At a glance the quick version
FCI gives about 40-45 kg for males and 40-43 kg for females; Wikipedia lists up to 48.5 kg for males.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short
A muscular, athletic dog with a smooth, even coat about 1.5 to 2 cm long that lies close to the body.13
Personality what they are like
A bold, intelligent dog that is deeply attached to its people and likes being part of family life. It naturally tells friends from strangers, so it benefits from early training and plenty of socialisation.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An athletic hunting breed that needs regular vigorous exercise and a job or activity to keep it busy.43
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short white coat is easy to keep; a weekly brush is usually enough.14
Home where they are happiest
Best with an experienced owner and a secure home; note that some countries restrict ownership of the breed.2
Company who they like around
Thrives on company and inclusion in household routines rather than being left alone for long stretches.3
The story where it all began
Dr Antonio Nores Martínez began shaping the breed in Córdoba in the late 1920s, crossing the local Old Fighting Dog of Córdoba with breeds such as bulldogs, bull terriers, Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds. His aim was a team hunter for wild boar and puma that would also guard the home. After his death his brother Agustín carried on promoting the breed abroad.132
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The standard describes the Dogo as a silent hunter that does not bark while following a trail.1
- 2
Argentina's kennel club accepted the breed in 1964, nine years before FCI recognition.3
- 3
A single dark patch on the head is allowed as long as it covers no more than about a tenth of the head.1
- 4
Besides hunting, the breed has been trained for police and military work.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 292, Group 2, Section 2.1 Molossian, Dogue type; standard dated 02.08.2012. Recognised by the FCI in 1973.1
- UKC
- Guardian Dog Group; recognised 1 January 2001.3
- AKC
- Listed as an AKC breed.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Dogo Argentino. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard no. 292: Dogo Argentino fci.beused for recognition, origin, size, coat, colour, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Dogo Argentino en.wikipedia.orgused for lifespan, weight range, history, uses (secondary)
- UKC: Dogo Argentino breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, temperament, history
- AKC: Dogo Argentino akc.orgused for coat, purpose, recognition
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.