DOGO ARGENTINO

COUNTRY: Argentina

WEIGHT: 80-100 pounds

HEIGHT: 24-27 inches

COAT: Short, thick and smooth

COLOR: White

OTHER NAMES: Argentinian Mastiff

GROUP: Mastiff

Distinguished as the only dog developed in Argentina, the Dogo Argentine was created in the 1920s, through the strategem of Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez. A dog lover and avid hunter, Martinez sought a tough guardian: a hunter who was a worthy opponent for wild boar, puma and jaguar. Nevertheless, he also desired a trustworthy family dog. Dr. Martinez believed, "A dog which attacks an intruder and then, at the first threat of injury, abandons its prisoner is worth nothing as a guardian."

The Old Fighting Dog of Cordoba, Spain, was the root stock of the recipe for the Dogo. The general type of the Cordoba was large, white and ferocious, with tremendous variation in appearance. These dogs were only interested in one thing—lighting; they were said to be so vicious, a male would attack bitches during the mating ritual! The Cordoba stemmed from Spanish Mastiff, Bull Terrier, old Bulldog of England and early Boxer.

The Cordoba's original mixture started the recipe for Martinez's "Super Dog" with plenty of spice and hot pepper. The Spanish Mastiff donated power, with the Bulldog contributing chest capacity, stoicism and tenacity. The Boxer's influence gave quiet confidence and trainability. Martinez blended the Cordoba Dogs with the harlequin Great Dane for height and the Great Pyrenees to maintain the bulk and color. The Pyrenees also introduced hardiness in extreme weather. To heighten the hunting instinct, the English Pointer brought his fine nose and air-scenting ability, and the Irish Wolfhound added a dash of speed. Later crosses to the Dogue de Bordeaux intensified courage, along with body and jaw strength.

Over the next three decades, Martinez demonstrated the Dogo's versatility through its use as a sled dog and dog guide for the blind, as well as a great hunter and guardian. When Antonio Martinez died in 1956, his brother, Agustin, continued promoting and preserving the breed. His post as Ambassador enabled him to introduce the Dogo to other countries and to present these dogs as gifts to those in high positions.

Despite setbacks during political upheavals, the Dogo has achieved the recognition of the Argentina Kennel Club. The breed still hunts big game and guards homes. Argentinian hunts are held in strict silence—by both dogs and hunters. Dogos hunt in packs, ready to attack the tough big game. They are true dogs of heart, showing no hesitancy, The hunters value these dogs, caring for them first after a hunt, as a rider does for a horse. The breed is well known throughout Europe, especially Germany, and was granted recognition by FCI in 1960. There is an active club in the United States where Dogo owners are encouraging their use as home protector, family dog, and in police or guide work.

The Dogo is loving to children and is a tireless playmate. The breed's stamina and longevity are remarkable, with some dogs still hunting at 16 years of age. In a home situation, if Dogos can't hunt pumas, they'll settle for mice. Their scenting ability was demonstrated by the bitch who picked her own pups out of the wet nurse's Utter following her hospitalization. Extremely loyal, they are excellent guard dogs, requiring dominant masters.