FCI-Standard N° 292  / 29. 01. 1999/ GB

DOGO ARGENTINO

TRANSLATION : Club del Dogo Argentino « Dr Antonio Nores Martinez », Federación Cinológica Argentina and Mrs R. Binder.

ORIGIN : Argentina.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 29.01.1999.

UTILIZATION :        Big-game hunting dog.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 2 Schnauzer and Pinscher, Molossians and Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs. Section 2.1 Molossian type, Mastiff type.  Without working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : This breed has its origin in the province of Cordoba, in the central (Mediterranean) region of the Republic of Argentina.

Its creator was Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez, a (renowned) doctor and member of a traditional local family. In 1928, his passion for dogs, perhaps a family legacy, led him to set the bases and a standard for a new dog breed which he named : Dogo Argentino.  His work was based upon the methodical crossbreeding of several pure breeds with the « old fighting dog from Cordoba », a dog which was very strong and vigorous but lacked psychic and genetic stability.  This local breed had been the product of the crossbreeding among Mastiffs, Bulldogs and Bull Terriers and was widely known and appreciated by fervent dog-fight fans, a very popular activity at the time which embraced all social classes.

After a thorough and minute character study and selection, through different generations, Dr. Nores Martinez accomplished his purpose, obtaining the first « family ».  At the beginning it was generally considered a dog for fighting but Dr. Nores Martinez’s liking for hunting led him to take the dog to one of his habitual hunting trips, where the new breed demonstrated its skills, thus becoming a key figure in all his trips.  Thus it became quickly an excellent « big-game hunting dog ».

With the passing of time, this adaptating capacity has made this dog very versatile as regards functions; it has proved to be a noble companion and a loyal and insurmountable protector of those it loves.  Its strength, tenacity, sharp sense of smell and bravery make it the best dog among those used for hunting wild boars, peccaries, pumas and other country predators which can be found in the vast and heterogeneous areas of the Argentinean territory.  Its harmony, balance and its excellent athletic muscles are ideal characteristics for enduring long trips in any weather conditions and then fighting fiercely with the pursued prey.

On May 21st 1964, this breed was acknowledged by the Federación Cinológica Argentina and by the Argentinean Rural Society, which opened their studbook to initiate registry.

It was not until July 31st 1973 that the breed was accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as the first and only Argentinean breed, thanks to the great passion, work and effort of Dr. Augustin Nores Martinez, its creator’s brother and successor.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : Molossian normal type, mesomorphic and macrothalic, within the desirable proportions without gigantic dimensions.  Its aspect is harmonic and vigorous due to its powerful muscles which stand out under the consistent and elastic skin adhered to the body through a not very lax subcutaneous tissue.  It walks quietly but firmly, showing its intelligence and quick responsiveness and revealing by means of his movement his permanent happy natural disposition.  Of a kind and loving nature, of a striking whiteness, its physical virtues turn it into a real athlete.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS : As a mesomorphic animal, no part stands out from the whole body which is harmonic and balanced. Mesocephalic, its muzzle should be as long as its skull.

The height at the withers is equal to the height at the croup.

The depth of the thorax equals 50% of the height at the withers.

The length of the body exceeds the height at the withers by 10%.

BEHAVIOUR AND TEMPERAMENT : It is cheerful, frank, humble, friendly, and not a hard barker, always conscious of its power.  It should never be aggressive, a trait that should be severely observed.   Its domineering attitude makes it continuously compete for territory with specimens of the same sex, most noticeable behaviour in males.  As a hunter, it is smart, silent,  courageous and brave.

HEAD : Of mesocephalic type, it looks strong and powerful, without abrupt angles or distinct chiselling.  Its profile shows an upper line which is concave - convex : convex at the skull because of the prominence of its masticatory muscles and its nape; and slightly concave at the foreface.  The head joins the neck forming a strong muscular arch.

CRANIAL REGION :

Skull : Compact, convex in the front to back and transverse direction.  Its zygomatic arches are far apart from the skull, forming a large temporal cavity which enables the large development of the temporal muscle.  Its occipital bone is not very prominent due to the strong muscles of the nape.  The central depression of the skull is slightly noticeable.

Stop : Slightly defined, as a transition from the convex skull region to the slightly concave foreface.  From the side, it shows a definite profile due to the prominence of the superciliary ridges.

FACIAL REGION : As long as the skull.

