Dogo Argentino Scary Reputation Explained

The Dogo Argentino's scary reputation has been a topic of discussion for many dog owners and enthusiasts. This breed's intimidating appearance and powerful build have led some people to believe they're inherently aggressive.

However, the truth is that the Dogo Argentino was originally bred for hunting and guarding, which required them to be fearless and confident.

Their strong prey drive and natural instinct to chase small game can sometimes be misinterpreted as aggression.

The Dogo Argentino breed was developed in 1928 by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez in Argentina. He selectively bred several breeds, including the Cordoba Fighting Dog, the Great Dane, the Spanish Mastiff, and the Bull Terrier, to create a robust and athletic dog.

The Dogo Argentino was specifically bred to hunt big game, such as wild boar and pumas, in challenging South American terrain. This breed has exceptional strength, intelligence, and courage.

The Dogo Argentino is a relatively new breed, gaining worldwide recognition for its versatility, loyalty, and hunting prowess. It was officially recognized as a breed by the Argentine Kennel Club in 1964.

If you meet a dog, it's essential to know how to react to avoid any potential conflicts. Don't run, as this may trigger the dog's chase instinct.

You should turn a few degrees away from the dog, as facing it directly can be perceived as aggressive. This subtle change in direction can help de-escalate the situation.

Looking a dog in the eye can be challenging for the canine, so it's best to avoid direct eye contact. Instead, try to look at the dog from the side or from a slight angle.

If you're holding something, slowly hold it up to reduce the chances of things escalating. This can help the dog associate you with a non-threatening presence.

Talking to the dog in soothing tones can also help calm it down. This gentle approach can go a long way in diffusing any tension.

If the situation becomes too intense, slowly back away and find something to get on top of or behind. This can provide a safe distance between you and the dog.

The Dogo Argentino breed has a rich history that spans over nine decades. Developed in 1928 by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez in the province of Cordoba, Argentina, the breed was created for one purpose: to hunt big game.

The breed's origins can be traced back to the crossbreeding of several large purebreds, including the Cordoba Fighting Dog, the Great Dane, the Spanish Mastiff, and the Bull Terrier.

These dogs were developed to be robust and athletic, with exceptional strength, intelligence, and courage. Their ability to function in packs and collaborate with other dogs while on the hunt for large game animals sets them apart from other breeds.

In 1964, the Argentine Kennel Club officially recognized the Dogo Argentino as a breed, and it has since gained worldwide recognition for its versatility, loyalty, and hunting prowess.

The breed's popularity soon made it a sought-after choice for ranchers and hunters in Argentina.

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Consider your purpose before getting a Dogo Argentino as a guard dog, as they can be quite aggressive and difficult to train.

If you have a family with children, you'll want to choose a Dogo Argentino that's been socialized at a young age to ensure they're agreeable with families.

A Dogo Argentino can cost anywhere from 14k to 50k dollars, which is a significant investment, but it may be worth it if you have something valuable to protect.

If you're considering getting a Dogo Argentino, there are some essential precautions to take as a responsible dog owner.

Make sure you live in a country or region where Dogo Argentinos are allowed, as some places have breed-specific legislation.

They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, so be prepared to dedicate time to physical and mental stimulation.

Exercise should be at least 1-2 hours a day, with a mix of running, walking, and playtime.

Their strong prey drive means they need to be socialized carefully to prevent unwanted behaviors, such as chasing small animals.

Socialization should start early and continue throughout their life, with exposure to various environments, people, and animals.

Their independent nature can make them stubborn at times, so consistency and positive reinforcement training are crucial.

Training should be done by an experienced owner or professional, as they can be strong-willed.

Discover more: How to Train a Dogo Argentino

Before getting a dog, you need to ask yourself some questions to make a smart choice. You may need a dog to guard your house or office, or for search and detection jobs.

Guard dogs can be quite aggressive and difficult to train, especially for first-time owners. They require expensive training to do the job properly.

If you have a family with children, you need to choose a dog that is agreeable with families. This means choosing a dog that has undergone socialisation at a young age.

A trained guard dog can cost anywhere from 14k to 50k dollars. Getting a cheap dog may not be worth it, as they may not have undergone good training.

Getting a Dogo Argentino is a big responsibility, and it's essential to understand what's involved.

You'll need to commit to a minimum of 2 hours of exercise and training per day, which can be challenging for busy owners.

Dogo Argentinos are high-energy dogs that require regular physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

They thrive on structure and clear boundaries, so it's crucial to establish a consistent routine and train them using positive reinforcement techniques.

A well-trained Dogo Argentino is a joy to live with, but if you're not willing to invest the time and effort, you may find yourself dealing with behavioral problems.

With proper care and attention, Dogo Argentinos can live up to 12-15 years, so it's a long-term commitment that requires careful consideration.

Remember, getting a Dogo Argentino is a big decision that should not be taken lightly.

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