Breeds
Dogo Argentino: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Dogo Argentino is a powerful, athletic, all-white hunting dog that is loyal, friendly and playful with its family and protective of its people. Dogos are not for inexperienced owners: they need early socialization, confident training and plenty of exercise. Here is what the AKC says about the breed's temperament, size and needs, and what to ask a breeder and vet.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Dogo Argentino temperament and personality
The AKC describes the Dogo Argentino as loyal, friendly and social, and protective of its people, with courage that comes from both a prey drive and a stable temperament. It says Dogos want to be included in family activities and can be playful and affectionate with their human family.
The breed was developed in Argentina to hunt big game such as wild boar, and it combines power with athleticism. That heritage means a strong prey drive and real protectiveness, which need careful management for the dog's whole life.
How big do Dogo Argentinos get?
The AKC's breed weight chart lists Dogos at 80 to 100 pounds, without splitting the range by sex. That makes the Dogo a large, heavy dog, and one that is strong for its weight.
Dogos are muscular, deep-chested and athletic rather than bulky. Keep a growing puppy lean to protect developing joints, and ask your vet about a large-breed puppy diet.
Weigh your dog regularly and feel for the ribs, since a lean, fit Dogo carries less strain on its joints. Ask your vet to help set a target weight and growth plan for a puppy.
Dogo Argentino lifespan and common health issues
The AKC sources opened for this page do not give a lifespan or a list of health conditions for the breed, so ask your vet and the breeder directly. All-white breeds are commonly screened for deafness, and large breeds for hip and elbow problems.
Ask a breeder for hearing test results on the puppies, hip and elbow evaluations on both parents and any other screenings the national breed club recommends. Ask your vet about sun protection for white, thin-coated skin and about bloat risk.
Exercise needs
As an athletic hunting breed, a Dogo needs substantial daily exercise: long walks, running in a secure area, and structured games and training. Plan for at least an hour or two a day once the dog is grown.
Keep the dog on a sturdy leash in public and in a secure, private area off leash, given its prey drive and strength. Avoid hard exercise in heat and around meals.
Structured work, such as obedience, tracking or scent games, gives a powerful hunting breed a safe outlet for its drive.
Grooming and shedding
The short, white coat is easy to keep. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush and an occasional bath cover most needs.
Check the skin for redness or sunburn, keep the nails short, clean the ears and brush the teeth several times a week. Start handling the paws, ears and mouth in puppyhood.
White, short-coated dogs can sunburn, especially on the nose, ears and belly. Ask your vet about sun protection, and offer shade on bright days.
Are Dogo Argentinos good with kids and other pets?
The AKC says Dogos can be playful and affectionate with their human family. Their size, strength and protectiveness mean every interaction with children needs supervision, and visiting children should be managed carefully.
The AKC sources opened here do not address other pets. A strong prey drive means cats and small pets need very careful introductions or separation, and same-household dogs should be introduced slowly.
Never leave a Dogo alone with small children or small pets, however gentle it seems at home.
What a Dogo Argentino needs at home
A high, secure fence, an extra-large crate, a heavy-duty bed and a strong, well-fitted harness or collar with a sturdy leash are the basics. Many owners teach the dog to wear a basket muzzle calmly.
For care, keep a rubber curry brush, a nail grinder, ear cleaner, a dog toothbrush and pet-safe sunscreen advice from your vet. Heavy-duty chew toys and puzzle feeders help with downtime.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
What is a Dogo Argentino's temperament like?
The AKC describes Dogos as loyal, friendly and social, and protective of their people. They need early socialization and training and are not suited to inexperienced owners.
How big do Dogo Argentinos get?
The AKC lists males at 24 to 26.5 inches and females at 24 to 25.5 inches, with a weight of 80 to 100 pounds. Growing puppies should be kept lean to protect their joints.
Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs?
For experienced owners, they can be. The AKC says Dogos can be playful and affectionate with their family, but their strength and protectiveness need constant management.
Is a Dogo Argentino good for a first-time owner?
No. The AKC says the breed is not suited to inexperienced owners or to owners who cannot take charge, because of its power, prey drive and protectiveness.
How much exercise does a Dogo Argentino need?
A lot. As a powerful, athletic hunting breed, a Dogo needs long daily walks, running in a secure area and structured training games, typically an hour or two a day once fully grown.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
