Grooming the Dogo is easy because of his short coat, though his large size means it’s a big job. A bath every three months (or when he’s dirty) in a mild dog shampoo is a good idea. Brush his sleek coat with a natural bristle brush or mitt once a week. Use coat conditioner/polish to brighten the sheen.
The rest is basic care. His ears need to be checked every week and cleaned if needed and toenails trimmed once a month. Regular brushing with a soft toothbrush and vet-approved doggie toothpaste keep the teeth and gums healthy. It is essential to introduce grooming to the Dogo when he is very young so he learns to accept the handling and fuss peacefully.
Dogo Argentinos are highly energetic dogs and are unsuitable for owners that cannot provide them with daily, rigorous exercise. They are able to navigate various types of terrain and make excellent jogging partners.
As a working breed of dog, they are also at their happiest when given a ‘meaningful’ task which they can devote themselves to.
Depending on the size of your dog as an adult you are going to want to feed them a formula that will cater to their unique digestive needs through the various phases of their life. Many dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for small, medium, large and giant breeds. Dogo Argentinos are a large breed.
What you feed your dog is an individual choice, but working with your veterinarian and/or breeder will be the best way to determine the frequency of meals as a puppy and the best adult diet to increase his longevity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Dogo Argentinos surprisingly do not suffer from the various joint ailments that plague other large breeds. However, they do sometimes suffer from pigment-related deafness.
Since the Dogo Argentino was created to be a pack hunting dog, obedience was an important trait that was selectively bred into the breed.
Therefore they are highly responsive to training efforts, provided that they are handled with firm but loving leadership. It should be noted that Dogo Argentino’s aren’t for meek or beginner dog owners as they can be a handful if not given proper leadership.
