Buying or Adopting a Dogo Argentino

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Dogo Argentino the right breed for you?

Dogo Argentino Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for an Argentine Dogo?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
• No other dogs in the household
• No cats in the household
• Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Dogo Argentino stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, tracking, schutzhund, weight pulling); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Dogo Argentino are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• An owner who is okay with moderate/heavy shedding
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Dogo to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior or aggression
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Dogo Argentino, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Dogo Argentino?

The Dogo Argentino is not a common breed in the United States. That's a good thing, because the Dogo is only suited to specific kinds of homes.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might find a Dogo Argentino available from a Dog Rescue group. Dogos may be turned over to Rescue because they need too much exercise, or due to dominance, aggression, or shyness issues. Owners often give up their Dogo when it becomes apparent that the dog is too much for them to handle. You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise, training, and socialization that they are lacking.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
It's unlikely that you would find a Dogo in a shelter, although people often think they have. The problem is that many crosses and mixes can somewhat resemble a Dogo, yet not have any Dogo genes whatsoever. Argentine Dogo rescue groups do keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country, and if a Dogo turns up at a shelter, the rescue group does try to move the dog into their rescue network.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Dogo Argentino from a show breeder, who breeds Dogos to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring.

Or you can buy a Dogo Argentino from a performance breeder, who emphasizes an energetic temperament and strong "prey (chasing) drives" for hunting big game such as wild boar, or participating in performance sports like tracking or weight pulling. Some breeders are a combination of show/performance, though how they prioritize those two goals can vary greatly.

You might also be able to buy a Dogo Argentino from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Dogo Argentino puppy should have:

• a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are at much higher risk for hip dysplasia. If you accept that risk, you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Dogo Argentino ends up with crippled hips.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I haven't seen a Dogo Argentino in a pet shop, but it's certainly possible. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Dogo Argentino Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Argentine Dogo puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.