Skip to content

How To Breed Dogo Argentinos

A pet lover passionate about educating readers about animal health and care. Love reading studies and recent research.
Published on
Monday 29 June 2020
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
how to breed dogo argentinos
This page may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links.

You are looking at how to breed Dogo Argentinos, and our guide is exactly what you need. This fiery, strong dog has a protective, territorial yet obedient and loyal personality, along with an imposing, athletic and powerful appearance. Therefore, many people want to own one.

Once you are finished reading our guide, you will know everything you need to regarding owning and breeding Dogo Argentinos.

Background of Dogo Argentino Breeding

Below, you will find a full background about the Dogo Argentino. This is the perfect starting point so you can learn everything that makes this breed unique. From its history to legal aspects, find everything you need.

Origin and History

This breed is originally from Argentina. Antonio Nores Martinez bred it in 1928, with the purpose of creating an ideal hunting dog that could take down big game, and at the same time, be a loving and friendly family dog. It became the first authentic Argentina dog breed.

The base of this dog was the now-extinct Cordoba Dog, a fierce, strong, and brave fighting dog. Nonetheless, even though it had physical aptitude, it lacked the ability for hunting in a group. Therefore, Antonio Nores crossbred it with the following breeds:

Thanks to selective breeding, he finally arrived at the ideal prospect of dog, one that could run very fast, be lethal when necessary, smart to work in a group and fearless to join any mission, and at the same time, remain loyal and loving with their owners.

However, it was not until 1970 that they arrived in America thanks to Dr. Raul Zeballos. He owned his first Dogo Argentino puppy in 1950 when he was a kid, thanks to his grandfather Senator Brizuela. Since it arrived in America, it has enjoyed great popularity that only keeps growing, and therefore, it enjoys plenty demand. Below, find all the details about this matter.

Popularity

The Dogo Argentino ranks #96 in the AKC ranking. Even though it does not rank high on the list, it still enjoys plenty of demand that only keeps growing. More people are looking forward to owning one due to its excellent aptitude for the outdoors, protective nature, hunting skills and ideal temperament for families.

The most popular club is the Dogo Argentino Club of America, and they are in charge of promoting this breed, as well as the standards and cares that breeders need to sustain and provide.

Appearance

The Dogo Argentino has a characteristic appearance, which we are going to review below, so you can ensure that your puppy meets these standards.

Size

These dogs are big and imposing and they exhibit plenty of strength and power. Below, you will find the size standards for male and female puppies:

  • Male: Height – 24 to 27 inches / weight – 88 to 100 pounds
  • Female: Height – 24 to 26 inches / weight – 75 to 90 pounds

Body

They exhibit powerful muscles and an athletic body. Its body is rectangular and its length usually exceeds the height at the withers by 10%. Below, find more details about the body of this breed:

  • Chest: Deep and broad, ribs notoriously curved
  • Back: Strong and powerful, the muscles are evidently defined
  • Loins: Muscular, short and broad
  • Top Line: High at the withers, with a gentle sloping to the croup
  • Under Line: Exhibits optimal muscle tension and rises moderately on the bottom line of the broad and deep chest

Coat

The coat of this breed is straight, normal in density and normal in length (1.5 to 2 centimeters). The only accepted color is white. Nonetheless, the puppy can have black/dark patches on the skull, which should not cover more than 10% of the head region.

The whiter the coat of the Dogo Argentino, the more desirable it will be, and therefore, it will be more expensive.

dogo argentino's white coat
Dogo Argentino boast a beautiful pure white coat.

Head and Face

Its head is mesocephalic, which brings it a powerful, strong appearance. Its skull is compact and it has a defined stop. Regarding the facial region, these are the most remarkable traits:

  • Eyes: Medium in size, have an almond shape, and hazel/dark in color
  • Nose: Black in color and the nostril are broad and wide-opened
  • Muzzle: As long as the skull and exhibits a concave top line
  • Ears: Set high, erect and set notorious apart due to the size of the skull
  • Cheeks: Marked and large

Temperament

When researching how to breed Dogo Argentinos, you need to be aware of their temperament. This breed has remarkable personality traits. Therefore, it does not matter if you want to own one or become a breeder, it is important to know how these dogs tend to behave.

