Dogo Argentino: the affectionate athlete dog

Few dogs manage to combine such a muscular and athletic body with such a friendly and affectionate demeanor like the Dogo Argentino. Its statuesque physique, with its powerful muscles, is enhanced by its powerful muscles, but at the same time, the Dogo Argentino, like the Labrador, is very sweet, loves company, being indoors and playing, and long walks in the fresh air.

Origins

The Dogo Argentino was born in Argentina at the beginning of the 20th century with a very specific goal: to create a dog capable of hunting large prey (such as wild boars and pumas) in a pack, but that was also balanced and reliable with people.

The breed's creator was Antonio Nores Martínez, an Argentine doctor from Córdoba. Around 1925 , together with his brother Agustín Nores Martínez, he began a breeding program to create a dog that combined strength and courage; physical endurance; an excellent sense of smell; the ability to work in a pack; and a stable temperament towards humans.

Physical aspect

• Size: great.
• Height at the withers:
  • Males: 60–68 cm.
  • Females: 60–65 cm.
• Weight:
  • Generally between 35 and 45 kg, with some males being able to exceed this weight while maintaining an athletic build. 
• Body: muscular, powerful and well proportioned.
• Head: Powerful, massive, with a defined stop. The nose is heavily pigmented black, and the nostrils are wide. 
• Cloak: short, smooth and thick.
• Color: pure white; the standard allows only one dark spot on the head (near an eye or an ear). 
• Eyes: brown or hazel, medium sized, almond-shaped, with black pigmented eyelids. 
• Ears: naturally pendant and triangular (in many countries ear cropping is prohibited), broad, with rounded tips and possible dark spots. 
• Hind legs: muscular, with short hocks and close-knit toes.
• Forelegs: straight and perfectly plumb, with short, well-knit toes. 

Temperament

The Dogo Argentino is known for being very loyal to its family, courageous, confident, intelligent, even-tempered when well-trained, and protective without being aggressive toward people. The breed standard emphasizes that it must not be aggressive toward humans ; any aggressive behavior is considered a serious fault. It also has a very high energy level, requiring at least 1–2 hours of physical activity a day, with long walks and games that stimulate its powerful body and lively mind. It is not a dog suited to a sedentary lifestyle.

Health

The life expectancy of the Argentine Dongo is approximately 9–15 years.

Its most common health problems are:

• congenital deafness (more common in completely white dogs);
• hip dysplasia;
• elbow dysplasia;
• skin problems and sunburn due to white coat;
• occasional eye problems. 

How to adopt

You can search for an available Dogo Argentino at shelters or specialized associations. Many publish detailed profiles detailing the dog's personality, age, and needs. For example, the Milan City Kennel periodically hosts Dogo Argentinos looking for a new home. There are also Facebook groups dedicated to the Dogo Argentino, including several such as "Dogo Argentino Italia , " "Lovers of the Dogo Argentino," and regional groups. These spaces share advice, experiences, requests for help, and occasionally, adoption or foster placement ads. Finally, El Alma del Dogo Argentino is a volunteer association dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of Dogo Argentinos in need.

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