Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a devoted companion by your side that has both brute strength and unwavering loyalty? Look no further than the Dogo Argentino German Shepherd dog mix.
This impressive crossbreed combines the fearless power of the Dogo Argentino with the intelligence and trainability of the German Shepherd. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind hybrid dog.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick summary of the key characteristics of the Dogo Argentino German Shepherd hybrid dog:
- Breed Origins: Dogo Argentino x German Shepherd mix
- Size Classification: Extra Large
- Average Height at Maturity: 24-27 inches
- Average Weight at Maturity: 70-100 pounds
- Coat Type: Short, dense double coat that sheds heavily during seasonal coat blows in the spring and fall
- Temperament: Loyal, energetic, powerful, protective; benefits from early socialization and training
- Activity Needs: High! Plan to provide at least 60+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily along with mental stimulation and interactive playtime to prevent behavior issues from developing out of boredom or excess energy
- Training: Responds very well to positive reinforcement training methods and consistency
- Best Home Setting: Active single family home with securely fenced back yard
- Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Tracing Back the Origins
To understand this blended breed, you first have to take a look at its parent breeds and their origins. The Dogo Argentino was originally bred in Argentina in the 1920s by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez.
His vision was to develop a brave and vigorous big-game hunting dog. The large-framed German Shepherd, on the other hand, has its roots in Germany where it worked as an all-purpose herding breed before later serving in police and military roles.
When you take traits from both and combine them into one dog, you get the ultimate working dog and devoted protector all wrapped up in one powerful package. This mixed breed carries forward the strengths of each parent breed rather impressively.
Vital Statistics
This notable mixed breed is classified as a large-sized crossbreed. Fully grown adults typically reach between 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh from 70-100 pounds when in peak physical condition. Males tend to be taller and heavier than females on average. These hybrids boast a muscular and athletic physique.
The coat is short and dense, often inheriting a white base coat from the Dogo Argentino parent. It may have splashes of black, brown, tan, or brindle overlay randomly interspersed throughout the white background. The weather-resistant double coat offers protection from the elements.
A Look at its Temperament
When it comes to personality and temperament, the Dogo Argentino and German Shepherd mix tends to be alert, courageous, energetic, fiercely loyal to its family, and sometimes headstrong.
This hybrid needs early extensive socialization and obedience training to nurture its natural protectiveness over a desire to aggress. Well-raised and properly trained Dogo German Shepherd mixes make outstanding guardians and companions.
This loyal hybrid aims to please and closely bonds with its immediate human family. It thrives when given a job to fulfill. Whether that job is household guardian, search and rescue assistant, jogging buddy, or Frisbee partner, this devoted hybrid is always eager to work for its owner. It has high energy reserves and needs regular vigorous activity and exercise paired with mental stimulation to remain happy and focused.
Without adequate outlets to expend its energy, unwanted behavior problems can develop. Anxiety and boredom can set in, leading to unwelcome chewing, barking, digging, hyperactivity, and neurotic behaviors. Be sure to provide plenty of interactive playtime, obedience work, puzzles toys, and a securely fenced yard for play.
Grooming Needs
The short dense coat of Dogo crossed with German Shepherd is easy to groom. Use a slicker brush once a week to remove loose hairs and distribute skin oils for a shiny, healthy coat. Check and clean ears frequently to avoid painful infections. Brush teeth daily or several times a week and trim nails monthly. Bathe only when truly needed using a mild dog shampoo.
This hybrid sheds a fair amount year-round. Its thick double coat also blows out significant excess hair during seasonal changes in the spring and fall. Plan to vacuum and de-shed your home more frequently during high-shedding periods.
Ideal Environment
Since it has its genetic roots as a hunting retriever and working sheep herder, the Dogo Shepherd puppy inherits plenty of energy and needs space to run safely unleashed on a regular basis. It should reside in a single-family home with a securely fenced back yard rather than an apartment or condo.
The ideal owner of this crossbreed dog will be an active person able to provide adequate outlets for exercise, playtime, obedience training, and interactive bonding experiences. Without proper physical and mental stimulation, these hybrids are likely to develop problem behaviors.
Training Considerations
Inheriting intelligence and loyal devotion from both parent breeds, the Dogo crossed with German Shepherd generally learns quickly and aims to please its owner. But it also has a stubborn streak that can interfere with training if you don’t establish yourself as a strong pack leader.
Early puppy socialization and enrollment in obedience classes helps set clear expectations for good behavior. Use positive reinforcement dog training methods, rewarding your dog with praise, play, and treats for responding to cues properly.
You’ll bond closely with your hybrid in the process. Practice basic cues consistently until your companion dog reliably responds to commands like sit, stay, down, come, heel, and place/bed.
Vital Health and Care Needs
When acquiring any mixed breed, it’s difficult to accurately predict potential health problems it might inherit from either parent line. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for common hereditary conditions. There are a few health issues more prevalent in Dogo Argentinos and German Shepherds to be aware of:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Allergies/Skin problems
- Joint inflammation
- Eye issues
You can minimize risks by working with breeders who certify all breeding dogs are free of hip and elbow dysplasia and have a full veterinary exam to rule out genetic issues before breeding.
Expect to budget for routine vet care, immunizations, heartworm and flea/tick prevention medications, premium nutrition dog food, treats, toys and license fees.
Shop for pet health insurance to cover unforeseen medical conditions or injuries requiring surgery or hospitalization. Properly raised, socialized, trained and cared for, a Dogo Argentino German Shepherd mix may live 10 to 13 years.
The Brave Yet Affectionate Dogo Shepherd
With early socialization, training, plenty of activity and responsible care, the Dogo Argentino crossed with German Shepherd makes a loyal pet. This powerful hybrid aims to please and bonds closely with its immediate human family while remaining wary of strangers. It carries itself with a noble yet affectionate demeanor and a self-assured vigor. The Dogo Shepherd hybrid brings together the most iconic traits of its parent breeds to create a brave, energized and brightly devoted companion.
FAQ
1. How big will a Dogo Argentino crossed with German Shepherd get?
Most Dogo Shepherd mixes reach 24-27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 70-100 pounds at maturity. Males tend to be larger than females. Proper nutrition and exercise are vital, especially during the growth phase.
2. What kind of coat and shedding can I expect from this crossbreed?
The Dogo German Shepherd hybrid has a short, dense double coat that sheds moderately year-round. During the spring and fall seasons, this mix experiences heavier seasonal shedding as the undercoat blows out its winter or summer coat. Plan for lots of vacuuming!
3. What health issues are common in Dogo Argentino German Shepherd mixes?
Some potential health issues to be aware of include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, skin allergies, eye problems, and joint inflammation. Reputable breeders screen their breeding dogs. As an owner you can safeguard health with proper nutrition, exercise, vet care, and pet insurance.
4. How should I train my Dogo crossed with German Shepherd puppy?
This hybrid aims to please but can be stubborn. Enroll in puppy obedience classes for socialization then reinforce training consistently at home. Use positive reinforcement dog training methods, rewarding desired behaviors. Establish yourself as a strong pack leader.
5. What type of environment does a Dogo Shepherd mix need?
This high energy hybrid thrives when it has plenty of secure outdoor space to run in and a family committed to providing adequate outlets for vigorous exercise, interactive playtime, and obedience work daily. The ideal home is an active single family residence with a fenced back yard rather than an apartment or small living space.