Nose : Ample nostrils.  Black pigmentation.  It is slightly elevated forwards, finishing off the concave profile of the muzzle.  From the side, the front line is perpendicular and straight, coinciding with the maxillary edge or slightly projected forward.

Muzzle : Strong, a bit longer than deep, well developed in width,  with sides slightly converging.  The upper line is slightly concave, an almost exclusive trait of the Argentinean Dogo.

Lips : Moderately thick, short and tight. With free edges, preferably with black pigmentation.

Jaws/Teeth : Jaws strong and well adapted; no under-or overshot mouth.  The jaws should be slightly and homogeneously convergent.    They ensure maximum bite capacity.  Teeth big, well developed, firmly implanted in line, looking clean without caries. A complete dentition is recommended, priority being given to the homogeneous dental arches.  Pincer bite, though scissor bite is accepted.

Cheeks : Large and relatively flat,  free from folds, bulges or chiselling, covered by strong skin.

Eyes : Dark or hazel coloured, protected by lids preferably with black pigmentation though the lack of pigmentation is not considered a fault.  Almond-shaped, set at medium height, the distance between them must be wide.  As a whole, the expression should be alert and lively, but at the same time remarkably firm, particularly in males.

Ears : High and laterally inserted, set well apart due to the width of the skull.  Functionally, they should be cropped and erect, in  triangular shape and with a length which does not exceed 50% of the front edge of the auricle of the natural ear.  Without being cropped, they  are of mid-length, broad, thick, flat and rounded at the tip.  Covered with smooth hair which is a bit shorter than on the rest of the body; they may show small spots, not to be penalized.  In natural position they hang down covering the back of the cheeks.  When the dog is alert they may be half-erect.

NECK : Of medium length, strong and erect, well muscled, with a slightly convex upper line.  Truncated cone-shaped, it joins the head in a muscular arch which hides all bony prominences in this part, and fits to the thorax in a large base.  It is covered by a thick and elastic skin that freely slips over the subcutaneous tissue which is a bit laxer than on the rest of the body.  It has non-pendent smooth folds at the height of the throat, a fundamental trait for the function of the animal.  The coat in this part  is slightly longer than on the rest of the body.

BODY : The length of the body (from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock) exceeds the height at the withers by 10%.

Upper line : Level; the withers and the pin bones of the croup are at the same height, constituting the highest points.

Withers : Large and high.

Back : Large and strong, with fully developed muscles forming a slight slope towards the loins.

Loins : Strong and hidden by the developed lumbar muscles which form a median furrow along the spine.  Slightly shorter than the dorsal region, rising very slightly to the top of the croup.  The development of muscles in the parts of the upper line causes the dogs to show a slightly depressed profile without being actually so, which is enhanced in adults due to the fully developed dorsal and spinal muscles.

Croup : Of medium length, large and muscular; slightly showing the tips of both ilium and ischium.  Its width is equal or a bit less than that of the thorax; the angle to the horizontal is of about 30°, thus the upper line falling in a slightly convex slope towards the insertion of the tail.

Chest : Broad and deep.  The tip of the breastbone is level with the tip of the shoulder joint (scapulo-humeral joint) and the sternal line of the thorax is level with the elbow line.  Large thorax providing maximum respiratory capacity, with long and moderately curved ribs which join the breastbone at the height of the elbow line.

Abdomen : Slightly tucked up beyond the bottom line of the thorax, but never greyhound-like. Strong with good muscular tension as well as in the flanks and loins.

TAIL : Set medium high, with 45° angle to the upper line.  Sabre- shaped, thick and long, reaching to the hocks but not further down.  At rest it hangs down naturally; when the dog is in action,  it is slightly raised over the upper line and constantly moving sidewards.  When trotting, it is carried level with the upper line or slightly above.

LIMBS

FOREQUARTERS : As a whole, they form a sturdy and solid structure of bones and muscles, proportionate to the size of the animal.  Forelegs straight and vertical, seen from the front or in profile.

Shoulders : High and proportioned.  Very strong, with great muscular contours without exaggeration.  Slanting of 45° to the horizontal.

Upper arm : Of medium length, proportionate to the whole.  Strong and very  muscular, with an 45°  angle to the horizontal.

Elbows : Sturdy, covered with  a thicker and more elastic skin, without folds or wrinkles. Naturally situated against the chest wall of which they seem to be part.

