Are Dogo Argentinos easy to train?

Dogo Argentinos have moderate trainability. They are known for being loyal, friendly, cheerful. They benefit from consistent, patient training methods.

Are Dogo Argentinos good with children?

Dogo Argentinos have high compatibility with children. As with any breed, supervision and proper introductions are recommended.

How much exercise does a Dogo Argentino need?

Dogo Argentinos have high energy levels. 1-2 hours daily. Active breed needing significant physical and mental exercise.

How long do Dogo Argentinos live?

The average lifespan of a Dogo Argentino is 9-15 years with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups.

Banned in the UK

Before you read on about the Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino is one of the types banned under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Owning, selling, breeding, giving away or abandoning one is a criminal offence unless the dog is registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs by a court.

The law goes by type, not by paperwork, so the decision rests on the dog in front of the officer rather than on its pedigree.
An exempted dog must be neutered, microchipped, insured, and kept muzzled and on a lead in public, for life.
Legal in much of the world and not here. If you are moving to the UK with one, sort this out before the dog travels.
The rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Check the current rules on GOV.UK

This is a plain summary of the law, not legal advice, and the rules change. If it affects your dog, take proper advice.

Working group · Argentina

Dogo Argentino

Also called Argentine Mastiff, Argentine Dogo.

What makes them remarkable

Developed in Argentina to hunt wild boar and puma in packs, this dog was bred for teamwork as well as strength.

Loyal
Friendly
Cheerful
Courageous
Protective

Get the app 1-to-1 training

AI-generated illustration

Size: Large
Weight: 36 to 45 kg80 to 100 lb
Lives: 9 to 15 years
Energy: High
Trains: Moderate
Barks: Low

Training

Training a Dogo Argentino

Working breeds. Calm structure beats force every time. These dogs shut down under pressure and thrive on predictability.

Early Socialisation Critical
Start here
Bred for hunting wild boar and puma. Without proper socialisation, prey drive can become problematic.
Experienced Owners Only
Powerful, confident dogs that need an experienced, consistent owner. Not for first-time handlers.
Excellent Athletes
High stamina and energy. Excel at protection sports, weight pulling, and other athletic activities.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

Add your Dogo Argentino and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.

Download on theApp Store

Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.

At home

Living with one

Bred to guard, pull and rescue. Big, strong, and serious about their people and their patch.

Gets on with

ChildrenHigh
Other dogsLow
StrangersModerate
CatsLow

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise: 1-2 hours daily. Active breed needing significant physical and mental exercise.
Grooming: Low maintenance. Weekly brushing. Sensitive to cold due to short coat.
Drool: Low
Coat: Short, Smooth, ThickWhite
In a flat: Needs more space than a flat gives.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

Deafness
Moderate
About 10% are deaf in one or both ears, linked to white coat pigmentation
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Joint malformation; screening essential for breeding dogs
Hypothyroidism
Mild
Underactive thyroid causing weight gain and coat issues

Where they come from

History

Created in Argentina by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez in the 1920s, crossing Cordoba Fighting Dog with various breeds to create the ultimate big-game hunting dog. Used to hunt wild boar and puma in packs.