The Dogo Argentino is a breed that is slowly growing in popularity so you should expect the cost to be on the more expensive side.
This dog requires not only experienced owners but also those who are ready for the financial obligation that comes along with having this special breed.
As mentioned, the Dogo Argentino price is on the higher end of the spectrum, and that’s not counting the expenses that come with caring for them and giving them the best life possible.
This article will guide you with what you need to expect financially before bringing a Dogo Argentino into your life.
The Average Cost of a Dogo Argentino Puppy
If you are buying from a trusted breeder, you can expect the price of a purebred Dogo Argentino puppy to range from $1,500 to $3,500. This cost is expected to rise exponentially if your pup comes from a champion bloodline, going up to around $5,000 or even more.
The relatively higher Dogo Argentino price might stem from the fact that reputable breeders are not as easy to find.
Also known as the Argentinian Mastiff, the dog breed was only officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2019.
While the number of registered Dogo Argentino litters has been growing since then, experienced breeders are still rather few and far between.
The hefty price tag on Dogo Argentino pups may be intimidating at first, but it’s a good assurance that you are getting a healthy Dogo puppy that will grow into a strong companion.
Good breeders are very selective of a litter’s sire and dam, so you know that the Dogo puppy you are getting has all the potential to be the best of its breed.
If you want to know more about the cost of getting a Dogo Argentino, take a look at this video:
BUYING DOGO ARGENTINO DOGS | HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND?<a href="https://youtu.be/b-lcXSiN-7M" 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%2Fb-lcXSiN-7M%2F0.jpg" alt="BUYING DOGO ARGENTINO DOGS | HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND?" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Dogo Argentino Puppy
There are many reasons why some Dogo Argentino puppies are more expensive than others.
Where you buy your dog, how old they are, their bloodline, the breeder’s reputation — these all affect the Dogo Argentino price in one way or another.
Listed here are some of the factors that impact the average price of a Dogo Argentino puppy:
Age: Puppies tend to cost more than adult dogs, and this is true for the Argentine Dogo. There is a certain joy that comes with raising a dog from an early age and seeing it progress through its life stages. However, buying an adult dog is easier on the pocket and promises a different kind of adventure with your older pet.
Breeder’s Reputation: Reputable breeders charge more because they can guarantee the best dogs in terms of appearance, health, and temperament. Purchasing a pooch from a puppy mill or a backyard breeder might be cheaper initially, but in the long run it could even end up costing you more on medical bills. This is because puppy mills breed puppies in poor conditions, and most backyard breeders are inexperienced.
Pedigree: Dogo puppies from champion lines are understandably more costly and sometimes double, even triple the average price. If you plan on joining dog shows, they are a worthy investment. Otherwise, you don’t have to splurge on a champion pup.
Vaccinations and Microchipping: Some Dogo Argentino puppies cost more because they received their full series of vaccinations and have been regularly dewormed and given the appropriate health tests by a licensed veterinarian. Some even come microchipped. This is worth the extra cost because you have less to worry about when you bring home your Dogo puppy.
Health Issues: Many Dogo Argentinos are prone to deafness, and some puppies are born deaf either in one or both ears. These Dogos typically cost less out of the litter because they do not meet breed standards and are difficult to train. However, they may also end up costing you more in the long run due to the need for specialized training and more veterinary visits.
Availability: Dogo Argentinos are still pretty rare, and finding purebred puppies is still dependent on whether there are litters available or not. Obviously, if there are fewer available puppies in your area, you can expect their price to be higher.
Spaying or Neutering: Dogs that have been spayed or neutered are much less expensive than those who still have the ability to breed, especially the ones who have proven that they can produce great litters. If you have no plans on breeding in the future, a spayed or neutered dog might be a good option.
Based on the list above, there are many factors that affect the price of a Dogo Argentino.
You can expect the cost of this breed to vary across the board, and how much you’ll pay will be highly dependent on your own unique needs and preferences.
