History of the Dogo Argentino

 

In South America the wild boar is present, it is a mixture of the Russian Wild Boar and feral pigs that normally weigh between 180 and 270 kgs. They are the result of Black Russian and European Wild Boars that had been on the Continent since the early 1900s. In Argentina, specifically, the boar has been able to overpopulate for several reasons. It is able to graze on miles of Pampas (rich grassland) that offer it a natural source of unlimited nourishment. Multiplication is unusually rapid as well, because the subtropical climate allows the sows to have three litters of five to ten piglets per year. Add the fact that there are no natural predators (even the mountain lion and jaguar are no match for a 200-kgs brute), and you can begin to understand the problem Argentinean farmers had in the twentieth century. The farmers did not use gunpowder to combat these aggressive boars or other nemeses, such as the mountain lion, jaguar and jabali. Instead they used the Monteria criolla style, a cultural form of hunting in Argentina, inspired by the gaucho's idea that prey should have a 'fighting chance' on the hunt, an advantage equal to that of the human hunters. This evolved from the medieval boar hunts of the European aristocracy, where large packs of dogs and mounted nobles armed with spears pursued and killed the boars. The Monteria employs a pack of dogs that locate, chase, catch and hold the boar until the men arrive and kill the boar with a large knife. The Monteria remains a respected tradition in Argentina. To this day, anyone that hunts wild boar with a gun is considered to be a cowardly, second-rate sportsman.

Wanted: a 'Super dog'

For the Monteria to be successful, the men needed dogs suitable to the task- in fact, capable dogs were crucial not only for a successful hunt but also for one without human fatality. The dogs needed to have great sense to locate the boar (either by air-scenting or tracking), great speed to chase the unusually quick beast, an insane amount of fearlessness to approach the boar, an inbred power to attack and overwhelm the boar and relentless tenacity to hold the boar until the hunters arrived. In addition to all these Herculean skills, the dogs had to be fairly intelligent, trainable and focused on the hunt. So in the early 1920s, Dr Antonio Martinez and his brother Agustin started a breeding program for the ideal hunting dog. As base they used the Cordoba Fighting Dog. This fearless and aggressive crossbreed had a proven record in the dog pits, where it routinely fought to the death. Such tenacity was necessary when up against a 270-kgs pig. However, the experience told them that the Cordoba fighting dog rather fought each other than chase the boar. So they start to mix in al sorts of breeds to get the perfect hunting dog. The pointer was add inn for its keen sense of smell, next the Boxer giving both vivacity and dexterity for the hunt and docility for a family companion. The Great Dane was added to add size, and the Bull Terrier to instil fear ness, agility and aggression. The old-style bulldog for boldness, obedience and tenacity, as well as physical traits, including its ample, broad chest and high-pressure jaws. The Irish Wolfhound was well known for being an instinctive hunter of wild game, and thus would make an ideal contribution. The Dogue de Bordeaux, for powerful, relentless jaw strength, and as well as good muscle structure and strength. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog for its vigour and dense white coat. The Spanish Mastiff for raw power, a menacing scowl and the long loose lips, necessary for allowing breeding out the sides of the mouth while holding prey. And so was the Dogo Argentino created. Finally in 1964, the Cinologic Federation of Argentina and the Argentina Rural Society recognised the Dogo Argentino as a specific dog breed. Almost ten years later (July 31, 1973) the Argentina Kennel Club a member of the Federation Cynologique International (FCI) recognised the Dogo Argentino.