Dogs are man’s best friend across the globe. Coming in all shapes, sizes, colors, and temperaments – each piece of the world boasts unique dog breeds. In honor of Argentina winning the World Cup, let’s explore their most iconic breed: the Dogo Argentino.

The name is pretty on the nose – the dog of Argentina. This large, muscular breed can appear quite intimidating at first glance growing to be between 80-100lbs. With a square head, strong jaws, and impressive physique, they have all the outward makings of a great guard dog. In actuality, the Dogo Argentino was bred to hunt.

Descending from the now-extinct line of Cordoba Fighting Dogs, the Dogo Argentino is bred to hunt large game including wild boar. Think of them as a close relative to the Catahoula Leopard Dogs that originated in Louisiana for the same purpose. Despite their relation to dogs bred for fighting, that aggressive instinct was intentionally bred out of the Dogo Argentino so that they could happily work alongside humans and other canines in the hunt field.

Due to their strength, the Dogo Argentino requires an experienced dog owner. Early socialization and basic obedience training will provide a solid foundation for this breed to excel. Continued training and firm guidance will keep this strong-willed breed focused and aligned. A strong prey drive (remember they are used for hunting) means that a well-fenced-in yard is a must to keep these dogs safe. Like many hunting/working breeds, their nose and instinct to chase prey mean they are quite adept at getting out of enclosures.

Similarly, these dogs are active and require a bit of exercise. Owners of this breed can expect to take long walks and/or extended play sessions. When trained properly, the Dogo Argentino makes a fantastic family dog. They are fiercely loyal and generally good-natured. Because of their size and strength, it is recommended that families with young children remain vigilant when they interact with the dog.

When it comes to health, the Dogo Argentino is known to have few genetic health concerns. Like other large breeds, they can be susceptible to hip dysplasia and skin allergies. Working with a responsible breeder can help limit health risks and provides the best possible chance of adopting a healthy dog.

Dogo Argentinos do not require any special grooming practices. The occasional bath and regular brushing are likely to be enough to keep their short-haired coat looking its best. Of course, because this breed is all-white, they may get dirty faster than other breeds. Again, a quick rinse should do the trick when this happens.

Overall, the Dogo Argentino is a strong, proud representation of the country they derive from. While not appropriate for novice owners, this breed is a loyal family companion with plenty of affection to offer.