Dogo Argentino
At a Glance
Weight (M)
80–100 lbs
Weight (F)
75–88 lbs
Height (M)
24–27 in
Height (F)
23–26 in
Best for
- ✓Very experienced owners with a strong background in large, powerful, potentially dog-aggressive working breeds
- ✓Handlers who understand and can fulfill the breed's high exercise and mental stimulation requirements — this is a working dog that needs a job
- ✓Those who have researched breed-specific legislation in their jurisdiction and confirmed the Dogo Argentino is legal in their area
- ✓Single-dog or very carefully managed households where the dog's dog-aggression tendencies can be safely controlled
- ✓Owners who will commit to BAER testing all puppies before placement and implementing rigorous early socialization
Not ideal for
- ✕Novice or first-time dog owners — the Dogo Argentino's power, working drive, and management requirements demand extensive prior experience with large, dominant breeds
- ✕Multi-dog households where dogs interact freely and unsupervised — dog aggression is a significant breed tendency
- ✕Owners who live in jurisdictions where the breed is banned or restricted — legal liability and animal control consequences are real
- ✕Families seeking a tolerant, easygoing family pet — while the Dogo can be devoted to its family, its working drives and potential for dog-directed aggression require ongoing management
- ✕Owners who cannot provide daily vigorous exercise and structured activity — an under-exercised Dogo Argentino is a destructive and difficult animal
- Created in Argentina in the 1920s by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez specifically for big game hunting — puma, peccary, and wild boar in the Pampas — through deliberate crosses of the now-extinct Córdoba Fighting Dog with nine other breeds
- Elevated deafness rates due to white coat genetics: the same pigmentation mechanism that produces the breed's white coat is linked to inner ear development, requiring BAER hearing testing at 5 to 7 weeks of age — an absolute breeding requirement
- Banned or severely restricted in multiple countries including the United Kingdom (Dangerous Dogs Act 1991), Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, and others — potential owners must research local regulations before acquiring a Dogo
- Powerful, athletic, and brave to the point of fearlessness — the breed was built to subdue large dangerous prey and requires an extremely experienced, confident, and knowledgeable owner to manage safely
- White coat is the breed standard and the only accepted color — any other coloration is a disqualifying fault; the white coat requires sun protection awareness as light-skinned areas can be susceptible to sunburn
History & Origins
The Dogo Argentino is one of the very few dog breeds with a fully documented creation history — we know exactly when, where, by whom, and for what purpose it was made. In the late 1920s, Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez, a physician and passionate hunter in Córdoba, Argentina, set out to create the ideal big game hunting dog for the landscapes of his country: the vast Pampas grasslands, the quebradas of the Andean foothills, and the dense monte scrubland. He wanted a dog capable of finding, running down, and holding — or if necessary, killing — puma, peccary, and wild boar. He also wanted a white dog, for visibility in the field.
The foundation of the breed was the Córdoba Fighting Dog — a now-extinct Argentine breed known for extreme gameness, high pain tolerance, and fierce dog aggression. The Córdoba Dog had the fighting drive Martinez needed but lacked the size, trainability, and cooperative temperament required for pack hunting. Over more than a decade of deliberate crossing and selection, Martinez and his brother Agustin crossed the Córdoba Dog with nine other breeds: the Great Dane for size and stride, the Pointer for nose and hunting instinct, the Boxer for agility and jaw strength, the Bull Terrier for tenacity, the Bulldog for power and jaw, the Great Pyrenees for the white coat, the Irish Wolfhound for speed and endurance, the Dogue de Bordeaux for strength and head, and the Spanish Mastiff for size and protection instinct.
The Breed Standard and International Recognition
The first Dogo Argentino breed standard was published in 1928. The breed was formally recognized by the Argentine Kennel Club in 1964 and by the FCI in 1973 — the first and, for decades, only Argentine breed to receive FCI recognition. The AKC recognized the Dogo Argentino in 2020 after a long period as an AKC Foundation Stock Service breed. Dr. Nores Martinez was assassinated in 1956, but the breed he created had already been established firmly enough to continue without him.
Breed-Specific Legislation
The Dogo Argentino's size, power, and game-hunting origins placed it in the crosshairs of breed-specific legislation movements beginning in the 1980s and 1990s. The UK added it to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Australia, New Zealand, and multiple other countries followed with bans or severe restrictions. This history is inseparable from the breed and must be understood by any potential owner.
