The Dogo Argentino belongs to the second group of this classification: the Pinscher and Schnauzer type Dogs – Molossoids and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs. The dogs of this group are guard and defense dogs. They are physically powerful, muscular and deterrent. They also have a strong character. The Argentinian Dogo falls more precisely into category 2A, that dedicated to Mastiff-type Molossoids.

It was the Martinez brothers who created this breed in Argentina at the beginning of the 20th century. It was from the Cordoba fighting dog, a fierce mastiff, that they then made crosses with Mastiffs, Pyrenees Mountains, Great Danes, Dogues de Bordeaux, Boxers, Mastiffs, Bulldogs, Pointers, Irish Wolfhound, etc. with the aim of obtaining a versatile dog, both good for hunting, fighting, guarding, etc. In 1928, a first breed standard was drawn up and approved by the Argentine Dog Federation in 1965. A few years later, in 1973, the F.C.I. established the standard for the Dogo Argentino, which it recognized in 1975 as the first and only canine breed of Argentinian origin. It was not until 1980 that the Dogo appeared in France.

The Dogo Argentino is one of the giant breeds: the male measures between 62 and 68 cm and the female between 60 and 65 cm, both having a weight which varies between 40 and 50 kg. Of molossoid type, the Dogo Argentino is imposing, solid and elegant. The body of the Dogo Argentino is powerful, but without being heavy. Its neck is arched and strong, its chest broad, its chest ample and deep and its back strong. Its forelimbs are long and straight while its hindquarters are more muscular. Its rather oval feet have arched toes. Its tail is long and thick, naturally drooping. The head of this dog is strong, well sculpted and square. Its skull is massive and convex. The wrinkles on its forehead are pronounced, its muzzle is slightly concave and its jaws are powerful. The Dogo Argentino has dark or hazel eyes. Its triangular ears are set high, erect or semi-erect. The coat of the Dogo Argentino is white, any color stain leading to disqualification of the individual. Its hair is short, tight and thick.

The Dogo Argentino is a rustic dog, rigorously selected and which is therefore the subject of numerous crossbreedings in order to avoid inbreeding. The puppy must be closely monitored until adulthood to prevent any developmental problems. Adapted to harsh conditions, robust and endowed with excellent genetics, this breed presents few specific pathologies. Just as in other white dogs, this color is due to a gene responsible for a predisposition to deafness, which is neither rare nor common in the Dogo Argentino. This pathology can be detected from the age of three months. The Dogo Argentino is also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Its life expectancy is estimated at 12 years. For its maintenance, brushing once or twice a week is sufficient as well as a bath two or three times a year. The eye area should be cleaned regularly to avoid streaks.

The Dogo Argentino is a robust, active, energetic, agile and courageous dog. He can also be calm, placid, affectionate, docile and he likes company. He is a companion who needs the contact of his master. Very little barker, he is on the other hand aggressive and dominant towards his peers. He is a formidable guardian! His education must be early, firm but without brutality because he is a very sensitive dog. The Dogo Argentino can live in an apartment provided he can go out two to three times a day and get plenty of exercise. . The ideal is that he can live outdoors as much as possible.