Dogo Argentino: White Coated Sociable Hunting Dog From Argentina

Summary: A walk along a popular trail introduced me to a gentle giant, a Dogo Argentino, a canine breed developed for big game hunting in Argentina.

Dogo Argentino; northwest of El Calafate, near southern shore Lago Argentino, southwestern Santa Cruz Province, southern Argentina; Friday, March 23, 2007, 14:41: Ricardo Martins from Gent, Belgium, CC BY 2.0 Generic, via Wikimedia Commons

On Wednesday, April 22, 2015, as we walked along a popular trail about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) from my home, my sister noticed a large, showy white dog in company with a father and his grade school daughter.

My sister asked, "What kind of dog is that?" as the dog slightly lurched in eager anticipation of the breezy outing.

He replied, "Dogo Argentino. It's from Argentina."

"Are they always that color?" my sister then asked.

"Yes," he said. "All white. The small spot on the tail keeps this one from being a show dog."

As he spoke, his pet casually turned from profile to back view, thereby displaying a black spot reminiscent in shape to an inverted, elongated tear drop.

Also known as Argentinian Mastiff or Argentine Dogo, Dogo Argentino is a large dog with a short, white coat that is often likened to an American Bulldog or to an American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT).

A solid white coat is desirable, as rare markings are considered as flaws. An exception, known as pirata ("pirate"), is a black eye patch. The trait is accepted by Federación Cinológica Argentina (Kennel Federation of Argentina).

Dogo Argentino presents a well-muscled appearance from head to tail. A muscular neck supports a broad head with strong jaws. A wide, deep-set chest and muscular thighs attest to Dogo Argentino's stamina. The thick tail tapers gracefully to a point.

The breed's face evinces alertness and sociability. Eyes are colored dark brown, light brown or hazel, with black or pink rims. High-set, triangular ears traditionally are cropped to stand erect.

The standard proportions expect closely proportional height and length, with the height slightly less than the length. Females range around 24 to 26 inches (60 to 65 centimeters) in height. Males range around 24 to 27 inches (60 to 68 centimeters) in height.

The Argentinian Mastiffs are appreciated as cooperative, loyal, playful guardians in their home environments. They interact well with all ages, including children. They enjoy exercise, especially daily jogs and/or walks.

In 1928, Antoñio Nores Martinez (1907-Dec. 2, 1956) wrote the original standard for Dogo Argentino, a breed that he developed as a blend of guard dog, big-game hunter and family companion. Joining Antoñio in developing the breed was his brother Agustín (1908-1978).

The base for Antoñio's breed was the now-extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog (Viejo Perro de Pelea Cordobés), a crossbreed originating in Córdoba, in central Argentina, and descended from mastiffs accompanying Spanish immigrants to Argentina in the 16th century.

Surprise meetings comprise one of the sociable joys of walking along public trails.

An attractive dog displaying enthusiasm for walking and social awareness served as a memorable introduction for me to the breed of Dogo Argentino as I was finishing my walk and the family of father, daughter, and canine were beginning their stroll.

Byron, a Dogo Argentino: Daniel Panev, CC BY SA 2.0 Generic, via Flickr

Acknowledgment

My special thanks to talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet.

Image credits:

Dogo Argentino; northwest of El Calafate, near southern shore Lago Argentino, southwestern Santa Cruz Province, southern Argentina; Friday, March 23, 2007, 14:41: Ricardo Martins from Gent, Belgium, CC BY 2.0 Generic, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Argentine_Dogo_(535032632).jpg

Byron, a Dogo Argentino: Daniel Panev, CC BY SA 2.0 Generic, via Flickr @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/danielpanev/3873584427/

For further information:

Levin, Larry. Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love. New York NY: Grand Central Publishing, 2010.