A Dogo Argentino is definitely not on the tip of everyone's tongue when asked what kind of dog they would like but should it be? Whether you are looking for a family pet, a show dog, a hunter or a guardian, a Dogo should be a breed you consider. The Dogo Argentino may be the most overlooked breed of dog for the simple reason of its not being heard of.
When my family decided to get a pet/guardian we began researching, as everyone should, for what breed of dog would be most suitable to our needs. We prefer three popular characteristics that most everyone looks for in a puppy - short haired, intelligent and loyal. In a Dogo we found this and so much more.
The new breed was developed by brothers, Antonio and Agustin Nores Martinez who lived in Argentina where hunting big game was essential. The first breed they chose was the Fighting Dog of Cordoba, which is now extinct, for its great hunting abilities. To this they added the keen sense of smell from the Pointer, the vivacity and gentleness of the Boxer, and the Great Dane contributed its size but that was not all. The Dogo's ample chest and boldness traces back to the Bulldog, its fearlessness to the Bull Terrier, powerful jaws to the Dogue de Bordeaux, its power from the Spanish Mastiff and the colour comes from the Great Pyrenees. With all these great breeds combined the brothers created what is now referred to, in short, as the Dogo.
The Dogo, developed in the 1920's, was expected at the time to track wild boar. It would corner the boar and hold it in a death grip until the hunters arrived which may not sound so difficult until realizing the Dogo averages 100 pounds while a wild boar weighs in at 400. But hunting isn't all Dogo Argentino's can be used for.
In Argentia the Dogo was used for not only hunting but obedience, military, police and, surprising as it might be, as guides for the blind. If you locate a Dogo in Canada it may be used for tracking moose, Search and Rescue, or as a loyal family friend. The courage and purpose driven characteristics of the Dogo make it sensitive and kind towards humans, especially the youngest and most in need. As a member of your family a Dogo will crave, like any young child, attention and physical contact. The Dogo is welcoming to any guest unless he/she sees this guest as a threat to any member of his family, at this time he will act, with the necessary means, to protect his own.
Dogo's usually live between ten and twelve years, measuring an average of twenty four to twenty six inches at the shoulder for females and twenty six to twenty eight for males and weighs between 80 to 100 pounds for females and 100 to 120 for males. As a big dog Dogo's may acquire hip problems at a young age and may be born with deafness. Most breeders check thoroughly for both before selling but make sure you ask about these common problems before deciding on the breeder to obtain your puppy from. There are breeders in Canada but for right now are few and far between as Dogo Argentino's are not in high demand.
Everyone needs and wants to train their dog to a certain extent and Dogos are not an exception. Dogo Argentios respond more positively to motivation training including treats as well as praise. They are naturally protective of their owners and aim to please while working with their human family. Dogos do not do well with forceful methods of training and may rebel if taught in this manner. Dogos have a good memory and need to be treated with great respect, the same way they treat you.
Whether your Dogo is meant for hunting or as a companion, the Dogo is a wise and elegant breed which is a complete dog for both purposes.
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