Dogo Argentino
Known in French as Dogue Argentin
- Height at the withers
- 60 to 68 cm
- Weight
- 40 to 45 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Argentina
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
Overview
A large, powerful, all-white molosser-type dog with a massive head and an athletic build, originally developed to hunt big game with exceptional courage and strength.
History and origins
Developed in Argentina in the 1920s by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez, who systematically crossed the now-extinct Perro de Pelea Cordobés with the Great Dane, the Boxer, the Bull Terrier and the Pointer to create a versatile hunter.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Congenital deafness
- Hip dysplasia
- Dermatitis and skin allergies
- Hypothyroidism
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With cats
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Dogo Argentino FAQ
How big does the Dogo Argentino get?
The Dogo Argentino stands 60 to 68 cm at the withers and weighs 40 to 45 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Dogo Argentino shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Dogo Argentino live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard.
How much exercise does the Dogo Argentino need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Dogo Argentino good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Dogo Argentino live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are congenital deafness and hip dysplasia.