Forearm : As long as the upper arm, perpendicular to the horizontal, straight with strong bone and muscles.

Pastern joint : Broad and in line with the forearm, without bony prominences or skin folds.

Pastern : Slightly flat, well boned, slanting of 70 to 75° to the horizontal plane.

Front feet : Rounded; with short, sturdy, very tight toes.  Fleshy, hard pads, covered by black and rough-to-the-touch skin.

HINDQUARTERS : With medium angulation.  As a whole, they are strong, sturdy and parallel, creating the image of the great power their function requires.  They ensure the proper impulsion and determine the dog’s characteristic gait.

Upper thigh : Length proportionate to the whole.  Strong and with fully developed and visible muscles.  Coxo-femoral angle close to 100 °.

Stifles : Set in the same axis as the limb.  Femoral-tibial angle close to 110 °.

Lower thigh : Slightly shorter than the  upper thigh, strong and with similarly developed muscles.

Hock joint / Hock : The tarsus-metatarsus section is short, strong and firm, ensuring powerful propelling of the hind limb.  Sturdy hock joint with a noticeable calcaneus (tip of hock).  The angle at the hock joint is close to 140°.  Sturdy hock, almost cylindrical and at 90° angle to the horizontal.  If present, dewclaws should be removed.

Hind feet : Similar to forefeet, though slightly smaller and broader, but with  the same characteristics.

GAIT / MOVEMENT : Agile and firm; with noticeable modification when showing interest in something, changing into an erect attitude and responding to reflexes quickly, typical for this breed.  Calm walk, extended trot, with a good front suspension and a powerful rear propelling.  At gallop, the dog shows all of its energy displaying its power fully.  The four feet leave simple, parallel traces.  Ambling (pacing) is not accepted and is considered a serious fault.

SKIN : Homogeneous, slightly thick, but smooth and elastic.  Adhering to the body through a semilax subcutaneous tissue which ensures free movement without forming relevant folds, except for the neck area where the subcutaneous tissue is laxer.  With as little pigmentation as possible, through this increases with the years.  An excessive pigmentation of the skin is not accepted.  Preference should be given to dogs with black pigmentation of the rims of labial and palpebral mucous membranes.

COAT

HAIR : Uniform, short, plain and smooth to the touch, with an average length of 1,5 to 2 cm. Variable density and thickness according to different climates.  In tropical climates the coat is sparse and thin (letting the skin shine though and making pigmented regions visible which is not a cause of penalty).  In a cold climate it is thicker and denser and may present an undercoat.

COLOUR : Completely white; only one black or dark coloured patch around the eye may be admitted, provided that it does not cover more than 10% of the head.  Between two dogs of equal conformation,  the judge should always choose the whiter one.

SIZE :

Height at the withers : Dogs :  62 to 68 cm. - Bitches : 60 to 65 cm.

FAULTS : Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

SERIOUS FAULTS :

Poor bone and muscle development (weakness).

Nose  with little pigmentation.

Pendulous lips.

Small, weak or decayed teeth. Incomplete dentition.

Eyes excessively light; entropion, ectropion.

Barrel chest; keel chest.

Flat ribs.

Excessive angulations of the hindquarters.

Hock too long.

Untypical movement.

Excessive skin pigmentation in young dogs.

Appearance of small areas with coloured hairs.

Unsteady temperament.

DISQUALIFYING FAULTS :

Aggressiveness.

Nose without pigmentation.

Over-or undershot mouth.

Light blue eyes; eyes of different colour (heterochromia).

Deafness.

Long coat.

Patches in the body coat.  More than one patch on the head.

Height under 60 cm and over 68 cm.

Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.

N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

AKC Standard for the Dogo Argentino

• Miscellaneous class; Working group designation.
• Ranging in size from 23½ to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Big-game hunter; guardian.

General Appearance
Molossian normal type, mesomorphic and macrothalic, within the desirable proportions without gigantic dimensions. Its aspect is harmonic and vigorous due to its powerful muscles which stand out under the consistent and elastic skin adhered to the body through a not very lax subcutaneous tissue. It walks quietly but firmly, showing its intelligence and quick responsiveness and revealing by means of his movement his permanent happy natural disposition. Of a kind and loving nature, of a striking whiteness, its physical virtues turn it into a real athlete.

