The Dogo Argentino
Antonio Nores Martinez
The Dogo Argentino was first developed in 1925 by Antonio Nores Martinez and his brother Agustin. Their goal was to create a new breed of dog capable of hunting big game as a pack but still have the gentleness to be a family dog. Soon the brothers came up with a formula to create this great dog!
They started with:
Sadly though, Antonio never lived to see this dream become a reality. He was killed by a man who intended to rob him during a boar hunt in 1956. Augustin then took over the dream, working on the breed, bringing it back from near devastation. He later became the Argentinean Ambassador to Canada and used this opportunity to travel and spread Dogos throughout the world. Big game hunters in Argentina and it's neighboring countries were using the Dogo on Boar and Puma.
The Dogo Argentino was fast becoming a legend! Thanks to the work of the Martinez brothers, we now have the Dogo Argentino we know and love today!
They started with:
- The Fighting Dog of Cordoba, for it's extraordinary braveness....
- The Pointer, for it's keen sense of smell....
- The Boxer, for it's vivacity and gentleness....
- The Great Dane, for it's size...
- The Bulldog, for it's ample chest and boldness....
- The Irish Wolfhound, for it's instinct as a hunter of wild game...
- The Dogue de Bordeaux, fir it's powerful jaws...
- The Great Pyrenees, for it's white coat....
- The Bull Terrier, for it's fearlessness...
- The Spanish Mastiff, for it's quota of power...
Sadly though, Antonio never lived to see this dream become a reality. He was killed by a man who intended to rob him during a boar hunt in 1956. Augustin then took over the dream, working on the breed, bringing it back from near devastation. He later became the Argentinean Ambassador to Canada and used this opportunity to travel and spread Dogos throughout the world. Big game hunters in Argentina and it's neighboring countries were using the Dogo on Boar and Puma.
The Dogo Argentino was fast becoming a legend! Thanks to the work of the Martinez brothers, we now have the Dogo Argentino we know and love today!
Temperament
The Dogo Argentino is a wonderful family dog. Not only are they GREAT with children, they are big kissers and cuddle'rs. They will not be content to just lay at your feet....they will want to lay ON them! They are very intelligent and easy to house train. Though because they are a powerful breed, dogos are not recommended for first time owners. They need a loving but firm owner who can be the authority figure in the dogs life. Dogos can also become aggressive with other dogs if not properly socialized at a young age. So early training is a must!
Exercise
The Dogo is a dog that needs PLENTY of exercise. If lacking in exercise they can become destructive, resulting in chewed furniture and holes in the yard to name a few! It is also a dog that needs space to run. So make sure you have a large yard and give him daily vigorous activities.
Grooming
The Dogo is an average shedder. Their coat comes only in white, with the occasional patch. The best thing about their coat is that there is no doggy odor!
Life Expectancy
The Dogo Argentino is a relatively healthy dog. With an average life span of 10-12 years. With regular check-ups to the vet, you can expect your dogo to be with you for a long time!
Health Problems
- Deafness: This breed, because of it's white coat is prone to deafness. It is not uncommon for two parents of complete hearing to produce pups that are deaf. Sadly, it is just a part of the breed.
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip Dysplasia is a disorder that causes alteration and malformation of the hip joint. In it's severe form, it can cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints.
