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DOGO ARGENTINO |
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Distinguished as the only dog developed in Argentina, the Dogo Argentine was created in the 1920s, through the strategem of Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez. A dog lover and avid hunter, Martinez sought a tough guardian: a hunter who was a worthy opponent for wild boar, puma and jaguar. Nevertheless, he also desired a trustworthy family dog. Dr. Martinez believed, "A dog which attacks an intruder and then, at the first threat of injury, abandons its prisoner is worth nothing as a guardian." The Old Fighting
Dog of Cordoba, Spain, was the root stock of the recipe for the Dogo.
The general type of the Cordoba was large, white and ferocious, with tremendous
variation in appearance. These dogs were only interested in one thing—lighting;
they were said to be so vicious, a male would attack bitches during the
mating ritual! The Cordoba stemmed from Spanish Mastiff, Bull Terrier,
old Bulldog of England and early Boxer.
The Cordoba's
original mixture started the recipe for Martinez's "Super Dog"
with plenty of spice and hot pepper. The Spanish Mastiff donated power,
with the Bulldog contributing chest capacity, stoicism and tenacity. The
Boxer's influence gave quiet confidence and trainability. Martinez blended
the Cordoba Dogs with the
harlequin Great Dane for height and the Great Pyrenees to maintain the
bulk and color. The Pyrenees also introduced hardiness in extreme weather.
To heighten the hunting instinct, the English Pointer brought his fine
nose and air-scenting ability, and the Irish Wolfhound added a dash of
speed. Later crosses to the Dogue de Bordeaux intensified courage, along
with body and jaw strength.
Over the next
three decades, Martinez demonstrated the Dogo's versatility through
its use as a sled dog and dog guide for the blind, as well as a great
hunter and guardian. When Antonio Martinez died in 1956, his brother,
Agustin, continued promoting and preserving the breed. His post as Ambassador
enabled him to introduce the Dogo to other countries and to present
these dogs as gifts to those in high positions.
Despite setbacks
during political upheavals, the Dogo has achieved the recognition of
the Argentina Kennel Club. The breed still hunts big game and guards
homes. Argentinian hunts are held in strict silence—by both dogs and
hunters. Dogos hunt in packs, ready to attack the tough big game. They
are true dogs of heart, showing no hesitancy, The hunters value these
dogs, caring for them first after a hunt, as a rider does for a horse.
The breed is well known throughout
Europe, especially Germany, and was granted recognition by FCI in 1960.
There is an active club in the United States where Dogo owners are encouraging
their use as home protector, family dog, and in police or guide work.
The Dogo
is loving to children and is a tireless playmate. The breed's stamina
and longevity are remarkable, with some dogs still hunting at 16 years
of age. In a home situation, if Dogos can't hunt pumas, they'll settle
for mice. Their scenting ability was demonstrated by the bitch who
picked her own pups out of the wet nurse's Utter following her hospitalization.
Extremely loyal, they are excellent guard dogs, requiring dominant
masters.
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