The Dogo Argentino

The Dogo is another great dog. This breed is a hybrid of many different breeds that was created in the 1920s by a veterinarian in Argentina. Unfortunately, due to sketchy breeding, the breed standard is somewhat scattered. It is not uncommon for breeders of the Dogo to falsify records, advertise them as purebred, and cross them with other mastiffs, Great Danes, American Bulldogs, etc. so that they will be even larger and more powerful.

They were bred to be extremely strong and agile, with a strong look and a white coat. Their size expectations vary greatly because of irresponsible breeding. They were created to protect livestock on farms and be able to fend off animals such as lions and boars. That use then lead to owners desire to use them as large game hunters. Thankfully though, they are not normally used for now. The Dogo has since become a well respected, sweet, affectionate family companion..They are generally the definitive of the phrase "gentle giant." Dogos are extremely sweet, loyal companions. Their only drawback, similar to many other Molosser breeds, is that if they are not socialized properly then they will often develop issues with other animals. But typically, they are great with everyone.

The saddest part of this breed is that unfortunately a very large majority of the breeders and even rescuers involved in this breed often misrepresent and tend to not treat them with the love they require. They also often encourage the hunt of boar and lions with Dogos (where there is a definite possibility that the Dogos will die). Given that most of them have only lived as companion dogs, they usually are put into an inclosure with either a boar or a lion, and are often times killed by the large game animals. As scary as this is, this is a practice that is legal in the U.S. and most Dogo enthusiasts equate this to any other game hunting. However, it is quite obvious that hunting a lion or boar is much more dangerous than animals like pheasants and ducks. Many feel that it is important to use them for hunting to preserve the drive > that the think should be inherent in the breed. We understand however cannot agree with that argument. Even though it was their breed standard to possess that drive, we are living in different times now. Humane treatment of animals is expected more often than not and people consider their dogs as members of the family. There are a lot of positive traits that these dogs possess that can be encouraged rather than their ability to hunt large game.

These are a fabulous, gentle, and obedient breed of dog that we are doing our best to preserve but it is a struggle given that there are not many people out there who see them for the sweethearts they really are. Many people still see them as a business investment either by breeding them and selling them to hunters and dogfighters, or hunting with them. If you are interested in a giant breed that is not prone to many diseases and hip dysplasia, one that is great with kids, and sweet and active, yet not hyper, this is the dog for you. The main physical issue they are prone to is deafness. while some hear correctly, many have only partial, and some absolutely no hearing. There are however many resources on how to train and own a deaf Dogo. Your quality of life with a deaf Dogo will be just as wonderful as one that is hearing. They are large, beautiful dogs that will be a genuine companion.

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