Dogo Argentinos typically reach their full height by 12 to 18 months of age, but they will continue to fill out and develop muscle mass until they are about two to three years old. The exact timing can vary between individual dogs, with some reaching full physical maturity earlier or later than others. It’s important to provide them with a balanced diet and regular exercise during this growth phase to support their healthy development.

Dogo Argentinos, also known as Argentine Mastiffs, were originally bred for big-game hunting, particularly for wild boar. Developed in Argentina in the early 20th century, the breed was specifically bred to have strength, endurance, and a powerful bite, making them capable of taking down large and dangerous game. They are still used for hunting today but are also valued as loyal and protective companions due to their strong bonds with their families.

The Dogo Argentino hails from the Argentinian province of Cordoba. In the 1930s and 40s, a surgeon named Antonio Nores Martinez developed a breed powerful enough to hunt large game such as puma and boar by cross-breeding white dogs with long muzzles and heavy heads. Martinez’s expertise in anatomy and biology likely contributed to his understanding of dog breeding and selection principles, helping him to create a breed that was both physically capable and temperamentally suitable for big game hunting.

On average, Dogo Argentinos have a lifespan of nine to 15 years. This lifespan can vary depending on various factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, veterinary care, and overall care.

Dogo Argentino is pronounced DOH-go ar-hen-TEE-no.

No, Dogo Argentinos are not illegal in the United States. However, some states and cities within the U.S. have breed-specific legislation that restricts or bans certain breeds, including Dogo Argentinos. This legislation can vary widely from one locality to another, so it’s important for potential pet parents to check their local regulations and ordinances regarding dog breeds.

No, Dogo Argentinos do not bark a lot — at least not indiscriminately. The Dogo Argentino was bred as a guardian dog in addition to a hunter, so they bark to alert. As with any dog, they can be discouraged from barking as frequently with proper training and exercise.

Yes, Dogo Argentinos can be good family dogs in homes where they receive proper training, socialization, and supervision. Loyal with protective instincts, they often form strong bonds with their families and can be affectionate companions. Their calm demeanor around loved ones and natural inclination to protect make them reliable guardians. The Dogo Argentino requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation and space to be active, meaning an active family who likes to adventure and exercise outdoors would be a good match for this breed.

No, the Dogo Argentino is not good with cats due to their history as hunting dogs. This breed has an extremely high prey drive which can sometimes lead them to view smaller animals, including cats, as prey. Of course, each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament, and if they are introduced and socialized together at a very young age, your Dogo Argentino and cat may be able to peacefully coexist.

Yes, Dogo Argentinos can get along with other dogs if socialized early, well-trained, and properly introduced. Without proper socialization, they may exhibit assertive or dominant behavior toward unfamiliar dogs, especially if they perceive them as a threat. Additionally, Dogo Argentinos have a strong prey drive due to their history as hunting dogs, which can cause them to perceive smaller animals or dogs as prey-like.

Yes, Dogo Argentinos are smart dogs. They are known for their problem-solving abilities, quick learning, and capacity to understand and respond to training. Providing mental stimulation through activities like obedience training, puzzle toys, or interactive play can help fulfill their intellectual needs and keep them engaged. Their smarts, loyalty, and willingness to please their families make the Dogo Argentino capable of excelling in various roles, from companionship to working tasks.

No, Dogo Argentinos are not a good choice for first-time pet parents. The Dogo Argentino is a breed for experienced pet parents who know how to handle such a powerful, energetic, and robust breed. They are large, powerful dogs who require experienced handling and confident leadership. Their strong-willed nature and potential for dominance mean they need firm and consistent training from an early age. Additionally, they have high exercise needs and require proper socialization to ensure they develop good manners and positive behavior. While they can be loyal and affectionate companions, their size, strength, and training requirements make them better suited for experienced pet parents who know how to provide the structure and guidance these dogs need to thrive.

Yes, Dogo Argentinos are easy to train as they are incredibly intelligent and can easily pick up commands and skills. However, even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, teaching a dog requires a long-term commitment. Dogo Argentinos are particularly independent, often with a stubborn streak, so early socialization is crucial to help them develop good manners and positive interactions with people and other animals. Consistency, positive reinforcement techniques, and firm but gentle handling are important in training Dogo Argentinos. The breed requires a confident, seasoned trainer who will establish clear boundaries and adequate mental stimulation.

Yes, Dogo Argentinos are good with kids when their pet parents properly socialize and train them. Devoted to their families, Dogo Argentinos make affectionate and watchful companions for children.

While generally gentle and tolerant, their size and strength mean interactions should always be monitored to prevent any accidental mishaps. As with any breed, supervise your child when interacting with your Dogo Argentino to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is also crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child.

The Dogo Argentino is a robust, incredibly sturdy breed, but still may be prone to some health conditions, including:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Dogo Argentino, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.

• Others: The Dogo Argentino may be prone to pigment-related deafness and skin disorders. Dogo Argentinos also occasionally suffer from hypothyroidism, a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend joint, eye, and hearing tests for the dog.

No, Dogo Argentinos are not hypoallergenic. They have short, smooth coats that shed minimally but still produce dander. Regular grooming and cleaning can help reduce allergens, but the breed cannot be classified as hypoallergenic.

No, not all Dogo Argentinos are deaf, but they can be born deaf or have hearing impairments. This condition is linked to a genetic factor known as congenital deafness, which is more prevalent in dogs with certain coat patterns, including solid white.