Pros

Some of the pros of this breed’s personality include:

  • Loyalty: they will obey your commands and develop solid bonds with your family. Therefore, they are excellent family dogs, and they also do well with small children, but you need to introduce them from an early age.
  • Loving and affectionate: they need plenty of attention. They love cuddling, which is surprising for such a big and fierce dog.
  • Protective: which means that they make great guard dogs and watchdogs. Furthermore, they will protect you and your family when necessary. Since they are fearless, they will attack anything with the purpose of defending you.
  • Smart: they can process training fairly well and quickly. They love to learn new commands and tricks, and therefore, they need plenty of mental stimulation.
  • Active: This means that you will have an excellent companion for the outdoors and a pet that loves to play.

Cons

They are territorial, which is positive in a sense but negative in another. Therefore, if a strange person or animal enters your yard, for example, then your dog will attack it. In consequence, it is essential to train them when you invite people to your home, so they understand that they do not have to act territorial in such cases.

Furthermore, they have latent aggressiveness. Therefore, you must train them from an early age to control this trait. In addition, remember that these dogs are strong-willed, and therefore, it requires an assertive, calm and even stoic personality to train them, and plenty of patience.

Dogo Argentino vs. Pitbull

Even though they look similar, they are different in several aspects. Below, find our complete comparison, so you can see how they differ from each other. This information will also help you to pick the best dog for you.

Dogo ArgentinoPit Bull
Size (Height/Weight) Male: 24 to 27 inches/88 to 100 pounds
Female: 24 to 26 inches/75 to 90 pounds
Male: 18 to 21 inches/35 to 60 pounds
Female: 17 to 20 inches/30 to 50 pounds
Litter Size 8 to 10 puppies 5 to 7 puppies
Coat Dense Short
Affection Very Affectionate Moderately Affectionate
Therapy Dog Excellent Not Recommended
Guide Dog Excellent Not Suitable
Hunting Dog Exceptional in all aspects Only good as a catch dog

These are the key differences because, from a first glance, you can tell they are not the same breed. They mainly differ when it comes to the uses you can bring it. Both are great family dogs, but the Argentine Dogo is far more versatile.

Dogo Argentinos vs Pitbulls

Restrictions on Keeping Argentine Dogos

They are legal in America; however, it is illegal to own a Dogo Argentino in New York City and Aurora City (Colorado). The following countries have banned it or have strict ownership restrictions:

  • United Kingdom
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Denmark
  • Iceland
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine
  • Singapore
  • Fiji
  • Cayman Islands

In the case of the UK, it is illegal to own this breed due to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which also forbids other dogs like the Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, and Pit Bull Terrier.

Health Concerns When Breeding Dogo Argentino

All dog breeds have a tendency to develop certain health issues, and the Dogo Argentino is not the exception. Below, find the most common health problems that this breed has to deal with, so you can be ready as an owner and breeder.

In general, it is a healthy breed with a lifespan of 11-12 years, which is excellent for a large dog. With proper care, exercise and a healthy diet, your puppy will stay with you for many years to come.

Deafness

This breed has a tendency to develop deafness and it can even be present from an early age, according to this study that detected two bilaterally deaf and three unilaterally deaf pups from a litter of 10 pups.

Furthermore, the statistics show that the probability of having a deaf puppy can be as high as 10%. Therefore, it is important to BAER test the pups in case you think any of them may be deaf. The majority of responsible Dogo Argentino breeders use this test on their puppies when they become six weeks old.

In order to erase this problematic trait, it is important to exclude deaf specimens from breeding. Therefore, you must consider this factor when choosing a bitch or stud and when studying how to breed Dogo Argentinos. In case you are buying a puppy, you must request a BAER certificate from the owner, to ensure that the specimen is free from the issue that will affect its quality of life.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common canine orthopedic diseases, and it tends to be frequent amongst Dogos. In fact, according to stats, a surprising 40% of Argentine Dogos have malformed hips. Some studies place it as high as 45%. If you suspect your dog has hip dysplasia, then it will show the following symptoms:

  • Lethargy
  • Limited range of motion
  • Reluctance rising, jumping or climbing up stairs
  • Swaying
  • Lameness
  • Crying

Therefore, as a breeder, you need to test your puppies for coxofemoral laxity, because it is the most common hallmark of hip dysplasia. You can do it thanks to exams like Ortolani and Barlow tests. Puppies free from hip dysplasia will sell for more because this condition can handicap the dog’s quality of life.

dogo argentino head
The mesocephalic head of the Dogo Argentino.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Autoimmune thyroiditis is the leading cause of hypothyroidism in dogs and it tends to have on set when your dog becomes 2-5 years old. According to stats, autoimmune thyroiditis causes up to 80% of cases of hypothyroidism. In the case of Argentine Dogos, the incidence is even higher.