Temperament & Personality
The Dogo Argentino was bred to be brave, powerful, and cooperative — qualities that in the right hands produce a loyal, devoted family companion with genuine athleticism and working capacity. In the wrong hands, the same qualities produce a serious safety risk.
With Family
Within its family, the Dogo Argentino is typically affectionate, playful, and deeply loyal. The breed was used as a family dog in Argentine working households and the familial devotion is genuine. Dogos are physically demonstrative with their people, often seeking contact and proximity. The bond is strong and the protective instinct is real — these dogs will position themselves between their family and perceived threats.
With Strangers
The Dogo Argentino's response to strangers varies by individual and socialization history. Well-socialized dogs from experienced breeders can be appropriately reserved without being reactive. Poorly socialized dogs, or those from lines with unstable temperament, can be unpredictably aggressive. The breed's size, strength, and bite history mean stranger-directed aggression in a Dogo has serious consequences.
With Other Dogs
Dog aggression is a significant breed tendency — the Córdoba Fighting Dog foundation has not been entirely bred out, and many Dogos are dog-aggressive, particularly with same-sex dogs. The breed was bred to hunt in packs with other Dogos, which moderates intra-breed aggression somewhat compared to purely dog-fighting breeds, but caution with unknown dogs is always warranted.
Natural Instincts & Drive
Every behavioral tendency in the Dogo Argentino traces directly to its function: a large-game pack hunting dog bred to run hard, track by scent, engage dangerous prey, and hold or subdue it for the hunter.
Prey Drive
The Dogo Argentino has intense prey drive — this is a dog bred to pursue and engage puma and wild boar, not retrieve a ball. The drive to chase and catch is deeply embedded. Small animals — cats, rabbits, small dogs — may trigger this drive strongly. Off-leash in unsecured environments is genuinely dangerous. A 6-foot-plus secure fence is the minimum enclosure standard.
Gameness
The breed's gameness — its willingness to continue working through pain and adversity — was a specific selection criterion. This characteristic makes the Dogo an extraordinarily determined working dog and an extraordinarily challenging animal when its drives are directed at unintended targets. It also means a Dogo that has engaged in a conflict is very difficult to interrupt.
Cooperative Working Drive
Unlike breeds selected purely for dog fighting, the Dogo was bred to work cooperatively with other Dogos in the field. This pack-oriented working instinct means that with very careful management and introduction, some Dogos can coexist with familiar dogs. This is not a guarantee, and the risk must be evaluated individually.
Life Stages
Puppy (0–8 weeks)
BAER hearing testing must be performed at 5 to 7 weeks, before placement. This is the single most time-sensitive health requirement for Dogo Argentino puppies and is non-negotiable for responsible breeding. Do not place any Dogo puppy without BAER results.
Puppy (8 weeks–6 months)
Early socialization is critical and must be intensive. Expose the puppy to diverse people, environments, sounds, and controlled animal interactions as broadly as possible during this window. Begin obedience training immediately with positive reinforcement. The Dogo's intelligence and working drive make it highly trainable in the right hands — early training investment pays dividends for the life of the dog.
Adolescent (6–18 months)
Adolescent Dogos will test boundaries and may show early signs of dog aggression and dominant behavior. Consistent, confident handling and continued training are essential. Do not allow rehearsal of aggression or dominant behavior — habits established in adolescence become the adult dog's behavioral baseline.
Adult (2–7 years)
A well-managed adult Dogo Argentino is a powerful, athletic, genuinely impressive companion. The breed requires significant daily exercise to remain calm and manageable indoors. Annual health testing maintains breeding eligibility and monitors for emerging conditions.
Senior (7+ years)
Dogos age well and remain physically active into their senior years in many cases. Monitor for hip arthritis, cardiac changes, and thyroid disease. Twice-yearly veterinary visits are appropriate for seniors.
Health Profile
Every Dogo Argentino puppy must be BAER hearing tested at 5–7 weeks before placement — no exceptions
White coat genetics are directly linked to elevated deafness rates; unilateral deafness is often undetected without formal testing
The Dogo Argentino's most breed-specific and critical health concern is congenital deafness — a direct consequence of the white coat genetics that define the breed. BAER testing is the most important single health action in Dogo breeding and cannot be replaced by any other assessment.
