The Dogo Argentino was the brain child of two brothers Antonio and Augustin Nores-Martinez. It was their desire to create the perfect hunting dog, properly suited to handle rough and rugged terrain of the Argentine jungle with strengh and size to handle 400 lbs wild boar and puma and yet be agile enough to counter any attack they might face. With this goal in mind they set out to bred the perfect hunting dog. They started with the Fighting dog of Cordoba. A strong and vicious dog that was completely fearless and had a high threshold for pain. To this they added the bull terrier for his courage and aggressiveness, the Spanish Mastiff for his size and stamina, the Boxer for a more even temperment, the Old English Bulldogge for his wide shoulders and huge paws, the French Mastiff for his ample power and jaw strength, the Great Dane for his heighth and stable mind, the Great Pyrenees for his beautiful white coat and adaptability and finally the pointer for his keen scenting ability and Irish Wolfhound for his strong hunting instinct and swiftness. But physical characteristics were not all the brothers were looking for. The also wanted a dog they could trust with their family, friends, strangers and live stock. A sound mind and the most stable of temperments were of paramount importants to the Martinez brothers. A dog that was unsafe around the house was unacceptable. With these concepts in mind they created one of the finest hunting breds ever. The breeding began in 1923 and the first dogo standard was written several years later. Over the past few decades that standard has been refined and the dogo improved keeping in mind the original intent for the dog to be a hunter. The breed was recognized in 1964 by the Argentine Kennel club and in 1973 by the Federation Cynologique International (FCI) The first dogos started to appear in the United States about a decade later. While the breed is becoming very popular in hunting circles it is still a very rare dog numbering only around 500 to this date.
The dogo is an extremely friendly and outgoing animal that loves to be around family and friends and if properly socialized is generally not suspicious of strangers. However, this dog is extremely protective and proper introductions are mandatory. The dogo particularly gets along well with children and loves to play and romp around. The dogo's high threshold to pain and fearlessness allow it to interpret most activities and play and responds accordingly. I have watched my dogos get smothered by my two 6 and 8 year neice and nephew with never a sign of anger or hostility. The dogo is however, a very physical and larger animal and, like all large breeds, should never be left alone with small children. The dogo can also be to much for most dogs. I have yet to see another dog (except for another dogo) keep up with my dogos. And they have romped with Rottweillers, American Pitbull Terries, German Shepards, Rhodesian Rigdebacks, Bouviers and Retrievers. Although the dogos main interest is playing, they can be somewhat dog aggresive as they have a strong alpha male trait. Both of my dogs have had extensive socialization with other animals and are mostly interested in playing. But when threatened, won't hesitate to let them know who's boss. Early socialization and some form of basic obedience training is highly recommended for this breed.
