Guess what’s better than a Dogo Argentino or a Pitbull? The Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix!
This dog has such an amazing combination of characteristics from both parents. This is not your typical designer dog (read: Labradoodle); this dog has much more innate guarding and family-loving traits.
Not undermining the value of other designer dogs, but personally, this one hits the spot when it comes to the wonderful well-balanced personality of this kind of dog.
Its sleek physique from the Dogo Argentino parent and the muscular build of the Pitbull parent give this dog a wonderful physical balance.
I must tell you that – coincidence or not (you’ll find out later), this mixed-breed dog is a very good dog, even for first-time pet owners.
Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix Overview
Let’s have a short overview of what can you approximately expect from this beautiful Dogo Pit. When it comes to mixed-breed dogs, the pups of the parent breeds usually meet somewhere in the middle regarding their physical characteristics.
Personality traits might vary from one pup to another, but overall, the general characteristics of these canine guardians usually look like this:
| Height | 18-27 inches |
| Weight | 30-100 lbs |
| Lifespan | 10-14 years |
| Activity Level | High |
| Grooming Needs | Low |
Breed History
Mixed-breed dogs exist since dogs themselves exist. That’s not a question for discussion but a fact. Some time ago, when dog breeds were not as standardized as they are today, dogs were often mixed without paying any attention to it.
However, breeding two purebred dogs became a trend in the 80s and the 90s. That’s when people decided that it was a good idea to mix purebred dogs in order to spice up a certain trait or even to tone down some.
The Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix is probably one of the mixed breeds that followed the 90s trend. However, the chances are high that people have mixed these two dogs even earlier because of their similar looks and desirable personality traits.
Dogo Argentino History
Dogo Argentino was created in the early 20th century in Spain with the intention of creating a powerful working dog that is capable of hunting wild boars, pumas, and other animals.
His ancestors are the Old Cordoba Fighting Dog, the Bull Terrier, the Boxer, the Spanish Mastiff, the Irish Wolfhound, the Great Dane, the Pyrenean Mastiff, and Dogue de Bordeaux.
It took a lot of time and dedication to perfect this dog breed, but it was for sure worth it. These dogs displayed bravery and great guard dogs skills from the earliest beginning.
Pitbull
This wonderful pooch has a long history to it.
Many dogs fall under the branch of “Pitbulls,” including the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and American Bulldog, as well as the newer mixes that are becoming more prominent by the day.
However, in this article, we’ll focus on the American Pitbull Terrier, as it is the most popular one out of these mentioned Pitbulls.
A mix of Old English Terriers and Old English Bulldogs, the history of this dog is connected to the middle of the 19th century. These dogs were used for scary sports back then, such as bull baiting and bear baiting, which were luckily banned in the 1830s.
That’s where the stereotypes towards these dogs kick in – people assume they are prone to aggressive behaviors, even if these dogs don’t do bloodsports for almost 200 years.
Stereotypes aside, these dogs are used today for many purposes, including service and therapy dogs!
These dogs were recognized in 1898 as an official dog breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). In the 20th century, they were used in the U.S. for hunting and herding, as they were intelligent enough to adapt to various needs and conditions.
Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix Appearance
This dog definitely has a charming, sleek appearance. When you first look at this mixed-breed dog, you will first notice its muscular build. They will have strong and long legs, whose muscles you’ll be able to see from a mile away.
They can be medium-sized, but most of them are large-sized dogs. It really depends on the genetics of the parent dogs. Of course, if the parent dogs are the runts of the litter, the Pit Argentino won’t be the strongest example of the hybrid breed.
But, if the parent dogs are healthy, handsome, and a good example of their breeds, the Dogo Pit will result in a large dog breed that is sturdy and a good representative of its own size.
They can be in many colors, thanks to the rich color background from the Pitbull parent. Ranging from brindle, fawn, red, blue nose Pitbull, gray, brown, tan, champagne, white, all the way to two or tri-colors, the coat color heavily depends on the Pitbull parent.
Dogo Argentino’s colors are limited to white and white with black dots on its face. However, one thing they have in common is a short coat!
Height And Weight
When it comes to the expected height and weight of the mixed breed, it heavily depends on the parent dogs, as well as on the gender of your dog.
Female dogs are always a bit lighter and shorter than their male counterparts. It is the law of nature that female dogs are always a few inches shorter and a few pounds lighter.
Female Pitbulls have an average height that ranges from 17 to 20 inches, in contrast to the Female Dogo Argentinos, who are between 20 and 24 inches tall. All of this estimates the average female Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix height, which can range from 19 to 24 inches.
Male Pitbulls have an average height that ranges from 18 to 21 inches, in contrast to the Male Dogo Argentinos, who are between 24 and 27 inches tall. This gives us an estimate that the average Male Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix height ranges from 20 to 27 inches.
Female Pitbulls have an average weight ranging from 30 to 50 pounds, while the case with Female Dogo Argentinos goes from 90 to 95 pounds. That means that the average Female Pitbull Dogo Argentino mix can be anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds.
Male Pitbulls have an average weight ranging from 40 to 60 pounds, while the case with Male Dogo Argentinos goes from 90 to 105 pounds. That means that the average Male Pitbull Dogo Argentino mix can be anywhere between 58 and 100 pounds.
