The Dogo Argentino is an Argentine breed of large dog, known for its strength and power. It was bred in the early twentieth century in Córdoba, Argentina, as a pack-hunting dog for big game such as wild boar and puma. The Dogo Argentino has become popular as a family companion due to its loyalty and protective nature.
History
The Dogo Argentino is a descendant of the now-extinct Fighting Dog of Cordoba, which was bred in Argentina in the late 19th century. This breed was used for fighting and bull baiting, but it eventually became extinct due to animal cruelty laws. In 1928, Antonio Nores Martinez set out to create a new breed that would combine the strength and courage of the Fighting Dog with other breeds such as the Great Dane, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Pointer, Irish Wolfhound, Dogue de Bordeaux and Bulldog. The result was the Dogo Argentino – a powerful hunting dog with an even temperment.
Appearance
The Dogo Argentino is a large breed with a white coat that can range from short to medium length. They have broad heads with strong jaws and dark eyes that are set wide apart. Their ears are usually cropped close to their head or left natural (uncropped). They have muscular bodies with deep chests and long legs that give them great speed and agility when running or hunting. The average weight for males is between 80-100 pounds (36-45 kg) while females typically weigh between 70-90 pounds (32-41 kg).
Temperament
The Dogo Argentino is known for its loyalty and protective nature towards its family members. They are highly intelligent dogs that are easy to train if given consistent guidance from an early age. They are also very active dogs who need plenty of exercise on a daily basis in order to stay healthy both mentally and physically. As pack animals they do well living with other dogs but may be aggressive towards unfamiliar animals if not properly socialized at an early age.
Care Requirements
The Dogo Argentino requires regular grooming including brushing their coat at least once per week to remove dead hair and keep their skin healthy. They should also be bathed every few months using a mild shampoo designed specifically for dogs. Their nails should be trimmed regularly as well as their ears cleaned out weekly using an ear cleaning solution designed specifically for dogs. It’s important to provide them with plenty of exercise on a daily basis including walks or runs around the neighborhood or playing fetch in an open field or park area.
Health Considerations
The life expectancy of the Dogo Argentino is 10-12 years on average depending on their overall health care regimen throughout their lifetime. Some common health issues associated with this breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), heart disease, hypothyroidism and allergies/skin problems such as mange or flea allergies dermatitis (FAD). Regular veterinary checkups are recommended throughout their lifetime in order to detect any potential health issues before they become serious problems down the road.
Final Thoughts
The Dogo Argentino is an impressive looking breed that combines strength and power along with intelligence and loyalty making them an ideal choice for those looking for a loyal companion who will protect them at all costs while still being easy enough to train so they can live happily together inside your home without any major behavioral issues arising over time due to lack of proper training from an early age onwards . With proper care this breed can make wonderful lifelong companions who will bring joy into your life each day!