Deafness: The Core Health Issue
The genetic mechanism linking the Dogo's white coat to inner ear development is shared with other white or highly patterned breeds including Dalmatians, white Bull Terriers, and certain white Boxers. In all of these breeds, the pigmentation pathways that produce the white coat can also reduce the inner ear melanocytes essential for cochlear function. In the Dogo, unilateral deafness affects a significant minority of the breed; bilateral deafness occurs as well. A dog can appear entirely normal to casual observation while being deaf in one ear — only BAER testing reveals the true status.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is the primary orthopedic concern and is significant in a breed that demands physical soundness for working function. OFA evaluation at 24 months minimum is required for all breeding dogs. Buyers should verify OFA certification for both parents before purchasing a Dogo Argentino.
Laryngeal Paralysis
Laryngeal paralysis has been documented in certain Dogo lines and should be discussed with breeders when researching pedigrees. Dogs in warm climates or with high exercise demands are at greatest risk from the respiratory compromise this condition causes.
| Condition | Risk | Test Available |
|---|---|---|
Congenital Deafness Deafness is the Dogo Argentino's most breed-specific and consequential health concern. The breed's white coat results from the same genetic pigmentation pathways — extreme piebald and merle-related mechanisms — that are linked to reduced inner ear melanocytes, which are essential for normal cochlear function. Unilateral deafness (one ear) affects a significant minority of Dogos; bilateral deafness (both ears) occurs as well. BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing at 5 to 7 weeks is the only reliable method for detecting deafness in puppies before placement. No responsible Dogo Argentino breeder places a puppy without BAER testing results. Bilaterally deaf dogs require specialized management and placement only in experienced, committed homes. | High | BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) Testing |
Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a significant concern in the Dogo Argentino, particularly given the breed's size, athleticism, and the physical demands placed on working dogs. Abnormal hip joint development leads to joint laxity, cartilage damage, and progressive osteoarthritis. Signs include hindlimb stiffness, reduced exercise tolerance, and reluctance to jump or climb stairs. OFA hip evaluation at 24 months minimum is required health testing for all breeding dogs. Weight management and appropriate exercise in growing puppies helps reduce developmental risk. | High | OFA Hip Evaluation |
Hypothyroidism Underactive thyroid function occurs in the Dogo Argentino at a rate consistent with large working breeds generally. Signs include weight gain without dietary change, lethargy, poor coat quality, and cold intolerance. The condition is manageable with daily thyroid hormone supplementation but requires lifelong treatment and periodic bloodwork monitoring. OFA thyroid evaluation is recommended for breeding candidates. | Moderate | OFA Thyroid Evaluation |
Laryngeal Paralysis Laryngeal paralysis — failure of the cartilages controlling the larynx to open properly during inhalation — has been documented in certain Dogo Argentino lines. The condition causes progressive exercise intolerance, a characteristic harsh breathing sound (stridor), and in severe cases respiratory distress. It can be life-threatening in hot weather or during exertion. Surgical correction (arytenoid lateralization) is the standard treatment for significantly affected dogs. Breeding lines with known laryngeal paralysis should be evaluated carefully. | Moderate | No |
Allergies and Skin Conditions The Dogo Argentino's white, short coat and light skin pigmentation make it susceptible to environmental allergies, contact dermatitis, and sunburn on lightly pigmented skin areas. Chronic skin issues, including recurrent hot spots, ear infections, and generalized pruritus (itching), can be management challenges. Pigment-related vision sensitivity has also been noted in some white-coated dogs with light iris pigmentation. | Moderate | No |
Cardiac Disease Cardiac conditions, including dilated cardiomyopathy and valve disease, occur in large and giant breeds at elevated rates. The Dogo Argentino warrants cardiac evaluation as part of a complete health testing program. OFA cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist provides the most reliable baseline assessment for breeding candidates. | Moderate | OFA Cardiac Evaluation (Cardiologist) |
Recommended Health Tests
| Test | Organization | Min Age | Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAER Hearing Test | BAER Testing Facility | 5–7 weeks | Required |
| Hip Evaluation | OFA | 24 months | Required |
| Thyroid Evaluation | OFA | Annual | Recommended |
| Eye Examination (CAER) | ACVO Ophthalmologist | Annual | Recommended |
| Cardiac Evaluation | OFA / Cardiologist | Annual | Recommended |
Care Guide
Exercise
The Dogo Argentino is a high-energy working breed that requires significant daily exercise — a minimum of 1 to 2 hours of vigorous activity for a well-conditioned adult. Running, swimming, structured play in a securely fenced area, and working activities (tracking, protection sports with experienced trainers) are appropriate outlets. An under-exercised Dogo is destructive, difficult to manage, and potentially unsafe. A well-exercised Dogo is a calmer, more manageable household companion.