Size, Proportion, Substance
As a mesomorphic animal, no part stands out from the whole body which is harmonic and balanced. Mesocephalic, its muzzle should be as long as its skull.
The height at the withers is equal to the height at the croup. The depth of the thorax equals 50% of the height at the withers. The length of the body exceeds the height at the withers by 10%.

Head
Of mesocephalic type, it looks strong and powerful, without abrupt angles or distinct chiselling. Its profile shows an upper line which is concave - convex : convex at the skull because of the prominence of its masticatory muscles and its nape; and slightly concave at the foreface. The head joins the neck forming a strong muscular arch.

CRANIAL REGION :
Skull : Compact, convex in the front to back and transverse direction. Its zygomatic arches are far apart from the skull, forming a large temporal cavity which enables the large development of the temporal muscle. Its occipital bone is not very prominent due to the strong muscles of the nape. The central depression of the skull is slightly noticeable.
Stop : Slightly defined, as a transition from the convex skull region to the slightly concave foreface. From the side, it shows a definite profile due to the prominence of the superciliary ridges.

FACIAL REGION : As long as the skull.
Nose : Ample nostrils. Black pigmentation. It is slightly elevated forwards, finishing off the concave profile of the muzzle. From the side, the front line is perpendicular and straight, coinciding with the maxillary edge or slightly projected forward.
Muzzle : Strong, a bit longer than deep, well developed in width, with sides slightly converging. The upper line is slightly concave, an almost exclusive trait of the Argentinean Dogo.
Lips : Moderately thick, short and tight. With free edges, preferably with black pigmentation.
Jaws/Teeth : Jaws strong and well adapted; no under-or overshot mouth. The jaws should be slightly and homogeneously convergent. They ensure maximum bite capacity. Teeth big, well developed, firmly implanted in line, looking clean without caries. A complete dentition is recommended, priority being given to the homogeneous dental arches. Pincer bite, though scissor bite is accepted.
Cheeks : Large and relatively flat, free from folds, bulges or chiselling, covered by strong skin.
Eyes : Dark or hazel coloured, protected by lids preferably with black pigmentation though the lack of pigmentation is not considered a fault. Almond-shaped, set at medium height, the distance between them must be wide. As a whole, the expression should be alert and lively, but at the same time remarkably firm, particularly in males.
Ears : High and laterally inserted, set well apart due to the width of the skull. Functionally, they should be cropped and erect, in triangular shape and with a length which does not exceed 50% of the front edge of the auricle of the natural ear. Without being cropped, they are of mid-length, broad, thick, flat and rounded at the tip. Covered with smooth hair which is a bit shorter than on the rest of the body; they may show small spots, not to be penalized. In natural position they hang down covering the back of the cheeks. When the dog is alert they may be half-erect.

Neck, Topline and Body
NECK : Of medium length, strong and erect, well muscled, with a slightly convex upper line. Truncated cone-shaped, it joins the head in a muscular arch which hides all bony prominences in this part, and fits to the thorax in a large base. It is covered by a thick and elastic skin that freely slips over the subcutaneous tissue which is a bit laxer than on the rest of the body. It has non-pendent smooth folds at the height of the throat, a fundamental trait for the function of the animal. The coat in this part is slightly longer than on the rest of the body.

BODY : The length of the body (from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock) exceeds the height at the withers by 10%.
Upper line : Level; the withers and the pin bones of the croup are at the same height, constituting the highest points.
Withers : Large and high.
Back : Large and strong, with fully developed muscles forming a slight slope towards the loins.
Loins : Strong and hidden by the developed lumbar muscles which form a median furrow along the spine. Slightly shorter than the dorsal region, rising very slightly to the top of the croup. The development of muscles in the parts of the upper line causes the dogs to show a slightly depressed profile without being actually so, which is enhanced in adults due to the fully developed dorsal and spinal muscles.
Croup : Of medium length, large and muscular; slightly showing the tips of both ilium and ischium. Its width is equal or a bit less than that of the thorax; the angle to the horizontal is of about 30°, thus the upper line falling in a slightly convex slope towards the insertion of the tail.
Chest : Broad and deep. The tip of the breastbone is level with the tip of the shoulder joint (scapulo-humeral joint) and the sternal line of the thorax is level with the elbow line. Large thorax providing maximum respiratory capacity, with long and moderately curved ribs which join the breastbone at the height of the elbow line.
Abdomen : Slightly tucked up beyond the bottom line of the thorax, but never greyhound-like. Strong with good muscular tension as well as in the flanks and loins.

