Embedded Files
The extinct "Perro de pelea cordobés", a strong dog
History of the Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino originates from the province of Córdoba in the Republic of Argentina. The founder of the breed was Dr. Antonio Nores Martínez, a physician from a long-established local family. His great passion for dogs led him, in 1928, to develop the vision of creating a new national breed — the Argentine Dog.
Dr. Nores Martínez began his work through systematic crossbreeding of several established dog breeds with the “Old Fighting Dog of Córdoba”, a very powerful and strong dog. However, this dog possessed an unstable temperament and lacked genetic consistency. It itself originated from crossings between breeds such as the Mastiff, Bulldog, and Bull Terrier. At that time, these dogs were widely known and unfortunately popular among enthusiasts of dog fighting.
Through strict selection, careful breeding decisions, and consistent temperament evaluation, Dr. Nores Martínez succeeded after several generations in establishing the first stable breeding family of Dogo Argentinos with reliably inheritable characteristics.
Although the breed was initially regarded by many as a fighting dog, Dr. Nores Martínez — an enthusiastic hunter — primarily used his dogs for big game hunting. During these hunts, the dogs demonstrated exceptional abilities when working courageous and dangerous game.
Very quickly, the Dogo Argentino became an indispensable and central partner in Argentine big game hunting, proving itself as a versatile, brave, and highly capable working dog.
Development and International Recognition
Over the years, the Dogo Argentino underwent further functional development, evolving into a versatile and noble companion dog as well as a loyal and incorruptible protector of its owner.
Its strength, perseverance, exceptional scenting ability, and remarkable courage proved unmatched among pack hunting dogs used for pursuing wild boar, peccary, puma, and other predators that inhabited the vast and diverse regions of Argentina and posed threats to livestock and agriculture.
The breed’s harmonious balance and outstanding, athletic musculature enable the Dogo Argentino to cover long distances under varying climatic conditions and to withstand demanding confrontations with powerful game animals during the hunt.
On May 21, 1964, the breed was officially recognized by the Argentine Cynological Association, after which it was entered into the stud registers of the Sociedad Rural Argentina.
Later, on July 31, 1973, thanks to the passionate dedication and tireless efforts of Dr. Agustín Nores Martínez, brother of the breed’s founder who continued his work, the Dogo Argentino was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) as the first native Argentine dog breed.
The "Perro de pelea cordobés" in the side profile
Link to the FCI Breed Standard of the Dogo Argentino: English
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse