Pitbull mixes are true celebrities of the designer dog community and among them is the Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix!
The Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix or Dogo Pit is a hybrid dog produced from two contrasting purebreds.
Even though they have historical similarities, they still have physical and behavioral differences. However, this clash of traits only makes this mixed dog more interesting.
If you haven’t heard of this crossbreed before, this is an excellent opportunity to learn about the Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix. After reading this article, you might even want to own one yourself.
What Is a Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix?
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The Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix is a cross between a Dogo Argentino and a Pitbull, usually an American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier. This combination produces a solid and intimidating dog with a soft yet protective personality. Most Dogo Pits come in stunning all-white coats.
At first glance, you may think that this dog is an ordinary Pitbull because of its physical features, but when you look closely, you will notice the distinct appearance of a Dogo Pit mix.
This crossbreed also bears the contrasting personalities of a Dogo Argentino and Pitbull. Despite this polarized combination, Dogo Argentino Pitbull mixes are generally even-tempered, making them excellent pets.
Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix Origin and History
Unlike purebreds, tracing the history and origin of designer breeds is not an easy task. Unfortunately, there is no documentation of the first Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix dog.
However, we can still discuss the history of each parent breed to have a better glimpse of the Dogo Pit mix’s roots.
The Dogo Argentino breed was first developed in 1928 by a physician named Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez in Argentina.
As a dog lover and hunter in his pastime, he was determined to breed a dog capable of searching and hunting mountain animals.
By mixing the now extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog with different purebred dogs, Dr. Martinez was able to engineer the Dogo Argentino breed we know today.
Pitbulls, on the other hand, were first bred in England and eventually brought to the United States in the 1870s. The American Pit Bull Terrier, in particular, was developed to become a highly effective fighter.
Both Dogo Argentinos and Pitbulls share the same history as fighting dogs. From this information, we can assume that breeders wanted to combine the characteristics of the two breeds to create a stronger, more powerful dog.
At present, the Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix can only be registered in the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).
Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix Appearance
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The facial feature of a Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix is quite similar to a Pitbull.
This dog also has a box-shaped head, a square fleshy nose, small rosebud ears, and big almond-shaped eyes. It also inherited its parents’ muscular and stocky build.
The coat of a Dogo Pit is short and normally pure white in color. Others may have a small black spot on one ear or around the eye like a pirate’s eye patch.
However, its Pitbull genes may come in other solid colors and combinations such as fawn, brown, black and white, white and fawn, and other Pitbull coat colors.
The dog’s shoulders are broad, while the legs are muscular and longer than a typical Pitbull. The body is normally long and ends with a short, whip-like tail.
Overall, the Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix dog’s appearance suggests a strong and powerful stance. Its athletic physique can appear intimidating, which deeply contrasts its true disposition.
To take a closer look at the physical attributes of a Dogo Pit, check out the video below:
Pitbull Mix With Dogo Argentino<a href="https://youtu.be/nXRF-fES_IQ" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FnXRF-fES_IQ%2F0.jpg" alt="Pitbull Mix With Dogo Argentino" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix Size and Weight
Dogo Argentino Pitbull mixes are large dogs that weigh between 35 and 100 pounds and measure around 18 to 27 inches tall when fully grown. They typically reach their adult size and weight at approximately 18 to 19 months.
However, you should know that the Dogo Argentino is a slow-maturing breed. If this breed’s genes are inherited by a Dogo Pit puppy, you can expect it to become fully grown at three years old.
A large designer dog like the Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix won’t suit a small apartment. They may become lethargic and be prone to gain weight if raised in a cramped place that doesn’t encourage movement.
Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix Temperament and Personality
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A Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix is a perfect blend of the Dogo Argentino’s natural protectiveness and the Pitbull’s loving temperament. These combined characteristics make this hybrid the perfect guard dog and family companion.
This dog is known to be very tolerant of children. However, because of their high prey drive, they may not be the perfect choice for households with young kids. Supervision during playtime is highly recommended.
Owning a Dogo Pit is also not for the faint-hearted. This mixed breed needs a firm owner who can assume a pack leader’s role.
When handled by a novice owner, this dog will show stubbornness and will most likely dismiss your authority.
In the presence of strangers, Dogo Argentino Pitbull mixes are usually reserved and may grow wary when they sense danger. They may emit a loud bark to warn their owners of potential intruders.
If raised correctly, they will grow to be well-behaved and well-balanced pets that can bring joy to the family.
Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The good news for aspiring owners is that Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix dogs are generally healthy. Their life expectancy is between 8 and 15 years.
However, there are certain genetically linked health issues that they may inherit from their parent breeds.
Some of the most common health problems for Dogo Argentino Pitbulls are listed below:
Hip Dysplasia: Being a large dog, the Dogo Pit is vulnerable to developing hip dysplasia. This pertains to the underdevelopment of the hip’s ball-and-socket joint. In an attempt to stabilize the loose hip joint, the condition progresses to degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis (OA).
Autoimmune Thyroiditis: This is a type of thyroid disease that eventually results in hypothyroidism in dogs. Autoimmune thyroiditis is characterized by diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages in the thyroid gland.
Skin Issues: Because of their short hair, Dogo Pits are predisposed to several skin problems due to allergies. Atopic allergies caused by dust, molds, pollens, and dust mites often result in redness and itching of the skin. Skin irritation can also be observed on the belly, feet, skin folds, and ears.
Deafness: Loss of hearing in Dogo Argentino Pitbull mixes is usually congenital or caused by an ear trauma. This can be detected by observing your dog’s response to sound. Excessive barking, unusual voice, hyperactivity, and confusion are often manifested by deaf dogs.
When buying a Dogo Pit puppy, it’s crucial to choose a responsible breeder that conducts genetic health tests, especially one that performs brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing to evaluate hearing.
How to Take Care of Your Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix
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Before getting a Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix, you must know how to meet their everyday needs.
From puppyhood until adulthood, this dog will rely on you for food, shelter, grooming, and other basic necessities.
If you think you are ready for such responsibilities, let me help you out by sharing this in-depth guide on how to take care of a Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix.
Food and Diet
A large hybrid dog like a Dogo Pit requires a protein-rich diet balanced with essential fats and carbohydrates. You should also consult your vet for high-quality dog food recommendations.
In general, this breed needs food that promotes good eyesight, supports bone and muscle growth, and boosts skin health.
In terms of feeding schedule and food intake, your Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix should be fed at the same time every day and given two to three servings of dog food per day.
As puppies, they can be fed more frequently but in smaller proportions. To prevent the onset of bone problems, you should monitor their weight and refrain from giving extra treats.
Cleaning and Grooming
As short-haired dogs, Dogo Argentino Pitbull mixes are considered low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Since they only shed minimally throughout the year, only weekly brushing is required.
Dogo Pits typically have an all-white coat which means it’s more prone to getting dirty.
If your dog has been outside all day, you shouldn’t hesitate to bathe them. However, you should know that frequent bathing can lead to loss of essential oils and skin irritation, so do it in moderation.
Make sure to wash in between their ears to prevent infections. Since they are prone to skin diseases, use only vet-approved shampoo when washing their coats.
Every two to three months, you should also trim your dog’s nails using a sharp nail trimmer. During the week, brush their teeth or give them dental chews.
Training and Exercise
Dogo Argentino Pitbull mixes require a confident owner that can train them from a young age. Despite being intelligent dogs, they can be quite stubborn when handled loosely.
They require early socialization, especially with other pets in the house. They may view cats and other small animals as prey objects and attempt to chase them.
Through positive reinforcement methods, they can learn basic obedience and be given effective crate and potty training.
As for exercise, Dogo Pits need around 45 to 60 minutes of physical activity a day. They may get pleasure from being jogging or biking partners. Intense cardio training can also be introduced to promote muscle development.
You can check out our guide on how to make your Pitbull more muscular and apply some of the methods to your Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix.
How Much Does a Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The price of a Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix puppy ranges between $2,000 and $4,000. The expensive price tag is due to the Dogo Argentino parent breed, which falls under the expensive price range.
The parent breeds’ bloodline, the rarity of colors, special markings, and the breeder’s reputation also affect the final pricing for these dogs.
If you prefer a cheaper option, you can go to your local rescue or shelter and adopt a Dogo Pit puppy. Adoption fees usually range from $50 to $350.
The table below summarizes the initial expenses of a Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix:
Knowing the estimated initial cost of owning a Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix can help you prepare your budget accordingly.
Of course, you also need to take into account the monthly, yearly, and lifetime expenses of raising this dog.
You may also want to check out our articles, such as the Dogo Argentino price guide and Pitbull expenses, to get an idea and help you set your finances.
Places to Find Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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Your first priority when getting a Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix is finding a reputable breeder to buy a puppy from.
A responsible designer dog breeder can reassure you that their puppies are healthy and well-tempered.
The following breeders may offer Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix puppies for sale:
Lancaster Puppies – This online pet database lists purebred and mixed breed dogs for sale across the country, including Dogo Pit mixes. Its website allows users to filter search results based on breed, gender, size, and location.
PuppyFinder – This directory service offers Dogo Pit puppies from time to time. They use an advanced breed selector and various filters to ensure you land your desired puppy. Moreover, they also have useful resources on their website if you’re new to dog ownership.
Greenfield Puppies – This advertising website offers top-quality Pitties and Dogo mixes such as Dogo Argentino Pitbull mixes. All of the Dogo Argentino Pitbull mixes posted by breeders on this site are bred as companions and guard dogs. Some are even trained to become service and therapy dogs.
Aside from the breeders mentioned above, you may also want to contact purebred Pitbull and Dogo Argentino breeders to see if they produce this mix.