Apart from what is listed above, your dog’s gender and the location of your breeder could also impact the price of your Dogo Argentino.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Dogo Argentino From a Rescue?
Another great way to bring a Dogo Argentino into your family is to adopt one from rescues or animal shelters.
Whether you adopt a male Dogo Argentino or a female one, you’ll be able to save a lot of money.
This also comes with the benefit of being able to give a dog a new chance at life. The adoption fee for Dogo Argentino is around $150 to $700.
Sadly, many Dogo Argentinos are put up for adoption by owners who were unprepared to handle the demands of raising this dog breed.
Others have been rescued from the horrible conditions in puppy mills. Because of this, it’s relatively easy to find an Argentine Dogo in shelters and rescues.
Rescues are familiar with the breed’s needs and can attend to most of their health care concerns.
However, because some rescued Dogo Argentinos come from traumatic backgrounds, they may have some behavioral issues that require obedience classes or specialist training.
It’s an additional cost to consider when you decide to adopt a Dogo Argentino.
Initial Cost of Dogo Argentino Ownership
Most pet lovers already know that dogs are a serious commitment. There are many things to consider, aside from the Dogo Argentino price at purchase.
As descendants of the Cordoba fighting dog, the Dogo Argentino needs a lot of space, exercise, and food to thrive.
They are not naturally aggressive dogs, but they will need a lot of training and socialization at an early age. You should keep this in mind when you figure out your initial budget.
Here’s a list of the initial expenses you’ll incur with a Dogo Argentino:
Food and Treats: It’s important to feed your dog high-quality dog food, and as an athletic breed, your Dogo Argentino will need a lot of it. You will also need delicious dog treats on hand as you engage your pup in obedience or potty training. Expect to spend around $100 to $120 on your dog’s food and treats.
Food and Water Bowls: Of course, you’ll need the right vessel with which to feed your pet. To save up in the long run, it’s good to invest in sturdy feeding bowls that will last a long time. These can set you back about $15 to $35.
Bed: As hunting dogs who engage in a lot of physical activity, your Dogo Argentino will benefit best from a comfortable bed. As with the other things on this list, you’ll want to invest in quality items to ensure their longevity. A good dog bed can cost between $50 and $200.
Crate: Whether you plan on letting your pooch roam free or restricting it to certain areas, having a crate is essential. For strong, large dogs like the Dogo Argentino, your chosen crate must be sturdy and secure. This will cost you anywhere from $50 to $200 depending on the brand.
Leashes and Collars: Here’s another essential for dog owners. If you’re getting a Dogo Argentino, it’s important to have a leash and collar made to withstand the power of such a physically strong dog breed. You can get a quality leash, collar, or Dogo Argentino harness for $15 to $50.
Toys: The right toys can make a world of difference in your dog’s behavior, mood, and sense of security. For Dogo Argentinos, you’ll want to get chew toys that can withstand their mighty bite and games that stimulate their brains. These will cost you about $30 to $50.
Grooming Essentials: The smooth white coat of the Dogo Argentino doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. When it comes to grooming, you’ll only have to spend on nail trimming, cleaning their ears and teeth, and bathing every so often. Depending on your grooming preferences, this could cost you about $40 to $180.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: These procedures are critical in ensuring the health and wellness of your puppy. If your breeder has not yet done these before releasing the pup to you, expect to spend about $50 to $200 on this.
Initial Vet Visits: Dogo puppies require a close eye on their health, and consulting with the vet in their early days with you is key to a long, healthy life. Your first few vet bills may total to around $100 to $300, depending on the veterinarian, their location, and the health concerns that come up during your visit.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Having complete vaccinations is a non-negotiable when you have a dog. If the breeder or rescue shelter hasn’t covered the shots of their Dogo Argentino dogs, it will cost around $75 to $200.
Neutering or Spaying: Spaying or neutering is a responsible move to avoid reproductive diseases and unexpected dog pregnancies. This minor surgical procedure can cost anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on your dog’s age, breed, and weight.
