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The Great Dane of Argentina is a four-legged pet with snow-white wool, also known among dog breeders as an Argentine mastiff. This dog got this nickname not by chance. It is known that the Spanish ancestor of the Argentine breed was a Spanish mastiff.
Interestingly, these pets are considered the only dogs that were bred in the open spaces of Argentina. To describe the nature of this pet can be just a few phrases. These dogs are quite powerful and noble animals, they have a peace-loving and cheerful character.
Dogo Argentino - snowy treasure of South Americans
Among dog breeders it is considered that this dog is a working dog. By nature, the Argentinean mastiff is a hunter. Therefore, its main task is to hunt wild animals. Wildlife such as wild boars are a potential prey for a mastiff. Usually, a whole pack of dogs of different breeds go hunting, but dogs of the Argentine breed are the most enduring and strong. The dog can pursue prey for a long time, and in combat with the enemy always wins.
The appearance of the dog speaks of his noble roots. His massive body with strong muscles has an athletic structure. Dog is considered a large animal with at least a large head and a skull. He has a strong grip, strong jaw and massive neck. The hair of these animals is short, has a characteristic white color and shines in the sun.
The history of the Argentine breed
The origin of the pet has a rather interesting historical fact. Mastiffs entered Argentina around the sixteenth century. It was during this period that the dogs of the Argentine breed began their full transformation and, over time, acquired the appearance they have in the modern world.A great contribution to the formation of this type of dog was made by the famous Argentinean scientist Antonio Nores Martinez.
Around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, dog fighting was popular entertainment among the local population of Argentina. The most famous dogs that took part in such fights were snow-white Spanish mastiffs. They were often called the fighting dogs of Cordoba. The professor was not a big fan of dog fights, but the dog breeder couldn’t miss this beautiful and noble breed of dogs. Martinez decided to introduce a new type of dog with a wide range of positive qualities and characteristics. The scientist wanted the new breed to be universal, and Great Danes could be good hunters, watchmen, guide dogs and just pets for their owners.
Professor for a long time worked on the selection of suitable candidates for breeding a new breed. Various types of dogs took part in the crossing. Only in the 40th year, the scientist managed to present the whole world a new kind of four-legged pets. And already in the 60s, Argentinean dogs became widely known among dog breeders. Currently, these pets are considered the only ones inits kind, the world-recognized variety of dogs, which bred in Argentina.
On the nature of the Argentine dogs
Argentinean dogs are considered bold hunting dogs with a balanced character. They are defenders by nature and carry their service well, guarding their masters. In addition, these pets are true loyal friends, and can serve as guide dogs for their owners. All these qualities are perfectly combined in a large and formidable breed of dogs from Argentina.
Often among dog breeders you can hear such unflattering statements about Argentine dogs as “killer dog”. And indeed, the impressive size, strong jaws and athletic body of these pets - it all looks pretty threatening. Many will think more than once before approaching such a formidable dog. Such an erroneous opinion may occur in those who have never been familiar with these four-legged pets. However, dogs of the Argentine breed are considered to be very intelligent dogs, therefore they can be both formidable animals and affectionate, loyal and irreplaceable comrades.
Fact! At first glance, the appearance of the dog may be dangerous, and the character seems rude and hostile. However, in reality, these dogs are friendly, open and cheerful animals.
Most owners speak of these big dogs only on the positive side. There are also negative reviews about this breed of dogs, however they appear more often due to improper behavior of the owners themselves when raising dogs.
Argentinean dogs harmoniously combine such qualities as courage and dedication to their owners. At the same time, nature has given these dogs a real hunting instinct and fighting spirit. There is a belief that the dogs of the Argentine breed are fighting species of dogs. Dogs do have excellent physical skills that could allow them to take part in dog fights. However, the pet is considered a very smart dog that is able to assess the situation. Therefore, to rush into a fight with other dogs, not thinking about the consequences, these animals will not.
Beautiful four-legged pets are very easy to learn commands. It is enough just a few times to train the dog, so that he learned all the lessons of training.Also, Argentines have a very well developed instinct and canine instinct. That is why Argentinean dogs very often help the police or rescue workers in search operations.
The only negative quality of the Argentine pet is that the dog is constantly striving to dominate. Therefore, a four-legged pet will probably find it difficult to get along with other animals in the house. However, the most often aggressive behavior of the Argentine is manifested only in relation to other dogs. To avoid an unpleasant situation, it is better to walk the Argentine dog in a collar and on a leash.
Relationship with children
If we talk about the attitude of this dog to the small members of the family, then in this case, the dogs show themselves to be agreeable and friendly. The only condition is that the kids should not behave aggressively towards the dog. We can not allow the child to beat the dog, dragging the tail or ears, aggressively shouting at him. The behavior of children must be friendly, then the dog will treat the child with love. Very often you can see the picture when the dog is a full member of the family, shows dedication and love towards the owners.
How to educate and train
Dog breeders say that buying an Argentinean dog is better for those owners who have experience in dog training and education. Also get such a four-legged pet can lovers of dogs that have a large margin of patience. Even despite the fact that the nature of these animals is rather calm and peaceful, the process of raising these dogs can be accompanied by problems for the owners themselves.
To start the training of dogs of this breed should be from the first days when the puppy appeared in the house. The process of educating dogs should be happening in a calm and soft atmosphere. In this case, the owner, who is engaged in dog training, must be firm and persistent. The Argentinean breed of dogs has a sharp mind, so the pets quickly grab all the teams on the fly and get used to the training. However, even puppies of this breed require a certain motivation for training.
In no case can one apply aggression to these four-legged pets, roughly insulting them, beating them, for their ears or tail, punishing them or speaking in raised voices. The dog will not accept such education, and may become embittered at the owner.The fact is that the animal remembers well all the offenses caused to it, and can become aggressive and uncontrollable towards the offender. But the dogs quickly get used to the loving and patient owners, and become faithful friends for the rest of their lives.
From the first days of the appearance of the pet in the house, the owners should try to win the sympathy of his fourfold friend. After all, by nature, the Argentines tend to dominate, so earn their respect will not immediately. If the owner makes a mistake in bringing up the dog, and even for a moment it ceases to be an authority for the dog, the pet will immediately become uncontrollable and disobedient. At the same time, it will be very difficult to change the attitude of the pet and correct its behavior. That is why to teach obedience and to cultivate respect for the dog is necessary from an early age puppy.
Attention should be paid to the individual skills of the dog and its entry into the social environment. You can drive a puppy dog with you everywhere, introducing you to the unknown world. This will help the dog to get used to new people, children, animals and the surrounding life around him since childhood.If a pet's pet has a desire to bark at someone or bite, this behavior should be stopped from the very beginning. To do this, the owner will have enough hardness and rigor to explain to the dog what is bad and what is good.
Do not forget that in order to raise such a large dog, the owners should have at least a little experience in raising animals. Argentine constantly requires attention and care. He needs a loyal friend and master, whom he will be faithful to respect and obey. If the owners have acquired a mastiff for the first time, with no experience behind them, then they may experience difficulties in raising the dog.
Maintenance and care of the Argentine doges
The four-legged pets of the Argentine breed can quietly get along both in a city apartment and in their own house outside the city. The dog is naturally endowed with excellent physical data, it has an athletic body, therefore it is not worthwhile to load the dog with strong physical training. However, the Argentine should not lead an idle lifestyle.
So that the dog does not lie idle and does not die of boredom, you should walk more with the dog in the fresh air, communicate and play with him, teach the teams.If you do not have anything to keep your pet, he may have unwanted hobbies and a desire to chew on something. It is enough to walk for an hour and a half with a dog outside twice a day. Argentine is a very active pet, so this time will be enough for him to throw all unnecessary energy in a positive direction.
It is not recommended to leave a dog of this breed for a long time without the supervision of the owner. A dog can feel free and spill out all his wild animal instinct. A pet can easily nibble wallpaper and furniture, shoes lying on the floor and other things he likes. If other small pets live in the house, the dog may begin to hunt them.
Caring for an Argentine dog breed does not require much effort. Argentines are short-haired dogs, so they do not need much to bathe and comb. It is quite enough to clean and comb out the fallen wool during the period of molting. Also, the dog needs to cut its claws and clear its eyes. Do not forget about the healthy state of the ears of animals. Ear brushing is usually done once every two weeks.If we talk about bathing Argentine dogs, then water procedures should be carried out not very often. Otherwise, your pet may get a cold. Of course, this does not apply to the usual cleaning of the paws after a walk.
Nutrition
The longevity of the Argentine breed of dogs is directly dependent on proper and balanced nutrition. The puppies of the Argentine breed have a very good appetite, however, you should not overfeed a dog much. When planning the diet of the Argentines, you can make a special calculation of the required amount of food. This will help regulate the weight gain of the animal. It is important to consider that the amount of food consumed per day should not exceed 7% of the body weight of the dog. Up to six months, puppies of the Argentine breed can eat up to four times a day. Adult pets enough two meals during the day.
Four-pet menu must necessarily consist of raw meat. However, meat by-products should be fed to the dog in boiled form. In addition, vegetables, cereals and greens are considered an important element in the dog's diet. It is necessary to feed the dog with useful cereals and other cereals.The only exception is potatoes. You can also diversify the four-pet menu with healthy products such as fish, low-fat cottage cheese.
Dogs should not be allowed to eat sweet, smoked, fried, bitter and other harmful dishes. It is also not recommended to feed the dog with products from the master's table. Useful food for these dogs can be considered dry food high class. Dry pet food is considered balanced, saturated with all the beneficial vitamins and trace elements that are necessary for the proper development of pets. The Argentine breed is considered very large, so these pets do not suffer from problems associated with the stomach and intestines. Because dry food can also be combined with natural food.
The Argentine breed of dogs has good health, so they live on average up to 16 years of age.
Purchase dogo argentino
If the owners decide to purchase a four-legged pet of this breed, then before buying you should collect as much information as possible about choosing a puppy.Going to the nursery, it is important to immediately find out from the breeder as much information as possible about the dog. It is necessary to ask to show the pet's passport and all documents attached to it, to make sure that the dog is completely healthy, has all the necessary physical qualities and good pedigree. Only after that you can get acquainted with puppies of this breed.
The puppy should be about one and a half months old. In the nursery, which contained puppies, should be clean and dry. The room must be well ventilated. The animal must have access to the sun and not lie in the draft.
When choosing a dog you need to focus on its appearance and state of health. The puppy should behave actively, play with the owner, look quite well-groomed and healthy. He must have a good appetite. If the dog keeps away, is afraid, is wary of looking at the future owner or is behaving aggressively, then it is better not to buy such a puppy. A four-legged pet should be interested in its future owner, show sympathy for him. But, of course, the future owner himself must be interested in buying a dog.
Also do not forget that these dogs are considered an expensive breed. Today, the average cost of dogs of this variety, with a good pedigree, varies within 30,000 rubles.
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