Argentino Dogo Breed Profile

Head: Somewhat mesaticephalic to somewhat brachycephalic skull type. The head is of a large yet proportionate size. It is broad, deep, and full due to being equipped with well-developed muscles and wrapped in well-fitted skin. The flat and broad skull and muzzle appear as a cube within a cube when viewed from the front, although both should be void of any angular features. The topskull is fairly long and broad, being as wide (measured across the top in front of the ears) as it is long (from stop to occiput). The broad topskull tapers only slightly toward the muzzle. It is fairly steep, with well-developed temporalis muscles that give it an arched appearance in profile and a flat appearance from the front. A median furrow starts at the stop, is accentuated by the temporalis muscles, and disappears toward the occiput. The brows (supraorbital ridges) are fairly well-defined and somewhat prominent. The occiput is concealed by the strong muscling of the topskull and neck. The zygomatic arches are broad, allowing for strong development of the masseter muscles. The head, overall, is clean-cut and without excess skin or wrinkles.

Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, and hazel to medium or dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.

Ears: Medium in size, set high and toward the outside edges of the skull. They are triangular in shape, thick at the base, with slightly rounded tips that hang close to the head. Tips reach to approximate mid-cheek level. When alert, the ears may show significant lift at the base. The ears may be natural or surgically cropped. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken. Cropped ears are surgically cut short to an erect triangle.

Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, and broad. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight, or the muzzle may rise slightly toward the nose, giving it the characteristic “convexed” plane. The muzzle, overall, is slightly longer than deep. It tapers only slightly from the deep and broad base toward the blunted and has an abrupt end. Upper and lower jaws are well-developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipey or weak.

Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black. The nostrils are well-opened. It should never appear “pushed-in” or recede behind the vertical plane of the muzzle.

Neck: Moderate length allows for proud head carriage and movement. It is thick and powerfully muscled, with a slight arch. The neck tapers slightly and smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is fairly clean-cut; however, some loose skin at the throat is permissible without being excessive, throaty, or forming a pendulous dewlap.

Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.

Body: Substantial, powerful, and supple. The body is never light and racy to lack strength or heavy and cloddy to lack agility and stamina. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.

Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.

Tail: Set moderately high. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, usually in a neutral position or just above the level of the topline, but never tucked. When alert, it is held in an upright position but never curled over the back. The tail is of a fairly long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved.

Movement: Powerful, agile, enduring, energetic, efficient, and effortless, the characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.

Temperament: The Argentino Dogo breed is capable of being a tenacious and fierce hunter and protector, yet a loving and affectionate companion and playmate. They were originally developed to hunt in packs, so they are more inclined than many similar breeds to get along well with other dogs. However, they can develop territory and aggression issues toward dogs of the same sex, especially male dogs. They are level-headed, not overly vocal or especially reactive, capable of reading situations well and responding appropriately with friendliness or fierceness. Due to their size and natural protective tendencies, it is imperative that the Dogo be trained and socialized from early puppyhood, learning the difference between friend and foe and accepting his family’s boundaries. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.