TAIL : Set medium high, with 45° angle to the upper line. Sabre- shaped, thick and long, reaching to the hocks but not further down. At rest it hangs down naturally; when the dog is in action, it is slightly raised over the upper line and constantly moving sidewards. When trotting, it is carried level with the upper line or slightly above.

Forequarters
As a whole, they form a sturdy and solid structure of bones and muscles, proportionate to the size of the animal. Forelegs straight and vertical, seen from the front or in profile.

Shoulders : High and proportioned. Very strong, with great muscular contours without exaggeration. Slanting of 45° to the horizontal.
Upper arm : Of medium length, proportionate to the whole. Strong and very muscular, with an 45° angle to the horizontal.
Elbows : Sturdy, covered with a thicker and more elastic skin, without folds or wrinkles. Naturally situated against the chest wall of which they seem to be part.
Forearm : As long as the upper arm, perpendicular to the horizontal, straight with strong bone and muscles.
Pastern joint : Broad and in line with the forearm, without bony prominences or skin folds.
Pastern : Slightly flat, well boned, slanting of 70 to 75° to the horizontal plane.
Front feet : Rounded; with short, sturdy, very tight toes. Fleshy, hard pads, covered by black and rough-to-the-touch skin.

Hindquarters
With medium angulation. As a whole, they are strong, sturdy and parallel, creating the image of the great power their function requires. They ensure the proper impulsion and determine the dog's characteristic gait.

Upper thigh : Length proportionate to the whole. Strong and with fully developed and visible muscles. Coxo-femoral angle close to 100 °.
Stifles : Set in the same axis as the limb. Femoral-tibial angle close to 110 °.
Lower thigh : Slightly shorter than the upper thigh, strong and with similarly developed muscles.
Hock joint / Hock : The tarsus-metatarsus section is short, strong and firm, ensuring powerful propelling of the hind limb. Sturdy hock joint with a noticeable calcaneus (tip of hock). The angle at the hock joint is close to 140°. Sturdy hock, almost cylindrical and at 90° angle to the horizontal. If present, dewclaws should be removed.
Hind feet : Similar to forefeet, though slightly smaller and broader, but with the same characteristics.

Coat
Uniform, short, plain and smooth to the touch, with an average length of ½ to 1 inch. Variable density and thickness according to different climates. In tropical climates the coat is sparse and thin (letting the skin shine though and making pigmented regions visible which is not a cause of penalty). In a cold climate it is thicker and denser and may present an undercoat.

Color
Completely white; only one black or dark coloured patch around the eye may be admitted, provided that it does not cover more than 10% of the head. Between two dogs of equal conformation, the judge should always choose the whiter one.

Skin
Homogeneous, slightly thick, but smooth and elastic. Adhering to the body through a semilax subcutaneous tissue which ensures free movement without forming relevant folds, except for the neck area where the subcutaneous tissue is laxer. With as little pigmentation as possible, through this increases with the years. An excessive pigmentation of the skin is not accepted. Preference should be given to dogs with black pigmentation of the rims of labial and palpebral mucous membranes.

Gait
Agile and firm; with noticeable modification when showing interest in something, changing into an erect attitude and responding to reflexes quickly, typical for this breed. Calm walk, extended trot, with a good front suspension and a powerful rear propelling. At gallop, the dog shows all of its energy displaying its power fully. The four feet leave simple, parallel traces. Ambling (pacing) is not accepted and is considered a serious fault.

Size
Height at the withers :
Dogs: 24 to 27 inches.
Bitches: 23 ½ to 26 inches.

Temperament
It is cheerful, frank, humble, friendly, and not a hard barker, always conscious of its power. It should never be aggressive, a trait that should be severely observed. Its domineering attitude makes it continuously compete for territory with specimens of the same sex, most noticeable behaviour in males. As a hunter, it is smart, silent, courageous and brave.

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Serious Faults

• Poor bone and muscle development (weakness).
• Nose with little pigmentation.
• Pendulous lips.
• Small, weak or decayed teeth. Incomplete dentition.
• Eyes excessively light; entropion, ectropion.
• Barrel chest; keel chest.
• Flat ribs.
• Excessive angulations of the hindquarters.
• Hock too long.
• Untypical movement.
• Excessive skin pigmentation in young dogs.
• Appearance of small areas with coloured hairs.
• Unsteady temperament.

