History of the Dogo Argentino
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.
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.
He wanted a dog that would exhibit steadfast bravery and willingly protect its human companion. 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. Nores Martinez continued to develop the breed via selective breeding to introduce the desired traits.
Its strength, tenacity, sense of smell, and bravery made it the best in the pack of dogs to hunt wild boars, peccaries, pumas, and other predators of agriculture and livestock that inhabit the vast and diverse regions of Argentina. This is the traditional activity for which Antonio Nores created this breed.
By 1947, the breed had been established, and its genotype and phenotype were stabilised. The same year, the breed standard was presented at the Hunter’s Club in the City of Buenos Aires.
In 1964, it was recognised as a breed by the FCA (Federación Cinologica Argentina) and the Sociedad Rural Argentina, which opened their stud book to initiate registry.
In 1970, Dr. Raul Zeballos brought the first six specimens of Argentinian Dogo to the United States.
In 1973 the breed was accepted by the FCI. This was possible thanks to the great passion and unique work and effort of Dr. Agustín Nores Martínez, brother of the founder of the breed, who achieved this recognition, not only because of his individual actions, but also from the institutional action of the FCA and the Dogo Argentino Club, and Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez.
Dogos are big-game hunters ,S&R dogs,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.
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
A couple of purebred Dogos from the past that had a lasting impact on bloodlines to come
Uturunco de Santa Isabel and Kob de Las Pampas (1965/67)
Solitario
Aña
