Features

The Dogo Argentino was created in the 1920s by Argentine doctor Antonio Nores Martínez, who aimed to develop a big-game hunting dog that combined strength, courage, and nobility. His goal was to achieve a balance between a combat-ready animal and one capable of living harmoniously with a family — something he accomplished through careful genetic selection.

This breed was developed mainly by crossing the now-extinct old Cordoba fighting dog with others such as the Pointer, Boxer, Dogue de Bordeaux, Great Dane, and Spanish Mastiff. The result was an athletic, resilient dog with a keen sense of smell and a strong protective instinct.

The Dogo Argentino is a large, muscular, and athletic dog, designed for endurance and power rather than speed. Its body is well-proportioned, with a broad chest, strong limbs, and a solid bone structure that gives it great strength and agility. Its coat is short, dense, and completely white, which helps it tolerate high temperatures and allows easy detection during hunting. Its expression is alert, intelligent, and confident — a reflection of its balanced temperament.

In terms of personality, the Dogo Argentino is brave, loyal, and highly protective. It has a strong territorial instinct and a natural predisposition to defend its family, making it an excellent guard dog. However, despite its imposing presence, it is affectionate, gentle, and playful with those it trusts, especially within its household.

This breed requires firm, consistent, and respectful training based on positive reinforcement. Early socialization is essential to manage its strength and protective drive effectively. The Dogo Argentino thrives in active families that can offer daily exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship. When properly raised, it becomes a noble, confident, and dependable companion, capable of showing both power and tenderness in equal measure.

The Dogo Argentino needs an active and stimulating environment. It is not a dog suited for small apartments or sedentary owners. Intense daily exercise — such as long walks, strength games, or agility circuits — is essential to channel its energy and prevent behavioral problems.

As for coat care, it is quite simple. Its short hair only requires weekly brushing and occasional baths. However, due to its light skin and white coat, it’s important to protect it from direct sunlight, as this breed is prone to sunburn and skin problems.

Socially, the Dogo needs to feel part of the family. It should not live isolated in a yard or locked up all day. It is a very loyal and emotionally dependent dog, so it requires human contact, consistent training, and positive reinforcement to develop in a balanced way.

One of the most common conditions in the Dogo Argentino is congenital deafness, especially in completely white individuals. For this reason, it is essential to perform hearing tests on puppies before adoption or breeding.

They are also predisposed to certain diseases such as hip dysplasia, skin conditions (like solar dermatitis), and, to a lesser extent, heart problems. A proper diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and consistent exercise can help prevent or reduce the impact of many of these issues.

The Dogo Argentino requires a diet suited to its weight, size, and activity level, made with high-quality ingredients that strengthen its muscles, joints, and immune system. At OnlyFresh, you’ll find natural dry food formulas designed for strong, active breeds like this one — recipes that support digestive, bone, and skin health. Take care of your Dogo from the inside out with balanced, functional nutrition.