Disqualifying Faults

• Aggressiveness.
• Nose without pigmentation.
• Over-or undershot mouth.
• Light blue eyes; eyes of different color (heterochromia).
• Deafness.
• Long coat.
• Patches in the body coat. More than one patch on the head.
• Height under 23 ½ inches and over 27 inches.

Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.

N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

In 1928, Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez, a young Argentine physician, began to develop a new breed of dog, which he called the Dogo Argentino. Using a methodical system, Dr. Martinez crossed a local breed, known as the Old Fighting Dog of Cordoba, with a variety of breeds, including Mastiffs, Bulldogs and Bull Terriers. His new breed demonstrated a talent for hunting big game, including wild boars and pumas, as well as strong guarding instincts. The breed was recognized by the Federacion Cinologica Argentina in 1964, and by the FCI in July 1973.

Today, the Dogo Argentino is still used as a hunting dog, a guardian of property, a family companion, and an all-around working dog.

The Dogo Argentino was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 2001.

The Dogo Argentino is a large, white, short-coated dog with a smooth, muscular body, displaying both power and athletic ability. The length of body is just slightly longer than tall, but bitches may be somewhat longer in body than dogs. The length of the front leg (measured from point of elbow to the ground) is approximately equal to one-half of the dog’s height at the withers. The head is powerful with a broad, slightly domed skull and a powerful muzzle that is slightly higher at the nose than the stop, when viewed in profile. Ears may be cropped, or hang naturally, close to the skull. The Dogo Argentino should be evaluated as a hunting dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog’s ability to work.

The Dogo is an intelligent and courageous dog with a strong, natural instinct to protect its home and family. Dogos are very social dogs and are happiest when included in all family activities. Dogos make a strong distinction between familiar people and strangers, so it is imperative that they be well trained and socialized at an early age.

Dogos are hunters of great courage and endurance, and will work individually or in packs. They have also successfully been used in police protection work. An unsteady temperament is a serious fault.

The head is large, but proportionate to the size of the body, and broad, giving the impression of great power and strength, without abrupt angles or distinct chiseling. Viewed from the front, the head is shaped like a square within a square. Viewed from above, the head is broad through the skull, narrowing slightly where muzzle joins the skull, and then tapering only slightly to the blunt end of the muzzle. When viewed from the side, the length of skull and muzzle are approximately equal, and they are joined by a distinct, but not abrupt, stop. The planes of the skull and muzzle are not parallel. The skull is slightly domed and the bridge of the muzzle rises slightly from the stop to the nose.

SKULL - The skull is broad and slightly domed, with a median furrow that diminishes in depth and width from the stop to the occiput. Cheeks are well developed, relatively flat, and powerful. The supraorbital arches over the eyes are moderately well defined. The occiput is not prominent.

MUZZLE - The muzzle is powerful, slightly longer than deep, and narrowing very slightly from stop to nose. The bridge of the muzzle slopes slightly upward from stop to nose. Lips are tight and moderately thick. Black pigmentation on the edge of the lips is preferred.

Disqualification: Lips that hang below the line of the lower jaw.

TEETH - The Dogo Argentino has a complete set of large, evenly spaced, white teeth that meet in a scissors bite. An even bite is acceptable but not preferred. Large teeth and proper occlusion are of extreme importance.

Serious Faults: Small, weak or decayed teeth; incomplete dentition.

Disqualification: Overshot or undershot bite.

NOSE - Nose is large and black, with well-developed nostrils. Some pink pigment on the nose is acceptable, provided the nose is predominantly black.

Disqualification: Flesh colored, or predominantly flesh colored, nose.

EYES - Eyes are of medium size, almond shaped, and set well apart and deep in their sockets. Eye color may range from very dark brown to dark hazel, but darker eye color is strongly preferred. Eye rims are tight and preferably black in color, although lack of pigmentation is not a fault. Expression is alive, intelligent and hard.

Serious Faults: Functional abnormality of eyelids or eyelashes.

Disqualifications: Eyes any color other than listed above; eyes not of matching colors.

