Dogo Argentino: Typical characteristics
The Dogo Argentino is on the breed list in some countries, but with consistent and loving education, it is a friendly and cheerful four-legged friend that is even suitable as a family dog. Here’s what else you need to know about the characteristics and nature of the Argentine Mastiff.
Particularly striking features of this breed are its self-confidence, courage and perseverance. The Dogo Argentino knows about his strength and is very loyal to his “pack”. Serious breeders take care to ensure that the Argentine Mastiff has no innate aggressive potential.
Nevertheless, this active, smart dog needs plenty of activity so that frustration does not build up, which could later lead to aggressive behavior. The dog breed is therefore rather unsuitable for beginners and better in the hands of experienced dog owners.
Dogo Argentino: Hunting dog with a tendency to dominance
In its original home country Argentina, the Dogo Argentino was bred as a hunting dog. He is particularly useful for hunting wild boar. By the way: His white coat also comes from his function as a hunting dog. This makes him easy to spot from a distance in the woods and to distinguish from game, so that hunters do not accidentally shoot him. The Dogo Argentino usually hunts in a pack, which means that he must get along well not only with people, but also with other dogs and work together peacefully.
However, this will only work if you train the Argentine Mastiff consistently, but without coercion and harshness, from puppyhood. With a good dog breeder, it will grow up with loving socialization, so you usually don’t have to worry about fearful or aggressive behavior. However, the Dogo Argentino is said to have a tendency to dominate. Conflicts may arise, especially among males, if the Dogo believes he must defend his territory or family. Particularly noteworthy among the breed’s characteristics is also its keen sense of smell. The Argentine Mastiff is an excellent tracking dog and loves search games and nose work even when not kept as a hunting dog.
The Dogo Argentino as a family dog
In fact, the Dogo Argentino is very child-friendly and is therefore also suitable as a family dog. For this, however, a species-appropriate occupation and good education are a prerequisite. Since the breed is also very muscular and strong, it is recommended that the children are already somewhat larger when the Argentine Mastiff comes into the house. You can keep the dog busy with dog sports, for example agility. In addition, sports are well suited, in which your quadruped can use his great nose and his intelligence.
You may be able to take him to rescue dog sports or train him as a protection dog. It is best to get help from an experienced dog trainer. The Dogo Argentino needs some variety, because too uniform training bores him quickly.
Where is the Argentine Mastiff listed?
The Dogo Argentino is on the breed list in some federal states, in Austria and in ten of thirteen cantons in Switzerland. This means, depending on the regulations in the respective region, that his keeping entails, for example, a higher dog tax or that you need a special permit for his keeping. In Lower Austria you need a certificate of competence, in Vorarlberg a special permit from the mayor and in Vienna a dog license.
In Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Brandenburg, Hamburg and North Rhine-Westphalia you can keep the Dogo Argentino after passing the character test. In Berlin and Hesse, however, he is generally classified as dangerous. The other German states do not list him as a list dog. In the Swiss cantons of Valais and Geneva, keeping, importing and breeding are prohibited, in the other eight cantons where the Dogo is considered a listed dog, keeping is possible with permission. In Denmark, keeping, importing and breeding are also prohibited.
