Dogo Canario Breed Description

Introduction

No Description Available.

History

Back in the late 1920s, Antonio and Agustin Nores Martinez wanted to create dog breed for big game hunting. Argentina's predators include mountain lions and European boars, so the dog they created would need to be able to track (by scent or sight or both) and then subdue the animals. Antonio wanted to recreate the extinct Fighting Dog of Cordoba, which had been developed a century earlier by crossing English Bull Dogs, Mastiffs and Bull Terriers. (At the time, dog fighting was a popular sport in Cordoba, Argentina and in many other places as well.)

The brothers designed a breeding program that began with that crossbreeding, and then added Boxer, Dogue de Bordeaux, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhound and Pointer over the course of 20 years. They presented the first Dogo Argentino on September 28, 1947 at the Buenos Aires Hunters' Dog Show. After Antonio's death in 1956, Agustin carried on the breeding program for another 15 years. The breed achieved official recognition in its home country and other organizations soon followed suit.

In 1970, Dr. Raul Zeballos brought the first Dogos to the U.S. where they have developed a significant following. Simultaneously, many parts of the U.S. have sought to outlaw massive dogs unfairly perceived as dangerous. The future of the breed in America will rely on education and legislation.

Description

White and muscular, the dog is also known as the Argentine Mastiff. Huge head features equidistant proportions, black wide noses and dark eyes. Ears are on the top of the head and are semi-erect; cropping has been the norm, although this practice is lessening across the E.U. and the U.S. Unlike most mastiffs, the Dogo Argentino's lips are tight. This trait was created to enable the breed to maintain a mouth grip indefinitely because they can breathe through a corner of their lips, which have black edges.

The gracefully arched neck has the thick skin and wrinkles of other mastiffs, which serves to protect the dog from major harm no matter what type of game is being hunted. In addition to sliding free, it has enough elasticity that if it is grabbed with teeth or tusk, the dog can stretch and still strike at the game.

High strong withers are heavily muscled; front legs are vertical, muscular thighs dominate rear legs. Tails curve upwards. All Dogo Argentinos are white; some have a (permitted by the standard) black or dark spot either in front of the ears or around the eye; that is the only acceptable variation.

These dogs possess a combination of power and agility that makes them a pleasure to watch in motion. Whether walking or running, the Dogo Argentino shows grace and strength.

Temperament

Dogo Argentinos are capable of toughness in the pursuit of prey. Simultaneously, they are loving dogs that thrive as family pets. They are extremely loyal and very alert, so they become guardians as well. They are smart, which means they learn new tasks or commands quickly; however, like most intelligent creatures, they will bore with excessive repetition. Once they've 'got it' they're done and will perform that task or command perfectly when the time comes. Like most mastiffs, they are not natural roommates for small animals, although with training they can learn to learn the guinea pig or gerbil alone.

This is a breed that will not tolerate harsh training or discipline methods. It needs a firm and loving owner who understands its devotion and intelligence. A dominant animal, they bond strongly with their family and do not do well separated from those they love.

Health and Care

Dogo Argentinos need very little beyond regular dental care and nail trimming. They don't shed very much, so petting alone will most likely take care of it, although many enough the gentle massage of a shedding pumice stone. They have no doggie odor when wet (and they love the water, whether a bath or a beach).

Colors

N/A

Living Area

Will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.

Recognized By

APRI, DRA

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