General Appearance
The general appearance of these dogs is characterized by their cropped ears and tails. You will rarely see parent breeds whose ears and tails aren’t cropped, let alone the mix of these breeds.
There are many different types of dog owners. Some decide to crop their dog’s ears, others are not up for that idea, as there are many reasons to crop and many reasons not to crop their ears and tails.
Whichever side of the story you are up for, it is important that your dog is safe and healthy and that you are not cropping their ears and tales for the wrong reasons.
These dogs will have straight, long front legs and muscly back legs. Their torsos are large and strong, with thick necks and large heads. They will have round eyes with a big mouth that smiles all day long.
Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix Temperament
If you think that the perfect balance cannot be reached in a dog’s personality, you’re wrong! The mix of high energy levels, not needing any special cares, and being happy to be around family and friends is what this mix baby is all about.
No matter if you are going to the grocery store or if you are going for a run, this dog will be happy to be your company in any kind of situation. They are adaptable dogs that fit well into any kind of family.
They are easy-going dogs that are not nervous or aggressive by nature. Contrary to that, they are loving, loyal, and devoted, especially towards their family members. They will flourish if they are surrounded by their human pack, as they love being around many people at once.
But don’t let this lovey-dovey attitude fool you – they are also courageous and confident. If there happens a case, God forbid, that someone attacks you, your family member, or the property this dog lives in, there will be a reaction from the dog’s side, definitely.
They are affectionate even with small children and are gentle and protective. However, be mindful of the fact that these are high energy dogs and that they could potentially push your child during playtime It would be good to watch over them every now and then when they play.
Because they are highly active and in need of constant mental and physical stimulation, they might exhibit signs of separation anxiety if they are left alone for long periods of time.
Trainability Of This Mixed Breed
Thanks to its noble lineage, this mix is highly trainable. Their natural intelligence, both social and emotional, will make this dog easily trainable. They will learn every trick in the blink of an eye.
However, you need to understand that these dogs need to be trained and socialized from an early age. They can be a bit stubborn if they are not trained well from early puppyhood.
But, when trained from an early age, these dogs are so obedient that if you put a venison steak in front of them, they won’t move until you approve it.
If not on a farm or ranch, these dogs will enjoy backyard time and dog park time because they need a daily dose of open space to run freely and burn their extra energy when they are not utilized as working dogs.
You will enjoy your training sessions together as you will bond. Also, if you like going to cafes and restaurants, feel free to bring your doggo to dog friendly eateries because these pups will enjoy being at the center of attention!
Maintenance
On this dogos half, they don’t need that much to stay happy and healthy. All they would need is regular vet checks, bathing in the summertime if the dog lives outdoors, visiting the dog groomer every two or three months if the dog lives indoors, and loads of physical activity.
The best care you can give these dogs is cuddles, love, and some dog food; that is pretty much what it takes for this dog to be healthy and happy.
If the dog groomer does not do that themselves, you will need to clip their nails, clean their ears and eyes, and care for their dental health.
Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix Health
These pups are generally considered healthy since most mixed-breed dogs have stronger immune systems and are less prone to getting ill than purebreds. However, there are some hereditary health problems from its parent breeds, that the Dogo Pit might inherit.
Hip dysplasia is the number one health issue, and it is hereditary in both parent dog breeds. That’s why it is important to be familiar with the parent dogs. If they don’t have hip dysplasia, it is most likely that your dog will be free of this illness.
Other problems that can be found in the parent breeds are periodontal disease, heart problems, and thyroid problems. It does not mean your dog will suffer from any of these health issues, but it is important to be aware of the parent dogs’ genetics.
Many dogs of this mixed breed are found in dog shelters, where they might develop some health problems, such as anxiety, malnutrition, and many others. That’s why my kudos will always go toward foster parents, who take dogs for at least a short time to improve their lives.
Does The AKC Recognize Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix?
Mixed-breed dogs usually do not hold their place as dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Therefore, the Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix is also not one of the recognized dog breeds.
However, the latest trends show that many mixed-breed dogs are becoming popular by the day; maybe the Dogo Pit will have a specific breed standard to follow in the future, making it a potential contestant for AKC recognition.
Is The Dogo Argentino Pitbull Mix The Right Dog For You?
Having in mind all the wonderful traits of this dog breed, it is no wonder that more and more people have decided to opt for the Dogo Argentino Pitbull mix.
The innate ability to learn quickly, guard dog skills, and love and devotion for its family will win your sympathies in no time. This pooch will equally enjoy sitting in the back seat while driving to the park and the ride back home because they love spending time with you.
Opt for this mixed-breed dog, and you will have a loyal friend by your side who is always ready to play, to make you smile, to protect you and your home, and to do anything for a treat.
Read next: 33 Pitbull Mixes That Fit Various Lifestyles (With Pictures)
Zerina is an experienced content writer who found her passion for writing while pursuing her degree in English language and literature.
Growing up with a beloved dog as her companion, Zerina developed love for canines from a young age. Inspired by her bond with her furry friend, she decided to combine her writing skills with her love for dogs.