Coat Care
The short, smooth white coat is among the lowest-maintenance of any large breed. Weekly brushing with a rubber mitt or bristle brush, bathing every 4 to 6 weeks, and attention to lightly pigmented skin areas in high UV environments are the primary requirements. The white coat shows dirt readily — outdoor dogs may require more frequent bathing.
Training
Dogo Argentinos are intelligent and trainable but require experienced, confident, consistent handlers. The breed responds to positive reinforcement-based training and forms strong working partnerships with handlers who earn their respect. Force and intimidation are counterproductive and dangerous. Early puppy training, adolescent consistency, and ongoing reinforcement of expectations throughout adulthood are the formula for a manageable adult Dogo.
Containment
Containment is non-negotiable. A 6-foot fence minimum, regularly inspected, with no footholds and no gaps. The Dogo Argentino's athletic capability means it can escape containment that would hold most breeds. An escaped Dogo in a neighborhood presents a serious public safety situation.
Living With a Dogo Argentino
The Reward of the Right Match
Experienced Dogo Argentino owners consistently describe a bond of remarkable depth and loyalty. The breed's working intelligence, physical magnificence, and genuine devotion to family create a relationship that is unique among large breeds. For owners who have done the work — the training, the socialization, the management — the Dogo is an extraordinary companion.
The Legal Reality
Dogo Argentino owners in countries or municipalities with breed-specific legislation face constant legal exposure. Check local laws before acquiring the breed, and recheck when moving. Insurance implications are real — many homeowners insurance policies exclude BSL breeds. These are practical realities that must be managed alongside the normal demands of owning a large, powerful dog.
Social Management
The Dogo Argentino in public requires active management. A correctly fitted, reliable harness or collar, an experienced handler, and a clear plan for managing unexpected encounters with people or dogs are the baseline requirements. The breed's appearance alone will provoke strong reactions from people — owners must be comfortable educating the public and managing the dog's interactions simultaneously.
Deaf Dog Considerations
If a Dogo puppy is unilaterally or bilaterally deaf, management adjustments are necessary. Bilaterally deaf dogs require visual cue-based training (hand signals instead of verbal commands), heightened environmental awareness when the dog is sleeping or unaware of approach, and owners who are genuinely committed to the specialized management required. Unilaterally deaf dogs function nearly normally and require minimal adjustment beyond awareness.
Breeding
Dogo Argentino breeding begins with BAER testing — full stop. Every puppy produced by a responsible Dogo breeder receives a BAER test at 5 to 7 weeks, and results are provided to buyers with every placement. This is not optional and is not negotiable. Any breeder who places Dogo Argentino puppies without BAER testing is not a responsible breeder.
Pregnancy Overview
Key fact
Dogo Argentino Gestation Length
63 days from ovulation is average, but healthy deliveries from day 58–68 are well-documented.
- Average litter size is 8 to 12 puppies — large litters are typical for this breed and require careful management at the nipple to ensure all puppies receive adequate colostrum
- BAER testing must be scheduled for 5 to 7 weeks — arrange the testing appointment before the litter is born to ensure timely access
- Dogo dams are generally capable of natural whelping, though their size means any complications are serious — emergency veterinary contact should be established before whelping begins
- Daily puppy weight tracking from birth is essential in large litters; smaller puppies in an 8 to 12-puppy litter can fall behind rapidly without supplementation
Week-by-Week Pregnancy
Weeks 1–3: Minimal signs. Establish dam baseline weight. Normal moderate exercise continues. Some dams show brief nausea around days 21 to 28.
Weeks 4–5: Confirm pregnancy via ultrasound from approximately day 25. Appetite increases. Begin higher-calorie pregnancy diet. The dam may become more affectionate or more independent depending on individual temperament.
Weeks 6–7: Visible abdominal enlargement. Nipple development. Nesting behavior emerges. Introduce and secure the whelping box. Reduce vigorous exercise. Begin gathering whelping supplies.
