The Dogo Argentino
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The Argentine Dogo was developed in the province of Cordoba, in the central (Mediterranean) region of the Republic of Argentina by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez in the 1920's. He wanted a dog that was a good pack hunter and guardian, but could also be trusted with the family. He started with a now extinct mastiff-type breed called the Dog of Cordoba. He added Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Great Pyrenees, Pointer, Irish Wolfhound and Dogue de Bordeaux. The resulting breed, not only met Martinez,' original expectations as a big game hunter and family guardian, but has also been successful as a guide dog and in military and police work. He created a bullish and fearless hunter with great stamina and a light coat capable of deflecting, rather than absorbing, heat. The breed instantly appealed to people who organize and enjoy dogfights, an activity still popular in many parts of South America and elsewhere. Unfortunately this gave the dog a bad reputation in Britain. Britain has national legislation to control dogs in public. The Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) specifies that three breeds, the Fila Brazileiro, Dogo Argentino and Japanese Tosa, are totally banned. A fourth breed, the American Pit Bull Terrier, is allowed only under severe restrictions. It must be registered, neutered, tattooed, microchipped and has to carry insurance. It cannot be bred or imported and when in public it must be muzzled, leashed and handled by a person over 16 years of age at all times. This is a real shame. When properly raised these are all great dogs. A dog is what the master makes of it. Not all breeds are for everyone. People teach these dogs to fight giving them a bad name. Banning the breed is not the way to solve the problem. Some of the Argentine Dogo's talents are hunting, tracking, watchdogging, guarding, police work, narcotics detection, military, work, competitive obedience, and schutzhund
The original Fighting Dog of Cordoba was the base of the Dogo, but blood from the Pointer was added to give the Dogo a keen sense of smell for it's hunting ability. Boxer blood added for gentleness, Great Dane blood for size, Bull Terrier blood for fearlessness, Bulldog for it's chest and boldness, Irish Wolfhound brought the instinct as a hunter of wild game, Dogue de Bordeauz for the powerful jaws, Great Pyrenees for it's white coat and the Spanish Mastiff for it's power.
The Dogo is much like the Irish Wolfhound for it's endurance. They are expected to track wild boar, attack it and hold it there for the hunters. The wild boar the Dogo is expected to hold weighs up to 400 pounds.
The Dogo has also been used for obedience, military, police work and as guides for the blind. They are exceptionally well rounded working dogs. They are not dogs that should be kept outdoors-they crave human companionship. They are very reliable family guardians, interested in all activities, and welcome your guests along with the family. If they feel that there is a threat to a member of their family, they will act to protect them.
With the passing of time, this adapting capacity has made this dog very versatile as regards functions; it has proved to be a noble companion and a loyal and insurmountable protector of those it loves. Its strength, tenacity, sharp sense of smell and bravery make it the best dog among those used for hunting wild boars, peccaries, pumas and other country predators which can be found in the vast and heterogeneous areas of the Argentinean territory. Its harmony, balance and its excellent athletic muscles are ideal characteristics for enduring long trips in any weather conditions and then fighting fiercely with the pursued prey.
On May 21st 1964, this breed was acknowledged by the Federación Cinológica Argentina and by the Argentinean Rural Society, which opened their studbook to initiate registry.
It was not until July 31st 1973 that the breed was accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as the first and only Argentinean breed, thanks to the great passion, work and effort of Dr. Augustin Nores Martinez, its creator's brother and successor.
The Dogo should be 24-27 inches tall and weigh around 80-100 dogs. Their coat is short, plain and smooth to the touch. Their color should be solid white. They may have one black or dark colored patch around the eye, as long as the patch doesn't cover more than 10 percent of the head.
Both parents should have OFA certificates (hips). Each Dogo puppy should come with a BAER printout that shows normal bilateral hearing. Ten percent of Dogos are born deaf, so be aware of this problem. Also ask about allergies and other skin and coat conditions. White coats are sensitive to sunburn; provide shade when outdoors for long periods.
