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Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino, also
known as the Argentinian Mastiff, is a relatively new breed.
It is also Argentina's first native dog.
History:
The Dogo is one of the few
breeds where we know the exact mix of breeds that went into
its development. Dogos were first bred in Argentina in the
1920s by a Dr. Antonio Martinez. He designed the Dogo as a
hunter of big game such as the wild boar, mountain lion, and
jaguar.
The
ferocity of the game combined with the difficult terrain,
required a dog that could run for long distances and still
have the strength and courage to vanquish its prey. In order
to achieve this, he started with the Old Fighting Dog of
Cordoba, a mixture itself of Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Boxer, and
Spanish Mastiff. He then added the Harlequin Great Dane for
height, the English Pointer for scenting ability, the Irish
Wolfhound for speed, and the Great Pyrenees for bulk, weather
resistance, and white color. To finish off the concoction,
Dogue de Bordeaux was added to reinforce vigor and courage.
Physical
characteristics:
Superficially, the Dogo
Argentino resembles a Boxer or Dogue de Bordeaux without a
shortened muzzle. They are not a huge breed, but are still
massive. Height: 24 - 27 in (61 - 69 cm). Weight: 80 - 100 lb
(36 - 45 kg). The coat is pure white with short dense hair,
and sometimes more darkly pigmented skin showing through. The
massive head is broad and square, and invariably the ears are
cropped to small triangles. The eyes are also small and
triangular. The legs and body are smoothly muscled and very
powerful.
Behavior:
The Dogo Argentino is a large
confident dog. It has still retained many of its original
characteristics, and has a very determined personality. This
is a dog for the enthusiast who is prepared to devote a lot of
attention to its control and training; this is most certainly
not a dog for the faint-hearted. It is wise to be very
assertive towards this dog from the very beginning. It is
important that this dog is kept as the most junior in the
family (pack), and that it knows its place. The Dogo Argentino
should be regularly exercised to keep it in top condition.
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