Dogo Argentino

Bathing: Give your pup a bath every couple of months (but you can make an exception if they take a really dirty romp outside). Brushing: Once a week, brush your Dogo with a curry brush . Your pup may experience heavier shedding as the seasons change (in the fall and spring), and they might need brushing several times a week then. Dental care: Help keep your pup’s teeth in shape by brushing them daily with a dog toothpaste . It’s a good idea to start when they’re a puppy, so they get used to the experience. Get a pro cleaning at your vet once a year. Ear care: Check your Dogo’s ears when brushing their fur, as moisture and debris can build up and cause an infection . Signs to look out for include redness, swelling, debris, or a bad odor. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet, who may advise you to regularly clean your dog’s ears . Nail care: Make sure you pay attention to your dog’s nails—if you hear them clacking on hard surfaces, it’s time for a trim .

When you’re training a Dogo Argentino, you can’t just wing it—these strong, intelligent dogs need a confident pet parent who can show them the ropes, and it requires a consistent commitment. Start training and socializing your pup as soon as possible (if you bring home a Dogo Argentino puppy, that’s great, but if you adopt them when they’re older, you can still do it then). Always use positive reinforcement —praise, special treats , and toys—to teach your pup how to be on their very best behavior. As you socialize your dog, calmly introduce them to the great big world—try car rides and neighborhood walks that safely expose them to new sounds and smells. They’ll love the exciting adventure of it all, and it’ll teach them that the world can be a lovely place. A Dogo Argentino might not always be up for a crowded party or lots of guests, and who can blame them? Focus on creating calming, positive moments with people, and don’t rush the process. It’s OK (and expected) if it takes time for your dog to warm up to everyone. Leash training and coming when called are important skills to learn early on, especially if you live in a city with a lot of stimulation and distractions, like squirrels and sirens—these can be sensory overload for an excited Dogo. If your 90-pound pup decides to chase a squirrel, it’s important that you have a good grasp and know how to corral them back to their calm self. A certified dog trainer is never a bad idea, provided that they use positive reinforcement—your pup will probably enjoy their special training sessions. If you need assistance in any aspect of training, seek out a certified professional dog trainer in your area who specializes in positive reinforcement methods.

There’s no one-size-fits-all optimal nutrition plan for your Dogo Argentino, but every pup needs a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards . Also choose a formula that’s made for your dog’s life stage ( puppy , adult , or senior ), and consider a large-breed diet, especially for Dogo Argentino puppies . You may also want to feed them a high-protein diet—your vet can help you decide. Dogos can sometimes develop food allergies , which can manifest in red or itchy skin and/or ears, so keep an eye out for scratching or signs of discomfort. If your dog has an allergy, you vet can advise you on how to change their diet to a novel protein or a hypoallergenic formula . Don’t forget to calculate treats into your pup’s daily meal plan—you’ll be using them a lot for training. Treats should never be more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

This active pup has stamina, agility, and speed for days, so a slow 15-minute walk will never be enough. For that matter, three slow walks aren’t enough—these sporty dogs need at least an hour of intense exercise and activity every day. Hiking , running , or long games of fetch with a ball or flying disc are great options. They’ll love it if you surprise them with fun bonus activities every week, like a surprise swim at the lake . Don’t forget about the mental stimulation, too. A bored Dogo is a grumpy Dogo who could compensate in ways that you (and your shoes ) won’t appreciate. Using interactive feeding toys or teaching your Dogo to find treats you’ve hidden around your home is a good way to keep them busy and engaged. Dogo Argentinos also love dog sports like agility trials , and you can also get them involved with scent work .

This dog needs a large home with a big fenced-in yard and space to roam. They’re not homebodies, and they’ll expect you to go out and about with them. But that doesn’t mean they’re not family dogs —they are, and they’ll love spending time with you indoors, too. They just really need to stretch their legs and expend lots of energy each and every day. These loyal, smart dogs are kid-friendly when properly socialized and trained. Just make sure your kids know how to respectfully play with a Dogo , too. And because of their size, your pup should always be supervised around small kids and babies.