One marvels at the passion, and dedication put into some Dog Breeds.
The Dogo Argentino is one of my favorite Dog Breeds.
A larger American Pit Bull Terrier, somewhat similar to the American Bull Dog Scott Type, somewhat similar to the Bully Kuta, yet unique, a stand out Breed.
The creation of the Dogo Argentino Dog breed is documented through historical writings and speeches by its founder, Dr. Antonio Nores Martínez (and later expanded by his brother, Dr. Agustín Nores Martínez).
The defining historical text that laid out the vision and creation of the Dogo Argentino is Dr. Antonio Nores Martínez’s famous 1947 manifesto and address, published in Diana magazine.
“El Dogo Argentino”
By Dr. Antonio Nores Martínez (1947)
(English Translation)
Brief Historical Review
Starting with a base twenty-five years ago, I set out to create a breed that conserved the traits of courage, tenacity, and adaptability, a general utility gripping dog (perro de presa), a guardian, and an animal for the eradication of wild predators; that is to say, a faithful companion in our time, whether in the city or in the countryside.
The foundation of our breeding program was the Old Cordoba Fighting Dog (Perro de Pelea Cordobés).
These were dogs of extraordinary courage and strength, but they lacked olfactory capacity, speed, height, and above all, a social nature, they were inclined to fight amongst themselves to the death, making them completely useless for pack hunting or living within a family environment.
To obtain greater size and stature without losing their inherent courage, and at the same time to instil a true hunting instinct, I made a series of methodical crossbreeds.
I selected stud dogs and mothers from purebred Bulldogs, Great Danes, Pyrenean Mastiffs, Bull Terriers, Boxers, Irish Wolfhounds, Dogue de Bordeaux, Pointer, and English Mastiffs, always keeping the courage of the Old Fighting Dog as my base and guide.
Selecting from generation to generation across distinct family lines, we fixed the somatic and psychological traits we were seeking, ruthlessly eliminating any individuals that did not respond satisfactorily in field trials and trials of courage.
Through this process, we achieved the definitive establishment of the Dogo Argentino.
Biological and Morphological Principles
With the dog, as with all living creatures, physical structure and behavior are the direct result of adaptation to the environment.
Morphological makeup reflects functional capability:
It is a fundamental law of biology that function creates the organ.
The Head and Jaws:
The profile of the Dogo Argentino is convex concave.
The cranial vault is convex, while the muzzle is slightly concave upwards, similar to the wolf, the puma, and other natural carnivores.
For a true gripping dog, the ideal ratio between the length of the skull and the length of the muzzle is equal (50/50). This balance provides maximum leverage for the bite without sacrificing respiratory volume.
Respiration and Stamina:
During heavy physical exertion, a dog must combat hyperthermia caused by the rapid consumption of glycogen in the muscles. Dogs regulate their body temperature almost exclusively by exhaling water vapor through their lungs and mouth. A gripping dog must be able to breathe and pant efficiently while holding game; tight, dry lips and broad nostrils are critical so that the animal does not suffocate while doing its work.
The White Coat: The complete white coat was intentionally selected for practical field utility. In the dense brush and thickets of the Argentine countryside (el monte), a pure white dog is easily distinguishable from wild game such as the wild boar or puma, preventing the hunter from accidentally shooting the dog in the heat of the hunt.
The Ideal Character
The true Dogo Argentino must be:
A Fearless Hunter: Capable of tracking, confronting, and holding big game (such as the wild boar and puma) in direct combat.
A Loyal Guardian: Completely tractable, gentle, and safe around its human family and domestic livestock.
A Social Pack Animal: Free from the instinct to fight other dogs in its pack, allowing multiple Dogos to work together in the field seamlessly.
”The Dogo Argentino is a dog that should never be aggressive toward humans, but must never show fear when called upon to defend its home or face the wild beasts of our forests.”
Summary of the 10 Foundation Breeds Used
Cordoba Fighting Dog: Base for courage, tenacity, and raw power.
Pointer: For keen scenting ability, high drive, and ground coverage.
Boxer: For agility, intelligence, and a tractable temperament.
Great Dane: For tall stature, reach, and overall size.
Bull Terrier: For stamina, fearlessness, and tenacity.
Bulldog: For broad chest and strong jaw structure.
Irish Wolfhound: For speed, instinct for hunting large game, and height.
Dogue de Bordeaux: For powerful jaw leverage and muscular shoulders.
Pyrenean Mastiff: For strong bone structure, resilience to harsh weather, and white coat color.
Spanish Mastiff: For size, powerful frame, and endurance.
The Closing Address
By Dr. Agustín Nores Martínez
(English Translation)
”To understand the Dogo Argentino, one must understand that he was not created for the arena, nor for the gratification of low human instincts in staged fights.
He was forged in the vastness of our plains and forests to perform a noble, useful, and dangerous duty: to face the wild boar and the puma in direct, single-handed combat, protecting our livestock and rural homesteads.
When brought into the field, he does not bark on track, nor does he waste energy in vain display.
He hunts silently, following the wind, until he comes face to face with his prey. There, his ancestral courage takes over.
He grips without hesitation, holding the beast firmly until the hunter arrives to complete the harvest with a knife, preserving the meat without polluting the countryside with unnecessary gunfire.
In the home, he is an entirely different creature: gentle with children, patient with guests, fiercely loyal to his master, and completely tractable within the family fold.
He carries no innate malice toward man.
A Dogo that bites a human without direct, grave provocation is an aberration, a departure from the breed standard, and must not be allowed to reproduce.
We have given Argentina a breed that is entirely our own, a dog of magnificent physical power, unmatched courage, immaculate white beauty, and a steady, noble heart.
He is the ultimate hunter of big game and the most faithful guardian a family could ask for.
I have finished.
Photo Credit:Jackals old Country Blood.
Dr Augustin Nores Martinez (1 of the creators of the Dogo Argentino) with 2 of his Harlequin Great Dane’s that he used in his Dogo program.