Dog License: Just in case your Dogo Argentino gets lost or stolen, getting him a license can make him easier to locate. This will cost about $10 to $20.
Microchip: Another way to safeguard your dog is to have him or her microchipped by a licensed vet. When scanned, microchips contain all the relevant information people need to know about your dog. This will cost $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: As you go through daily life with your dog, you’ll see the need for other items: poop bags, pee spray, training clickers, and more. These additional expenses might set you back about $15 to $30.
Here’s a checklist of all your initial expenses for your Dogo Argentino puppy:
It’s ideal to already have all the basics on hand before you even bring your pooch home. Spending anywhere from $650 to $2,445 on the items Dogo Argentinos need might be daunting.
If you think about it though, these items are investments that you can benefit from for months, even years afterward.
If you want to cut a few corners, you can try sourcing some of the items above from friends, family, or even the breeder or rescue where you got your dog.
You can also do some extra research and read up on brands that are affordable but don’t sacrifice quality.
Annual Cost of Owning a Dogo Argentino
Apart from the initial costs in your dog’s early years, you should also prepare for the recurring yearly expenses that come with caring for an adult Dogo Argentino — from dog food to vet bills and everything in between.
Here is a summary of the estimated annual cost of owning a Dogo Argentino:
You might notice that a bulk of the expense comes from food, which isn’t surprising. After all, the Dogo Argentino is a highly active hunting dog and has a big, muscular frame.
Another big splurge is pet insurance, but it should be worth every penny as it saves you from worrying about costs should your dog ever need emergency care or life-saving medical procedures.
Regular vet check-ups are another necessary expense if you want to keep your dog in perfect health and be able to detect any serious conditions as early as possible.
Of course, the expenses listed here are just estimates, and how much (or how little) you spend on your Dogo Argentino is ultimately up to you.
Other Potential Expenses
Now that you’ve considered all the basic expenses when it comes to caring for your dog, you must also prepare for certain situations that will demand additional costs. These will depend on your dog’s general health and your lifestyle.
Here are some potential expenses for your Dogo Argentino:
Pet Boarding: You never know when you’ll need to leave your pet for a considerable period. When this happens, it might be difficult to find someone to care for your Dogo Argentino, especially since they require experienced handlers. Checking them into a pet boarding facility with other dogs is the better option. This could cost you around $20 to $30 a day.
Training: Dogo Argentinos tend to be highly trainable and benefit best from a lot of mental stimulation. While it’s easy to teach your pet basic tricks, dogs of this breed could learn so much more if taught by professional trainers. Private sessions with trainers cost anywhere from $40 to $120 per hour.
Medical Emergencies: Even as you make every effort to avoid this, you’ll never know when your dog might need to undergo emergency medical procedures. This breed in particular is prone to hip dysplasia, allergies, and pigment-related deafness. The cost of treating this can be offset by the right pet insurance.
Kennel Club Registration: If you plan on entering your dog into shows or sporting events, you need to have them registered under the American Kennel Club. Registration at the AKC can cost $40 to $60.
Dog Shows: As mentioned earlier, Dogo Argentinos are very trainable, which means they have all the potential to do great in dog shows. Entry fees alone range from $35 to $30 per show, but you’ll also need to set aside a budget for handlers and travel costs.
Most of these expenses are not mandatory except for medical emergencies. If you’re on a tight budget, you can do away with them.
However, if you have some money to spare, they can certainly make life with your Dogo Argentino more convenient and more exciting.
Places to Find Dogo Argentino Puppies for Sale and Adoption
As a breed that is rising in popularity, it’s becoming easier and easier to find Dogo Argentino puppies for sale, though they are still relatively harder to find compared to other dog breeds.
To help you out on your search, here’s a list of reputable breeders that offer Dogo Argentino puppies for sale:
Nemesis Dogos – This kennel started in 2000 when the breeder acquired their original breeding stock straight from Argentina. Now they have several champion dogs in their lineage. The kennel is located on a small farm, so their dogs are raised in a good environment and learn to be around different kinds of animals and people.