Meanwhile, if you want to save a dog’s life and at the same time save money, connect to different rescues to see if they have a Dogo Pit. Check out our ultimate dog adoption guide for some tips!
Once you’re ready to adopt, you can choose one from the following Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix rescue organizations for your convenience:
DC Dogos – This is a non-profit organization dedicated to rehoming purebred Dogo Argentino dogs and mixes. Before putting their rescued dogs up for adoption, they make sure to rehabilitate them by providing proper nutrition, training, and veterinary/behavior care.
Biggies Bullies – This foster-based Pitbull rescue deals with abandoned and surrendered Pitbull breeds and mixes. Since being founded in 2011, they have also been dedicated to educating the public about responsible dog ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering.
Adopt a Pit Rescue, Inc. – As the largest Pitbull rescue in Miami Valley, you will surely find the perfect Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix for you. Since 2013, this rescue has been able to successfully rehabilitate and rehome over 2,600 dogs.
If you are unsuccessful in your quest to adopt a Dogo Pit from these rescues, you can try applying to any of the rescues listed in our Pitbull rescue article. You can also check out our guide on finding free puppies for more options.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix
There are some advantages and disadvantages to crossing two purebred dogs together. This is why some people are skeptical about owning a Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix.
To make it fair to you and other future Dogo Pit owners, I’ve listed some of the known pros and cons of having this designer breed.
Some of the advantages of owning a Dogo Argentino crossed with a Pitbull are listed below:
You will own a dog with a unique appearance. When you combine a Dogo Argentino and Pitbull, you get a dog with unique physical traits. Even though these two breeds are similar in build, you will notice that their mix is a bit taller and with longer muzzles.
Dogo Pits have improved temperaments. Due to their mixed heritage, the behavior of Dogo Pit is a perfect balance of playfulness and assertiveness. The Dogo Argentino’s dominant personality is counterbalanced by the Pitbull’s gentle and affectionate personality.
They are less susceptible to congenital diseases. A designer dog like the Dogo Pit is less vulnerable to inherited diseases, given that their parents don’t carry the genes for such conditions. This can be achieved through a selective breeding process.
You should also take note of the following disadvantages of owning a Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix:
You can’t predict your dog’s adult size. Even though its parent breeds are both large dogs, it’s hard to predict the full-grown size of a Dogo Pit. Aside from genetics, other factors such as diet, environment, and existing health issues affect their size and weight.
There’s a possibility for high-risk delivery. If the Pitbull breed is the dam, there’s a risk of unsafe delivery. In such cases, a C-section must be performed by the vet to keep the mother and puppies safe. Most dogs recover quickly after this procedure.
This designer breed is expensive. As you have read, a Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix puppy is not a cheap purchase. Their expensive price tag results from the selective breeding practices and medical expenses shouldered by the breeders.
Evaluating the pros and cons of owning a Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix is an important step you mustn’t skip. This will be your basis for whether or not this designer breed is worth having as a pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mixes Dangerous?
No, Dogo Argentino Pitbull mixes are not dangerous dogs. Despite their parents’ reputation, this mixed breed poses no threat to its owners and other people. It also doesn’t have locking jaws, unlike what most people claim.
Dogo Argentino Pitbull mixes are not aggressive dogs, contrary to how other people assume them to be. In fact, they are quite friendly and loving dogs.
Do Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mixes Shed a Lot?
Dogo Argentino Pitbull mixes are low-shedding dogs due to their short coats. They will still shed a fair amount of fur, but it won’t be as noticeable as long-haired breeds.
This means you won’t have to worry about removing fur from the couch and bedsheets frequently.
Is an Argentine Dogo a Pitbull?
No, a Dogo Argentino is a separate dog breed originating from Argentina. It was developed in 1928 but was recognized by the AKC in 2020.
Pitbull breeds, which include the American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bulldog, are entirely different dogs from Dogo Argentinos.
Are Dogo Argentinos Bigger Than Pitbulls?
Yes, Dogo Argentinos are larger and more imposing than Pitbulls. They stand at 24 to 27 inches tall and weigh around 85 to 100 pounds. Meanwhile, Pitbulls are around 18 to 21 inches tall and weigh between 35 and 65 pounds.
Final Thoughts: Is a Dogo Pit the Right Dog for You?
The Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix is probably a lesser-known Pitbull mix, but it’s definitely not an underdog. This designer breed has many positive traits that dog lovers will surely admire.
As a family pet, the Dogo Pit is a sweet, loyal, and protective companion. This dog suits owners with older children and no small pets like cats or birds. Nevertheless, they can adapt to such environments when properly trained.
The best traits of the Dogo Argentino Pitbull become evident when handled by a firm and experienced dog owner, so it’s best to take this into consideration before getting one.
Do you think you got what it takes to own a Dogo Argentino Pit mix? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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