Weeks 8–9: Radiograph at day 55 or later to confirm puppy count — critical for large-litter management. Twice-daily temperature monitoring. Drop below 99°F signals labor within approximately 24 hours. Confirm BAER testing appointment. Ensure whelping kit is complete and emergency vet contacts are ready.
Whelping
Dogo Argentino dams typically whelp naturally and generally make attentive mothers. Large litter sizes mean extended whelping times — ensure the dam has adequate support and monitor each delivery. Contact your veterinarian immediately if unproductive straining exceeds 30 to 60 minutes or if more than 4 hours pass between puppies. Use the Whelping Date Calculator to build your timeline and the Whelping Supplies Checklist to confirm your kit is complete.
Newborn Puppy Weight Tracking
Typical Birth Weight
Dogo Argentino puppies are large at birth — litters of 8-12 are typical. BAER hearing test is required at 5-7 weeks.
Reference
Typical Birth Weights by Breed Size
Ranges are approximate. Individual litter variation is wide — trends matter more than targets.
Use the Animal Weight Tracker to log each puppy's weight from birth. In large litters, competition at the nipple is intense — puppies not gaining weight after day 2 require supplemental feeding. See the fading puppy syndrome guide for warning signs and immediate intervention steps.
Growth Expectations
| Age | Male (lbs) | Female (lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | 0.9–1.4 | 0.85–1.2 | 400–650g typical |
| 2 weeks | 2–3 | 1.7–2.5 | Should double birth weight |
| 4 weeks | 4.5–8 | 4–6.5 | Mobile, beginning to eat |
| 8 weeks | 15–23 | 13–19 | Typical go-home age; BAER completed |
| 12 weeks | 25–37 | 21–30 | Rapid growth phase |
| 6 months | 58–80 | 50–68 | Approaching but not at adult size |
| 12 months | 70–90 | 62–78 | Near adult weight; still maturing |
The Real Talk
The Dogo Argentino is a breed that demands complete honesty from anyone considering ownership. It is powerful, driven, intelligent, and capable of being a magnificent companion — and it is also banned in multiple countries, requires an experienced and confident owner, and carries real management responsibilities that cannot be minimized.
BAER Testing Is Not Optional
The single most important message for anyone buying a Dogo Argentino puppy: do not purchase a puppy without BAER test results. Any breeder who does not perform BAER testing on every puppy before placement is not a responsible breeder — full stop. This is not a negotiable quality indicator. It is the baseline minimum. Unilateral deafness, invisible to casual observation, affects a real portion of the breed. Bilateral deafness is life-changing for both dog and owner. BAER testing is simple, affordable, and definitive.
Know Your Laws
If you live in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or any of the other jurisdictions where the Dogo Argentino is banned, owning one is not a gray area — it is illegal, and the legal consequences are real and serious. In jurisdictions where the breed is not banned, research your local municipality, your homeowners insurance policy, and your rental agreement before acquiring a Dogo. These are practical realities that experienced Dogo owners navigate constantly.
For the Right Owner, Extraordinary
Experienced Dogo Argentino owners speak of the breed with a specific admiration — its courage, its physical magnificence, its devotion to family, and the unique satisfaction of working with an animal of such extraordinary purpose and history. The owners who thrive with Dogos are those who met the breed honestly, prepared seriously, and committed fully to the relationship and its responsibilities.
Stats & Trends
AKC Recognition and Registration
The Dogo Argentino was recognized by the AKC in 2020 after years as an AKC Foundation Stock Service breed. Registration numbers are growing as the breed gains recognition among American sporting and working dog enthusiasts. The breed has been well-established in South America, Europe (where not banned), and working dog communities internationally for decades.
Breed-Specific Legislation Tracker
Countries with full bans on the Dogo Argentino include the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Ukraine, Singapore, and others. Multiple US municipalities have restrictions or bans. The breed-specific legislation landscape changes over time as laws are challenged, amended, and occasionally repealed. Dogo owners must actively monitor the legal status in their jurisdiction.
OFA Health Data
OFA hip evaluation data for the Dogo Argentino reflects the breed's working heritage — breeders committed to working capability tend to prioritize structural soundness, and OFA participation rates in the Dogo community have improved as AKC recognition has encouraged health testing culture. BAER testing data is not centralized through OFA but is maintained by breed club registries in responsible breeding programs.
Dogo Argentino FAQs
1How was the Dogo Argentino created?
The Dogo Argentino was deliberately created in the 1920s by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez and his brother Agustin in Córdoba, Argentina. Their goal was a powerful, athletic, white-coated dog capable of hunting big game — puma, peccary, and wild boar — in the Pampas and Andean foothills. The foundation of the breed was the Córdoba Fighting Dog, a now-extinct Argentine breed known for extreme gameness and pain tolerance. Dr. Martinez crossed this foundation dog with nine additional breeds over multiple generations, including the Great Dane, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Great Pyrenees, Pointer, Irish Wolfhound, Dogue de Bordeaux, and Spanish Mastiff — each contributing specific traits. The breed was standardized and the first breed standard published in 1928.
2Why does the Dogo Argentino need BAER testing?
BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing is required for Dogo Argentino puppies because the breed has an elevated rate of congenital deafness directly linked to its white coat genetics. The same pigmentation gene pathways that produce the all-white coat can also reduce or eliminate the melanocytes in the inner ear that are necessary for normal cochlear development. This results in unilateral deafness (one ear) or bilateral deafness (both ears) in affected puppies. BAER testing uses electrode-measured brainwave responses to auditory stimulation to definitively determine hearing status in each ear independently. It must be done at 5 to 7 weeks — after the ear canals open but before typical puppy placement age. No responsible Dogo breeder places a puppy without BAER results.
3Is the Dogo Argentino banned?
Yes — the Dogo Argentino is banned or severely restricted under breed-specific legislation in multiple countries. The United Kingdom included the Dogo Argentino in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, making ownership, breeding, sale, and exchange of the breed illegal. Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Ukraine, and several other countries have similar restrictions. In the United States, the breed is not federally restricted but is banned by some municipalities and prohibited by some homeowners insurance policies. Anyone considering acquiring a Dogo Argentino must research the specific laws in their city, county, state, and country before proceeding.
4Are Dogo Argentinos good with children?
Dogo Argentinos from experienced breeders and properly socialized can be devoted and protective with their own family's children. The breed has a long history of family loyalty in Argentine working homes. However, the Dogo's size, power, and working drive mean that interactions with children require active adult supervision. The breed is not recommended for novice owners regardless of family composition. With experienced owners who manage interactions appropriately, many Dogos develop genuine affection for children in their household. Unknown children or chaotic high-energy situations require careful management.
5What is the Dogo Argentino's exercise requirement?
The Dogo Argentino is a high-energy working breed built for endurance in the field. Adults require significant daily exercise — a minimum of 1 to 2 hours of vigorous activity is appropriate for a well-conditioned adult. This breed is not suited to apartment living or low-activity households. The Dogo excels in activities that engage both body and mind: tracking, protection sports (with experienced trainers), weight pull, and structured obedience. Under-exercised Dogos become destructive, difficult to manage, and potentially unsafe. A securely fenced yard is essential — the Dogo's athleticism makes it capable of clearing most standard fences.
6What is the Dogo Argentino's coat care requirement?
The Dogo Argentino has a short, smooth, all-white coat that is among the lowest-maintenance coats of any large breed. Weekly brushing with a rubber grooming mitt or bristle brush removes loose hair and maintains coat health. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks is sufficient for most dogs. The white coat shows dirt readily and requires more frequent bathing in dogs with outdoor access. Areas of light skin pigmentation may be susceptible to sunburn in high UV exposure environments — a dog-safe sunscreen applied to the muzzle, nose, and ear tips is appropriate for dogs spending significant time outdoors in sunny conditions.
7What health tests should Dogo Argentino breeders perform?
The non-negotiable health tests for Dogo Argentino breeders are BAER hearing testing of every puppy at 5 to 7 weeks (before placement), and OFA hip evaluation of all breeding dogs at 24 months minimum. CAER annual eye examination and OFA thyroid evaluation are strongly recommended. Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist is advisable. No responsible breeder places puppies without BAER results — this is the single most breed-specific and time-sensitive test in the program, and failure to perform it represents a serious failure of responsible breeding practice.
Important notes
This breed profile is for educational purposes only. BreedTools does not provide veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary — breed profiles describe tendencies, not guarantees. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for health decisions and a reputable breeder or breed club for breed-specific guidance.
Health statistics and prevalence data are sourced from OFA, breed club health surveys, and published veterinary research. Where exact numbers are unavailable, ranges and qualitative assessments are used.