Dogo Argentino

Large, white, and muscular, the Dogo Argentino has a short, dense coat and muscular body. They require training to be well-behaved dogs.

Dogo Argentino Breed Overview

The Dogo Argentino is a courageous and strong breed from Argentina. It was first bred in the 1920s for big-game hunting. While they are powerful and large, they are also known for being gentle and affectionate with their families. They have a muscular build and a short, smooth coat that is mostly white. Dogo Argentinos are highly trainable and smart dogs that thrive on human companionship and love a healthy dose of exercise.  

Dogo Argentino Facts

• Can be a loyal family dog
• Requires extra training
• Requires a large yard and regular exercise
• Can be left alone occasionally if trained well
• Barks to alert
• Can weigh up to 100 pounds

How to Care for Your Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino needs specific care, including nutrition and feeding, grooming and hygiene, and living arrangements. Here’s what you need to know.  

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Dogo Argentino?

Dogo Argentinos should be fed dog food specifically created for larger breeds, and the way they grow. These recipes, such as the ones found in Purina Pro Plan and Purina ONE foods, have important nutritional contents such as glucosamine, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and more, which can help with joint health and mobility, skin and coat health, muscle development, and digestion.

How Much to Feed a Dogo Argentino?

Factors like weight, activity level, and age contribute to how much dog food you should be feeding your dog.  Consult your dog’s food bag label or your vet for guidance. Large dogs, like the Dogo Argentino, do well on scheduled feedings to get the nutrients they need and maintain a healthy weight. If you’re unsure how much to feed your Dogo Argentino, use the Purina Feeding Calculator to help guide you.

Treats & Supplements

Occasional treats, especially when using them as rewards for positive reinforcement training, are a normal part of a Dogo Argentino’s diet. They should be used in moderation. The Dogo Argentino is a generally healthy breed that enjoys exercise. They may or may not need supplements for issues like joint care, but you can discuss them with your vet.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

Like all dog breeds, Dogo Argentinos should have regular vet checkups for vaccines, parasite prevention, and more. Good dental hygiene is also part of being a responsible dog owner, as is talking to your vet about spaying or neutering your dog.

Dogo Argentino Enrichment & Exercise Needs

Energetic and spirited, the Dogo Argentino needs regular exercise to tire them physically and mentally. They enjoy long, leashed walks, free running, playtime with owners, and mental stimulation in the form of games and enrichment activities. Training is another good way to tire them mentally, and socialization should be a part of your dog’s routine to build confidence.

Understanding Your Dogo Argentino’s Behavior

If well-trained, the Dogo Argentino can be a well-mannered and polite family member. Positive reinforcement tactics work best with these intelligent and sometimes obstinate dogs, who can sometimes be sensitive and wouldn’t react well to harsh methods. Ideally, Dogo Argentino owners will have previous large dog training experience.

What to Expect as Your Dogo Argentino Ages

The Dogo Argentino lives about 10 to 12 years, an average lifespan for a large dog. They take about two years to reach their full height and weight, and should switch from large breed puppy food to large breed dog food somewhere around that time. As your dog continues to age, you shouldn’t see any major health issues, although there could be some genetic issues like hip dysplasia and arthritis.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

The Dogo Argentino’s short and dense coat is easy to care for with frequent brushing. They have sensitive skin, which could burn if they are outside exposed to the sun for too long. They can be bathed as needed and should not be overbathed to keep their skin oils healthy.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

Dogo Argentinos should have their ears cleaned regularly. Paws should be inspected for cuts and scrapes that can become infected, and you should brush their teeth regularly to prevent dental decay.

Anal Gland Care

Some dog breeds like Dogo Argentinos need regular care to prevent abscessed, infected, or impacted anal glands. If your dog is scooting, excessively licking, or straining to defecate, or if you smell a fishy-like odor, call your vet or groomer to get help expressing them.

Living With a Dogo Argentino

Living Space

The Dogo Argentino is a large dog and will need ample space for sleeping, playing, and exercising. Larger yards in suburban or rural settings are best for them. They prefer to have a lot of leg room to stretch out inside as well, so make sure they have a dedicated area where they have a large dog bed, room to move around, and room to roam.

Socialization

The Dogo Argentino is a highly trainable dog and does well in family life if they are trained well, including with older children. They need ample opportunity for socialization to build up their confidence around other dogs and strangers. Because they have an instinct to protect, they can be on guard, which might not be ideal for family members who startle easily. Smaller children and elderly relatives might not be a good match for this large breed, so families with older children or no children are best.

Climate Considerations

The Dogo Argentino has a short, snowy white coat that does well in moderate to warmer climates. They do not do well in extreme conditions, whether hot or cold, because their coats aren’t well-insulated enough and can sunburn easily. They can be susceptible to overheating, so take care to keep them indoors or provide plenty of shade if you have a Dogo Argentino in a warm climate.

Potential Challenges

The Dogo Argentino was originally bred to hunt, so they have razor-sharp instincts and can be reactive, although less so if they are trained and socialized properly. They do tend to bark to alert, something to be aware of if you live in an urban or densely populated area. Because they are large and muscular dogs, they thrive where they have room to move and roam, so having lots of access to walks and/or a fenced-in yard is best for them.

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