EARS - Ears are set on high on the outside edges of the topskull, and may be cropped or natural. Cropped ears should be triangular in shape, short, and erect. Natural ears are drop, broad at the base, short in length (reaching just to the corner of the lower jaw when hanging naturally) and tapering to a rounded tip. Ear leather is thick. At rest, the ears should hang nearly flat and close to the cheeks, with little or no fold. The ears may be semi-erect when the dog is alert. The outside of the ear is covered with smooth hair that is slightly shorter than the body coat. Ear color may range from heavily spotted to solid black or brindle.

Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral deafness.

The neck is of medium length and muscular, with a slight arch at the crest, and tapering slightly from shoulders to the head. The skin on the throat is thick and elastic, and may form slight, smooth, non-pendent folds.

The shoulder blades are long, wide, muscular, and well laid back. The upper arm is roughly equal in length to the shoulder blade and joins it at an apparent right angle, lying flat against the chest wall.

FORELEGS - The forelegs are well boned, strong and muscular. The elbows are set close to the body. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are set moderately wide apart and perpendicular to the ground. The pasterns are short, powerful, straight, and flexible. When viewed in profile, the bone of the pasterns is slightly flattened.

The chest is deep, well filled in and wide with ample room for heart and lungs. The forechest does not extend much beyond the point of shoulder. The ribs extend well back and are well sprung from the spine, then flattening to form a deep body extending to or below the elbows. The back is strong and firm. The backline falls off slightly behind the withers and blends smoothly into the loin. The loin is short and broad with a muscular arch, and it blends smoothly into a gently sloping croup. The flank is moderately tucked up and firm.

Serious Faults: Barrel chest; flat ribs.

The hindquarters are broad, strong and muscular, normally angulated to balance with the front assembly. HIND LEGS - Set well apart and parallel to one another when viewed from behind. Hocks are strong and turn neither in nor out. Rear pasterns are short.

Serious Faults: Over-angulation; long hocks.

The feet are round and tight, with well arched toes. Pads are thick, black, and rough in texture. Nails are short, strong and white. Rear feet are slightly smaller and broader than front feet. Dewclaws may be removed.

The tail is set on moderately high and is thick at the base, tapering to a point. When the dog is relaxed, the tail is carried low and extends approximately to the hock. When the dog is moving, the tail may be carried slightly above the backline, moving rhythmically from side to side. When the dog is excited, the tail may be carried in a raised, upright position (challenge tail), but never curled over the back (gay tail).

Serious Fault: Gay tail.

Short and thick, with a glossy sheen. Hair is stiff, coarse and of uniform length. A field conditioned coat or working scars should never be faulted.

Disqualification: Long coat.

White. Skin pigmentation that shows through the coat is not to be penalized in mature dogs. One dark marking on the head is permitted provided that it does not cover more than 10% of the head. No other markings are allowed with the exception of some light ticking, which is not to be confused with a solid patch. All other things being equal, the whiter dog is preferred.

Disqualification: A solid patch of color anywhere except on the head as described, not to be confused with ticking.

Height for mature males should range between 24½ and 27 inches. Height for mature females should range between 23½ and 25½ inches. A mature Dogo under the minimum height for its sex is disqualified. Dogos are not a giant breed so a mature Dogo over the maximum heights should be severely penalized, because the additional height detracts from its ability to work.

Dogos should always be presented in hard, working condition. Weight should be sufficient so that the dog presents a harmonious blending of sturdiness and substance with agility and athleticism.

Very Serious Faults: Males over 27 inches. Females over 25½ inches; overweight; poorly conditioned dog.

The Dogo Argentino moves with power and agility, able to change gait quickly and smoothly when in the field. When trotting, the gait is effortless, smooth, powerful, and well coordinated, showing good reach in front and drive behind. When moving, the backline remains level with only a slight flexing to indicate suppleness. Viewed from any position, legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. As speed increases, feet tend to converge toward a center line of balance. At a walk, the Dogo moves like a lion; with power, dignity and the supreme confidence that he is king of all he surveys.

Poor movement should be penalized to the degree to which it reduces the Dogo’s ability to perform the tasks it was bred to do.

(An Eliminating Fault is a Fault serious enough that it eliminates the dog from obtaining any awards in a conformation event.)

Males under 24½ inches. Females under 23½ inches.

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism. Lips that hang below the line of the lower jaw. Flesh colored, or predominantly flesh colored, nose. Overshot or undershot bite. Eyes of any color other than listed. Eyes not of matching colors. Unilateral or bilateral deafness. Long coat.