Meet Morocho, the Dogo that fought off a puma to save 2 little girls. In 2008, two young girls climbed a fig tree to pick figs when they saw a puma nearby. They sprinted back to their farm as the puma chased close behind. Morocho fought off the puma as the girls screamed for help. Their father came running and found his beloved dog badly injured and a lifeless puma. Over the next 10 days Morocho was nursed back to health.
Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a pack-hunting canine, specifically bred for tracking and pursuing large game like wild boars and pumas. It boasts the strength, intelligence, and rapid agility that you’d expect from a top-tier athlete.
Country of Origin
Argentina
Breed Group
Working
Height
Male 24-27 In
Female 22-25 In
Weight
Male 88-100 Ib
Female 75-90 Ib
Life Span
10-12 years
In a Nutshell
The Dogo Argentino is a robust, athletic, and fiercely loyal breed that exudes an impression of incredible power and vitality. They possess the versatility to serve as both tenacious hunters and gentle protectors of their human companions. These active dogs exhibit a strong prey drive, a determined nature, and, on occasion, wariness of unfamiliar people and animals. Its facial expression is one of keen alertness and intelligence, underscored by a noticeable sense of determination. With the right training and a good, loving home, the Dogo Argentino can make a courageous and dedicated family companion, as well as an excellent watchdog.
Life With a Dogo Argentino
Low (1)
High (5)
Energy level
Trainability Level
Amount of Shedding
Tendency of Barking
Exercise Needs
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Looks & Personality
The Dogo Argentino boasts a striking and powerful appearance. This breed is characterized by its well-muscled, athletic build, and a short and glossy white coat that complements its robust physique. Its head is broad, with a distinctive black nose and expressive almond-shaped eyes. Dogo Argentinos typically have cropped ears, a straight tail, and a confident, alert expression that showcases their intelligence and strength. The breed was meticulously developed for the purpose of tracking, chasing, and apprehending formidable game. To excel in this role, the Dogo requires a keen sense of smell, exceptional lung capacity, and a robust yet agile muscular physique.
The breed is renowned for its loyalty and devotion to its families, often forming strong bonds with its owners and can be particularly gentle with children. However, Dogo Argentinos have a strong prey drive and can be wary of strangers and other animals, which is why early socialization is essential to ensure they are well-adjusted and well-behaved in various situations.
This breed is fearless and courageous, making them excellent protectors and guardians. They are intelligent and respond well to training when handled by experienced owners who can provide consistent leadership. Homes with cats might not be suitable unless the Dogo has undergone proper socialization. A tall, sturdy fence in the yard is essential, as it helps curb the Dogo Argentino’s strong prey drive, preventing them from chasing small animals or wandering off.
Dogo Argentino is an energetic dog that requires physical activity and space, so it is recommended to raise it in a yard and not in an apartment. Without a substantial commitment to physical exercise and mental engagement, they may grow bored and engage in destructive behavior. While they are commonly utilized in big-game hunting, Dogo Argentinos are versatile enough to be trained for various roles, including police work, search and rescue missions, and military service.
A tip from a vet
Deafness is a genetic disease that occurs in Dogo Argentinos and is characterized by an individual of this breed having a complete lack of hearing from birth. It is generally related to their white coloration. White pigmentation not only affects the coats of dogs, but also the development of other regions of a dog’s skin. In some animals, the genetics of their white coloration causes the cells that are necessary for the transmission of sound within the ears not to develop, leading to lifelong deafness.
A tip from a trainer
Dogo Argentinos can be hard to handle due to their high energy, prey drive, and protective instincts, so they are typically not recommended for first-time pet parents. They are intelligent, but can be stubborn and instinctual, which makes them hard to train. Special care should be taken in training their sociability with other dogs and humans outside of their household.
What about your Dogo Argentino?
Did You Know
Because they are used in dog fighting rings, Dogo Argentinos have been deemed dangerous and banned in several countries, including Australia, Denmark, and Singapore. In the UK, it is illegal to own one without lawful authority.
The breed was first recognized in 2020, making it the 195th AKC-recognized breed.
This breed is not a big barker, but when you do hear your Dogo Argentino bark for the first time, it might be a little scary. This breed is known for having a very loud and deep bark, perfect for scaring off intruders and threats to the family.
In The News
The History Behind the Breed
Developed in 1928 by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez in the province of Cordoba, Argentina, the Dogo is the result of crossbreeding several large purebreds to create a formidable hunting dog capable of taking down big game, such as wild boar and pumas, in the challenging South American terrain. To achieve this, he selectively bred several breeds, including the Cordoba Fighting Dog (now extinct), the Great Dane, the Spanish Mastiff, and the Bull Terrier, among others. The result was a robust and athletic dog with exceptional strength, intelligence, and courage.
Indeed, the Dogo Argentino breed has a rich history deeply rooted in hunting, but it’s not your typical turkey or deer hunting! These remarkable dogs were purposefully developed to take on the challenge of hunting formidable prey, including mountain lions and wild boar. What sets them apart is their ability to function in packs and collaborate with other dogs while on the hunt for these large and powerful game animals.
The Dogo Argentino’s skills in hunting and its loyal, protective nature soon made it a popular choice for ranchers and hunters in Argentina. In 1964, it was officially recognized as a breed by the Argentine Kennel Club and has since gained worldwide recognition for its versatility, loyalty, and hunting prowess. The Dogo is relatively new to the AKC scene. In fact, Dogos didn’t even make an appearance in the United States until 1970.
If a Dogo Argentino Could Talk…
A Quick Anatomy Lesson
The Dogo Argentino is prone to hearing impairments, with up to a 10% risk of deafness in at least one ear. They may also experience vision issues, have sensitive skin, and are prone to sunburn due to their short, light-colored fur. Like other large dogs, they are at risk for hip dysplasia.
Common Health Problems
What about your Dogo Argentino?