Is Dogo Argentino Good to have with Kids?

Q: Is Dogo Argentino a good dog to have with kids?
We live now close to Argentina and are wondering if Dogo Argentino is a good family dog to stay with children.

Photo Credit: CarolineALEXANDRE/Flickr CC

Answers and Views:

Answer by iluvmyfrenchbulldogs
If raised with children Dogos are fine, but they do have a slight tendency to be aggressive. Just be sure to socialize the dog as much as you possibly can.

Answer by Ed
Based on my limited experience of only one Dogo - yes absolutely, you can have it with kids!

I own a Dogo - I grew up with nice friendly spaniels, but when I grew up and moved to the countryside (Dogos are legal in my country), there was a little white puppy being really mistreated and we took her in - a matter of the heart, not the head. I'm really not into the fighting dog/ protective/ guard dog thing and was really nervous. She's one year old now and is a hotel dog. My wife and I run a countryside hotel and our Dogo lives in the bar, licking children's faces, begging for titbits and farting by the fire.

She's incredibly friendly and loving towards children, old people, strangers, and friends. She doesn't bark when people come into the hotel. She licks everything that moves and is happiest with a gang of kids around her rubbing her belly. She's incredibly clumsy (broken a door, one of my vertebrae - no joke, untold number of glasses), needy and whiny and we can't really leave her alone. She's greedy as hell and an accomplished thief. She's also like a cat in terms of seeking out sunshine and comfy warm spots. She craps like a dump truck. I genuinely never knew a dog could produce like this.

Her prey drive for ducks, chickens, snakes etc. is very much there, although she's petrified of sheep. She's essentially a white, funny looking Labrador. I see none of that 'dignified grace' people write about Dogos online. She crashes into things, including children - that would be my one big warning. We don't let her run free around toddlers, because her energy levels, size, and strength mean she's sent a few flying in the restaurant.

She had a lot of early socialization which obviously helped. I know there are nastier Dogos out there, but our one is gold.

Answer by Rodney Wickersham
I would say they are not the kind of people who should own a Dogo. A Dogo is a full-time dog and I do mean full time. If you do not have the time to work with them you do not want one. If you do have the time its the greatest dog you will ever bond with. We keep a pack of them at the ranch and they were with our kids and now our grandchildren. Each kid gets a personal Dogo at the ranch a bonded dog so to speak and they are inseparable. Dogo’s are a super-smart athletic breed that the casual dog owner should avoid. If you do have the time and need a personal companion this is your dog. If you hunt hogs this is definitely your dog. WE hunt hogs at the ranch down in the river bottoms where we grow Alfalfa. You can take them hunting, rinse off the blood then toss them right back in with the kids without a problem.

Answer by Mallory
I use to have one and he was so sweet with my little siblings

Answer by Judy
Having said that they are very protective of the children and the family. I know because I had a Dogo and he was the best guard dog ever and yet the most affectionate ever.

Answer by texelgirl2
Dogos Argentino were bred for aggression, and unless you socialize them and train them from puppyhood up, the dog is very hard to handle. They are extremely strong and strong-willed. You need the upper hand on them every time. The dog is commonly used as Drug Cartel Guardians. Most dogs came into the United States without regard to the breed. You need to first find a very reputable breeder, one that will work with you hand in hand, then you need to have an understanding of the breed and type of dog, you should not be a first time dog owner, you need to be a strong, dedicated, and observant owner especially around your kids. After that, the dog is and can be a stable wonderful addition to a family.

I have a Cane Corso/Pitbull mix who had a rough start in life, but with good training and handling, he is adjusted and wonderful. He has been around children with no problems but I NEVER let him alone with them, or not observe them.

• How to Stop Dog Aggression towards Children
• Are shar-pei good family dogs for small children?
• A dogo argentino in the same house as a chihuahua?

Answer by Stephanie S
If you want a dog who…

Is a large, muscular, mastiff-type dog
Has a short easy-care white coat
Thrives on vigorous exercise and athletic activities
Looks imposing, so makes an effective deterrent, yet is usually non-aggressive with people
Carries himself with a steady, dignified, impressive presence

A Dogo Argentino may be right for you.
If you don't want to deal with…

A large dog who takes up a lot of space in your house and car
A heavy dog who wants to sit on your feet, lie on your lap, and lean his weight against your leg
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough

Aggression or fearfulness in some lines, or when not socialized enough
Aggression toward other animals
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Shedding
Slobbering or drooling...
An Argentine Dogo may not be right for you.

Answer by Jenn
No. Dogo Argentino is not a good family dog. A guard dog, yes. This is my experience…we had a Dogo when I was little. We had him since he was a puppy and was always nice to him. He gradually became more aggressive. It got to the point one day that my mom came home to find me, my sister and the baby sitter trapped on the couch because our dog wouldn’t allow us off the couch. Growling and stuff. It was very scary. It’s a very strong breed and I think only a dog trainer should raise this breed because of their high aggression. It’s a very dangerous dog to have around kids in my opinion. I’m lucky I wasn’t killed when I was a kid. Or my sister.
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!