Argentine Dogos
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
If you want a dog who...
Is a large, muscular, mastiff-type dog
Has a short easy-care white coat
Thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities
Looks imposing, so makes an effective deterrent, yet is usually non-aggressive with people
Carries himself with a steady, dignified, impressive presence
A Dogo Argentino may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with...
A large dog who takes up a lot of space in your house and car
A heavy dog who wants to sit on your feet, lie on your lap, and lean his weight against your leg
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
Aggression or fearfulness in some lines, or when not socialized enough
Aggression toward other animals
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Shedding
Slobbering or drooling
An Argentine Dogo may not be right for you.
If I were considering an Argentine Dogo...
My major concerns would be:
Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Argentine Dogos MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored Dogos can make a shambles of your house and yard.
If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in weight-pulling, or tracking, or agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or schutzhund (protection), or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed.
Providing enough socialization. Most Argentine Dogos have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to biting. Some Dogos go in the opposite direction -- without enough socialization, they become fearful of strangers, which can lead to defensive biting.
If you have children, I do not recommend an Argentine Dogo. Young Dogos (up to about two years old) can be bulls in a china shop. When they romp and jump, they do so with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people. In addition, Dogos may try to protect their own children from other children, which could lead to tragedy if kids are simply roughhousing and your Dogo decides to stop it. With such a massive dog, I wouldn't take the risk.
Animal aggression. The Dogo Argentino was developed to hunt other animals. Most Dogos are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. Many have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.
The strong temperament. Argentine Dogos are not Golden Retrievers. The best Dogos are versatile working dogs, capable of learning a great deal, but they have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Some Dogos are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
To teach your Dogo to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Dogo Argentino Training Page discusses the program you need.
Shedding. For such a shorthaired dog, Argentine Dogos shed more than you might think. Their short coarse hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, and stick tenaciously to your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting.
Slobbering. Some Dogos, especially those with loose jowls, tend to slobber or drool, especially after eating and drinking.
Legal liabilities. Argentine Dogos may be targeted for "banning" in certain areas, or refusal of homeowner insurance policies. Your friends and neighbors may be uncomfortable around this breed. In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating and has a history as a guard dog should be seriously considered. People are quicker to sue if such a dog does anything even remotely questionable.
Frankly, most Argentine Dogos are "too much dog" for the average household. This is a serious working dog with tremendous strength. Very few people really have the knowledge or skills necessary to manage this breed, or to provide the activities that keep him satisfied.
Not all Argentine Dogos are alike!
There are energetic Dogos, and placid Dogos.
Hard-headed Dogos, and sweet-natured Dogos.
Serious Dogos, and good-natured goofballs.
Introverted Dogos, and Dogos who love everyone.
If you acquire a Dogo Argentino puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm."
If you're considering an adult Dogo Argentino...
There are plenty of adult Dogos who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