Ol’ Glory Kennels – Based in Fort Worth, Texas, this experienced breeder has been in the business since 1999, and they specialize in large dog breeds such as Mastiffs, Shiba Inus, and of course, Dogo Argentinos.
Osito Blanca Kennels – If you are looking for puppies or dogs that already come with kennel club papers, you can check out this breeder. They have been breeding Dogo Argentino litters since 2016 and make sure that all their Dogo puppies pass the BAER hearing test recommended by vets for this breed.
De La Citra Dogo Argentino – This kennel in Citra, Florida has been breeding Dogos since 2015. As a reputable breeder, they make sure that their puppies pass all the health tests Dogo Argentinos need.
If you feel like adopting is a better fit for your needs, there are also a few rescues and animal shelters you can check out:
DC Dogos – Located in Tampa, Florida, this shelter focuses on saving Dogo Argentinos, which are often the first ones to be euthanized when kill shelters become crowded due to their need for space. This rescue has many Dogos of all sexes and ages, but because they love their dogs so much, they can be highly selective of adopters.
Big Bully Rescue – This rescue group based in Phoenix, Arizona focuses on saving bully breeds, which are often abused as fighting dogs. These include the Bulldog, Cane Corso, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Dogo Argentino. They may not always have Dogos up for adoption, so it’s best to check on their page regularly.
Rebel Souls Rescue – Also specializing in bully breeds, this rescue saves dogs from high-kill shelters and rehabilitates and socializes them before they are put up for adoption. Aside from Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers, they also occasionally have Dogo Argentinos.
Whether you’re buying or adopting, you should always get your dog from a reputable source.
If they show that they have good knowledge of Dogo Argentinos, pay attention to the breed’s specific needs, and show genuine enthusiasm and love for the breed, then you know you’ve found the right source.
Money-Saving Tips for Dogo Argentino Owners
While some costs are unavoidable when it comes to caring for Dogo Argentinos, there are many ways to save money.
By getting creative and spending when it matters, you can ease up on the total expenses for your Dogo Argentino.
Here are some useful tips that may help you save some money:
Buy from a reputable breeder. High-quality breeders always prioritize the health of their Dogo puppies so you’re less likely to spend on vet bills and obedience training in the future. On the other hand, puppy mills tend to produce sickly, traumatized puppies. Not to mention, it’s an inhumane practice that shouldn’t be supported.
Take charge of their training. You don’t need to be a professional to train your dog, especially if they’re as eager to please as Dogos. By doing your research and committing to practicing every day, you can teach these versatile dogs different commands and tricks easily. This will also create a stronger bond between you and your pet.
Learn to groom them. The Dogo Argentino requires minimal grooming anyway, but you can cut down on grooming costs further. You can easily trim their nails, clean their ears, and brush their teeth at home with the right grooming tools.
Feed them good quality food. A nutritionally-balanced diet can be the best prevention for many different diseases. High-quality dog food might cost more, but ultimately, it can prevent health problems in your dog and save you from high vet bills.
Make their toys. Dogs will always need toys, but it doesn’t mean you have to buy new ones regularly. With a little creativity, some research, and basic hardware items, you can design all kinds of toys to keep your dog entertained.
Splurge on the basics. It may seem counterintuitive to spend more in order to save. However, if you invest early on in good quality bowls, beds, leashes, and crates, they will last for years, and you won’t have to keep buying new ones.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you stay within budget as you care for your Dogo Argentino.
As you go along on your journey with your new family member, you may even figure out more ways to save money and ease up on your expenses as a pet owner.
Final Thoughts
The high cost of purebred Dogo Argentino puppies and the dizzying list of additional expenses are admittedly rather intimidating for those hoping to own this wonderful breed.
The good news is, being aware of these costs means you can prepare for them in advance.
By saving up ahead of time, choosing a healthy dog from a reputable breeder or rescue, and being wise about buying the basics, you don’t have to stress about the expenses of owning this dog.
Ultimately, being the proud owner of a Dogo Argentino is always worth it.
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