Dogo Argentino

In Argentina the farmers and landowners needed a hunting and working dog, which could hunt and kill wild boar, pumas and other native predators, as well as guarding the owner, his flocks and his property. In the 1920's no such dog existed, but the two Martinez brothers took up the challenge, and set out to breed a dog - the Dogo Argentino - with the required attributes.

They took as their starting point the Cordoba fighting dog, then the most prized hunting dog in Argentina - the Cordoba was a cross between the Spanish mastiff and the fighting bulldog.

They knew which breeds were blessed with the particular attributes they required - these included the Pointer, the British bulldog and bullterrier, the Spanish mastiff, the wolfhound, the boxer etc etc.

The brothers identified which characteristics they wanted in their dog, and then over two decades bred in these attributes from 10 different breeds.

The Dogo is a natural hunter, and hunting down and killing prey such as wild boar, and even mountain lion, is what his nature is about.

In this, the Dogo resembles the wolf in that they both consider other animals food, and will kill and eat them.

There is no dog more devoted or loyal to his owner.

So breeders should be particularly careful to whom they pass on the very powerful and fearsome animals.

If the Dogo is to be a working dog, or a hunting or guard dog, then the puppy should be imprinted at a very early stage to regard humans, and other animals, as natural prey.

Because of its breeding, the Dogo will always show aggression towards and animal or human that threatens his territory or dominance, even if he has not been imprinted.

Training such a strong and potentially fierce animal can present particular problems.

The Dogo needs a master who will treat it firmly and in a consistent manner, avoiding any heavy-handed approach.

This is not a dog bred to be a fireside companion, or even a family pet - he is bred purely to hunt prey and protect home and flocks, and to faithfully guard his owner. And in these respects the Dogo Argentino has few rivals!