The hallmark of this disease is thyroglobulin autoantibody formation, which makes the body of the dog to develop antibodies against thyroglobulin, which is a vital protein in charge of synthesizing T4 and T3. Once it happens, the following symptoms will appear:

  • Intolerance to exercise
  • Lethargy and depression
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Obesity
  • Cold intolerance
  • Hair loss
  • Abnormal shedding
  • Skin thickening

This disease is rarely fatal when the dog receives treatment, which is usually a thyroid supplement taken daily. Fortunately, it will not take a toll on your budget, because this medication will cost you between $20 to $50 a month.

Chronic Skin Allergies

Argentine Dogos are known for having a tendency to develop all sorts of skin allergies, ranging from mild to chronic. The most common chronic skin disease in this breed is Pyoderma, which causes serious bacterial infections.

Another serious skin disease that affects this breed is Demodectic Mange, and it usually occurs when the puppy is 12-18 months old. The mite responsible for this disease is Demodex canis, which is a parasitic mite that lives in the hair follicles of your pet. When the immune system is immature, these parasites grow quickly, causing the following symptoms:

  • Scaling, red skin
  • Patches of hair loss
  • Infections
  • Swelling
  • Crusts

Both conditions, be it Pyoderma or Demodectic Mange, require immediate medical attention. They are manageable, but they require treatment as soon as possible. Therefore, as a Dogo Argentino owner, you need to be aware of these problems and always keep an eye on the skin health of your pet.

How to Breed Dogo Argentinos

Now, it is to check breeding-specific matters. Below, you will learn about the ideal litter size, how to choose the perfect bitch and stud, what clients you could get as a breeder, common birthing issues and the pricing range.

how to breed dogo argentinos
Breeding Dogo Argentinos is not an easy task at all.

Choosing the Bitch and Stud

As a breeder, you need to this right from the beginning, to ensure that you breed healthy puppies. Below, find our best tips to do this perfectly. We have seen in the health concerns section, Argentine Dogos tend to develop certain issues such as hip dysplasia. Therefore, use this information at the hour of choosing a bitch/stud.

Genetic Considerations

Make sure that both the bitch and the stud are free from congenital defects and common health issues such as deafness. You should have all the tests, exams and certificates that guarantee that both specimens are free from these health problems. Furthermore, you should also request genetic test results.

You need to study the bloodline from both dogs. You need to verify that the stud does not have negative traits that you want to erode from the bitch’s bloodline. Therefore, you need to examine the stud’s ancestry patiently, to determine if he will be an ideal candidate for breeding.

The Right Individual

Prefer older dogs instead of younger dogs. It will allow you to choose the ideal candidate with more precision because any inherited health defect will have already manifested itself.

Finally, remember to take your time. Breeding is serious, and therefore, you need to destine all the time necessary to find an ideal bitch/stud, to increase your chances of breeding healthy puppies, and therefore, help the breed to erase negative traits and defects.

Litter Size

A Dogo Argentino has a litter size that ranges from eight to ten puppies, being 8.12 on average, according to studies. Therefore, you will have plenty of pups as a breeder, which is important to consider, to give them space, comfort, and resources they need.

Furthermore, gender distribution tends to be equal for both sexes. However, it has a minimal tendency to give birth to more male puppies. Use this information as a breeder to know that you will have to look for several buyers and that you will have to screen them properly, to ensure that they will be a responsible, caring owner.

Birthing Issues

Argentina Dogos have a low incidence of dystocia, and therefore, you will not have many problems as a breeder. From the study we have linked to, only 6.69% of cases out of 299 presented dystocia, and only 2.68% needed a Cesarean section. The abortion rate was very low at 1.34%.

Therefore, the Dogo Argentino is an excellent reproductive breed. As long as you bring it good nutrition and care during pregnancy, you are not likely to experience major issues. However, always keep an eye on your bitch, and take her to regular veterinary visits.

Clientele

The Argentine Dogo caters to a wide myriad of owners:

  • Families looking for a protective, loyal dog that gets along well with children
  • People who need a guard dog and watchdog to protect their property
  • Hunters who need an exceptional hunting dog that can do everything from pursuing to catching prey
  • People who love the outdoors and need a dog that is an excellent companion and that can protect them when necessary
  • People looking for an excellent service dog, as they can even be trained for police work, search and rescue and military work

As you can see, thanks to the exceptional physical traits and temperament of this breed, you can point to many different types of buyers.

