A newcomer to American dog owners, the Dogo Argentino is a pack-hunting dog bred to hunt big game like puma and wild boar. Large and formidable, the Dogo is a striking all-white dog with a powerful, muscular build and an intimidating look.

Curious about the Dogo? Here are eight fascinating facts about the Dogo Argentino breed, including information about their history, temperament, and what they’re like to own.

The 8 Interesting Facts About the Dogo Argentino

1. Dogo Were Bred to Hunt.

The Dogo was first purpose-bred to hunt in Argentina. Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez started crossbreeding large purebred dogs to create the ideal hunting dog in 1928, favoring traits like physical power, versatility, and an even temperament.

2. Dogo Hunt Various Big Game.

The Dogo was bred to hunt over varied terrain and chase down large game like wild boar, puma, peccaries, and mountain lions. These animals are large, powerful, and ferocious, so the Dogo needs to be capable.

3. They’re Not Just Hunters.

Though the Dogo was tailored to hunting, the breed has proven capable in other types of work. Their intelligence, strength, and tenacity serve them well in roles as military and police dogs, service dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs.

4. Dogo Are New to the AKC.

Despite their nearly 100-year history, the Dogo was only recognized by the AKC in 2020. They’re the 195th AKC-recognized breed since the organization’s founding in 1878. The breed was first officially recognized by the Argentine Kennel Club in 1973.

5. Dogo Were Created From an Extinct Breed.

The foundation stock for the Dogo includes the Bull Terrier and Mastin del Pirineo, as well as the now-extinct Cordoba fighting dog. The Cordoba is a bulldog type that was created from breeding mastiff types to create a perfect fighting dog. Other crosses were introduced later, including the Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane, Dogue de Bordeaux, and Spanish Mastiff.

6. The Dogo Are Restricted in Some Countries.

The Dogo is restricted in some countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Turkey, Norway, Hong Kong, and the Cayman Islands. In the US, breed bans may occur in some cities and localities. The Dogo may present problems with insurance policies and housing, like some other breeds.

7. White Is the Only AKC Recognized Color.

Martinez wanted an all-white hunting dog and selected stock based on this trait. The AKC maintains these breed standards to this day, allowing only all-white dogs with one black or dark-colored patch on the skull, one ear, or around one eye and small dark spots on the ears. Dogs can be disqualified if they have more than one spot on the head or any black spots elsewhere on the body (except the small spots on the ears).

8. They May Be Born Deaf.

Like other white breeds, the Dogo can experience pigment-related deafness. About one-quarter of Dogo Argentinos in the US are deaf in one or both ears, and the risk is increased when the dog has blue eyes.

Are Dogo Argentinos Good Pets?

Dogo Argentinos have a lot of qualities that are desirable in dogs, including loyalty, sociability, and a desire to be part of the family. However, Dogo are large and powerful dogs that can have a protective nature and a high prey drive, so they may not be suitable for families with young children, small dogs, or other small pets.

In addition, the Dogo can be a handful and should only be paired with experienced owners—or owners who are willing to commit to professional training. Otherwise, these dogs can develop behavioral problems that can be more dangerous due to their size and ferocity. This is not only dangerous for the owner but contributes to a negative stigma associated with Dogo and similar breeds.

Conclusion

Developed as a big-game opponent, the Dogo’s role has evolved over their nearly century-long history to include work in the military, law enforcement, and search and rescue. They can also make excellent family pets for the right owners, but it’s crucial to be prepared to take on a dog as formidable and intelligent as the Dogo.

Featured Image Credit: thereseb87, Pixabay