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History of the Dogo Argentino

Pirata..a Dogo Argentino with an eyepatch is not uncommon

Dogos are muscular but athletic dogs. Tails are not docked, but in its country of origin ears are very often cropped to reduce risks of damage in thick vegetation
Large, white short-coated, with black spots on its skin (but not showing on the hair covering those spots), rarely has any markings on its coat (any type of marking or spot on the coat is considered a flaw). While it is not accepted in many of the clubs, a Dogo Argentino can have a black or brindle spot on its head known as a 'pirata' and this is accepted by the Federación Cinológica Argentina.

The Argentinian Dogo is a large, white, muscular breed of dog that was developed in Argentina primarily for the purpose of big-game hunting, including wild boar. The breeder, Antonio Nores Martínez, also wanted a dog that would exhibit steadfast bravery and willingly protect its human companion. It was first bred in 1928 from the Cordoba Fighting Dog, along with a wide array of other breeds, including the Great Dane.

In 1928, Antonio Nores Martinez, a medical doctor, professor and surgeon, set out to breed a big game hunting dog that was also capable of being a loyal pet and guard dog. Antonio Martinez picked the Cordoba Fighting Dog to be the base for the breed. This breed is extinct today, but it was said that, as a large and ferocious dog, it was a great hunter. Martinez crossed it with the Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Old English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Pyrenean Mastiff, English Pointer, Irish Wolfhound and Dogue de Bordeaux.[6] Nores Martinez continued to develop the breed via selective breeding to introduce the desired traits.
In 1970, Dr. Raul Zeballos brought the first six specimens of Argentinian Dogo to the United States.

Dogos are big-game hunters and are also trained for search and rescue, police assistance, service dogs, guide for the blind, competitive obedience, Schutzhund and military work.

The Dogo is an intelligent and courageous dog with a strong, natural instinct to protect its home and family. Dogos are very social dogs and are happiest when included in all family activities.
Dogos make a strong distinction between familiar people and strangers, so it is imperative that they be well trained and socialized at an early age.

A diagram showing the ten original breeds that were combined to create the Dogo Argentino. In the centre are modern pictures, while the old pics surrounding them are of actual dogs used in the breeding program.

Dogue de Bordeaux from original breeding program

One of the original Boxers used in the Dogo Argentino breeding program

One of the Bulterriers used in Dr Antonios breeding program

Harlequine Great Danes were used…here some of them can be seen with Dr Antonio as a young man

The original Irish Wolfhound was used in the Dogo Argentino breeding program.

The Dogo Argentino was a careful and selective combination of 10 different breeds.

Modern images of the ten breeds that Dr,. Antonio Nores Martinez combined in a long and extremely well though out breeding program to creaye the Dogo Argentino

English Pointers was added

The Spanish Mastiff was used to add size on to the frame of the Dogo Argentino

Tibetan mastiff used in original program

The Bulldog also had a role to play.

One of the few remaining pictures of a Cordoba Dog

A couple of purebred Dogos from the past that had a lasting impact on bloodlines to come

Solitario - Legendary Dogos

Uturunco - Legendary Dogos

Uturunco de Santa Isabel and Kob de Las Pampas (1965/67)

Solitario

Ana - Legendary Dogos

Aña

Showline Dogo Argentinos

Modern show line Dogo Argentinos tend to be on the heavier side of the spectrum. This specimen shows cropped ears and a conformation show stance.

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