Pricing

The pricing of a Dogo Argentino puppy depends on several factors such as:

  • Bloodline
  • Temperament traits
  • The reputation of the breeder
  • Ideal appearance standards

Real-Life Examples

Therefore, the prices can be as low as $300 or as high as $5,000 for puppies from champion bloodlines and with ideal traits. Below, find real examples from different marketplaces:

  • A full-white coat, male puppy from a champion bloodline (The stud is 4X Champion Draco and the dam is UKC Champion Kona), from a reputable breeder with 18 of years in the business, with ideal physical and temperament traits, and with all the tests/examinations including the BAER test, will cost you $4,300
  • A puppy with ideal physical and temperament traits from Puerto Rican imports (grandparents), with current vaccinations, tests, and proper paperwork will cost you $1,500

Influencing factors

As you can see, the pup’s bloodline and reputation of the breeder influence a lot. Therefore, as a breeder, you need to put special focus on getting a stud/bitch from excellent bloodlines and to market to your clients your excellent caring of the puppies, facilities and obtain testimonials from your first clients.

This will allow you to estimate how much money you could get from each puppy, or as an aspiring owner, how much you will have to budget to get your ideal Dogo Argentino pup.

How To Breed Dogo Argentino – FAQs

During our research for creating this how to breed Dogo Argentinos guide, we found these to be the most frequent questions and most common concerns amongst aspiring breeders and owners alike. Below, find our detailed answers.

What Breeds Are In A Dogo Argentino?

The Dogo Argentino is the result of mixing the following breeds:

  • Cordoba Dog (The Base of the Breed)
  • Boxer
  • Great Dane
  • Old English Bulldog
  • Spanish Mastiff
  • Pyrenean Mastiff
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Bull Terrier
  • English Pointer
  • Irish Wolfhound

Antonio Nores Martinez did it in 1928 with the purpose of creating an efficient big game hunting dog that would also be an excellent and friendly companion. Therefore, he chose such breeds carefully, to combine the desired traits, which would give birth to the temperament and appearance of the Dogo Argentino after an arduous process of selective breeding. The result of mixing this breed gave us a dog that is a fierce hunter, an excellent watchdog, and a great, protective and loyal family dog.

dogo argentino size
The Dogo Argentino is a giant dog breed.

Is Dogo Argentino An Aggressive Breed?

Aggressiveness is a trait of the personality of this breed. Even though breeders have tried to minimize it via selective breeding, it is still present. However, it is possible to mitigate it with early and proper training and socializing with other dogs.

When they are trained properly, they develop great obedience towards their owners, which helps at the hour of reducing and controlling their aggressiveness. Nonetheless, you must remember that these dogs are highly territorial and protective when understanding how to breed Dogo Argentinos.

Therefore, if you plan to own a Dogo Argentino, you must put a special focus on training, in order to balance this problematic personality trait. They are not aggressive towards humans in general; however, they still need training and socialization. They tend to display aggressiveness towards other animals and dogs, especially if they are of the same sex.

Are Dogo Argentinos good with other animals?

Dogo Argentinos are not good with other animals due to their high prey drive, territorial behavior and latent aggressiveness. They were bred for hunting, and even though early breeders tried to tame this behavior in their personality, they are still not a good choice for co-living with other animals like cats or even smaller dogs.

It is worth noting that they tend to be aggressive towards dogs of the same sex, especially if they are smaller. Therefore, you should keep your Dogo away from them, and give it enough training and socialization to avoid incidents if it encounters other dogs.

The unique way to guarantee that your Dogo Argentino gets along well with other animals is to raise them together from the same age.

Is the Dogo Argentino breed dangerous?

This breed has the potential to be dangerous and even lethal when it does not receive proper training from an early age, and therefore, it has been banned by countries like Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Iceland, and Denmark.

Even though they are legal in the USA, it is important to remember that the following states have banned it:

  • New York (New York City)
  • Colorado (Aurora)

Therefore, if you are planning to own a Dogo Argentino, you must be very responsible when it comes to training. Breeders have done an excellent job at breeding out aggressive traits, but the aggressiveness is still latent, and therefore, you must manage it.

This article should have provided you with all the information you want and need if you are considering how to breed Argentine Mastiffs. Whether you are thinking about breeding or owning this marvelous breed, be prepared for their individual differences and unique traits and needs.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *