or environmental allergies can also cause itching.

Recommended screenings include hip and elbow evaluations (OFA or PennHip), a BAER test for puppy hearing, and routine blood panels as the dog ages. Regular veterinary exams are important to catch issues early.

Cost of Ownership

Dogo Argentinos are large dogs with substantial ownership costs. A typical Dogo might cost around $2,000–$3,000 per year in the U.S. on average. Major expense categories include:

• Food: Dogos need about 3–4 cups of quality dry food per day (~$600–$800/year).
• Veterinary care: Routine check-ups and vaccinations can run ~$500–$700 annually for large breeds.
• Pet insurance: Large-breed dogs often pay $600–$900/year for comprehensive coverage.
• Grooming: Expect $300+ per year for basic care, or less if you do it yourself (brushing, supplies).
• Other: Toys, supplies, and occasional training classes (~$200–$400).

First-year costs are higher: include puppy essentials (crate, leash, puppy classes, vaccinations, spaying/neutering around $500–$800) which can add $1,000 or more.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Loyal and protective: Forms incredibly strong bonds with family members and makes an excellent guardian.
• Athletic and energetic: Perfect companion for active owners who enjoy outdoor activities.
• Intelligent and trainable: Responds well to consistent, positive training methods.
• Low grooming needs: Short coat requires minimal maintenance beyond regular brushing.
• Calm indoors: Despite their energy, they can be relaxed house companions when properly exercised.

Cons

• Very high exercise needs: Requires 1–2 hours of vigorous daily exercise to prevent behavioral issues.
• Not for beginners: Strong-willed nature requires experienced, confident handling.
• Potential aggression: Strong prey drive and protective instincts need careful management.
• Health concerns: Prone to several serious conditions including deafness and bloat.
• Size and strength: Large, powerful dog that can be challenging to control if not properly trained.

Fun Facts

• The Dogo Argentino was developed in Argentina in the 1920s by Dr. Antonio Nores Martínez, who wanted to create the perfect big-game hunting dog.
• They were originally bred from the now-extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog, crossed with breeds like the Great Dane, Boxer, and Bull Terrier.
• Dogos are one of the few breeds specifically developed for hunting large game like wild boar and puma in Argentina's challenging terrain.
• Their all-white coat was specifically selected to distinguish them from the dark-colored prey they were hunting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Dogo Argentinos shed a lot?

Dogo Argentinos have a short, dense coat and are considered moderate shedders. Regular weekly brushing keeps loose hair under control. They shed year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes, but their short coat is relatively easy to maintain.

Are Dogo Argentinos good apartment dogs?

Not really. Dogos are large, active dogs that need space to move. They do best in a house with a secure yard and daily exercise. Without sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, they can become restless or bored. Apartment living is challenging unless you can provide a rigorous exercise regimen.

How much exercise does a Dogo Argentino need?

Dogo Argentinos are very high-energy. Plan on at least 1–2 hours of exercise daily. This can include jogging, hiking, running with you on leash, or active play. These dogs excel at canine sports (agility, tracking) and enjoy physical and mental challenges. They also appreciate relaxed time indoors once well-exercised.

Can first-time owners handle a Dogo Argentino?

Usually not. Dogos are best-suited to experienced owners who understand their needs. They require firm, consistent leadership and lots of training. If treated poorly, their strong personality can become unmanageable. This is a breed "not for everyone." For a first-time owner, consider a more easygoing breed.

References

1. PetMD – Dogo Argentino
2. DogTime – Dogo Argentino
3. Chewy – Dogo Argentino
4. Wikipedia – Dogo Argentino