Appearance

The Dogo Argentino is a large white majestic mastiff. Dogos are muscular and atheletic, with a broad powerful head, and a thick neck. The coat is smooth and always white and the ears naturally crop forward, but some breeders may crop the ears close to the skull. Some Dogos may have a black spot on them. These Dogos are generally considered suitable only as a family pet.

Behavior

Dogos are known for their loyalty and affection to their families and they crave human contact. They are highly tolerant of children, and very protective of it's family. It will guard against anything it see's as a threat to it's pack or it's territory. They may get along with other dogs as long as they have been socialized at an early age, but will not tolerate another dog trying to show dominace over them. These are hunting dogs with high prey drives, so they may or maynot get along with other pets. Dogos are not breeds for beginners, they require an owner with a firm and fair hand.

History

The Dogo Argentino was developed in the 1920's by Mr. Antonio Nores Martinez for being a guardian of the family and big game hunting. They are used to hunt cougar, mountain lion, and wild boar called "jabali" that were problematic for farmers because they ruined crops and killed livestock, and often killed farmers and peasants. The wild boar could weigh anywhere from 400 to 600 pounds, so dogs had to be fearless, and strong enough to hold a wild boar until it's master came during the hunt to kill the animal with a large knife. In Argentina, it is the belief that the prey should have a fighting chance or an advantage equal to that of the hunter during the hunt that is called the Monteria Criolla. Mr. Martinez used the now extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog as the base of the Dogo and then added: Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Old English Bulldog, Irish Wolfhound, Dogue De Bordeaux, Bull Terrier, Great Pyrenees, Pointer, and Great Dane. Dogos were intorduced to the United States in the early 1970's by Dr. Raul Zeballos. Dogos can develope aggression or dominace problems if it is not socialized at an early age. Because of the breeds tenacity and high prey drive an willingness to fight until the death, or gameness, they have fallen into the hands of dog fighters. These people breed Dogos just for that purpose and dogs along these lines are very aggressive and not suitable for the home. Because of this, Dogos are banned or restricted in some countries.They have been added to the Dangerous Dog Act of 1991, and in some places you will need a specific court of exemption to have this breed of dog. Today Dogos are used in a variety of ways, such as Search and Rescue, military work, tracking, general police work, guide dog, Schutzhund training, and family companion.

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