Temperament and care ratings
The American Kennel Club rates every breed from 1 to 5 on the traits below. They describe how the breed tends to be, not a promise about one dog.
Coat: Smooth coat, short.
A Dogo Argentino suits
- A home that changes often, or apartment life (adaptability 4 of 5)
- A first-time owner who wants an eager learner (trainability 5 of 5)
- Runners, hikers and active households (energy 5 of 5)
- Anyone who wants a natural watchdog (protective nature 5 of 5)
Think twice if
- You are out most of the day: energy is rated 5 of 5
- You can't offer daily training or puzzle games (mental stimulation needs 4 of 5)
- You want a tidy house: shedding is 4 of 5
What the ratings mean day to day
An energy score of 5 and mental stimulation needs of 4 mean plenty of daily exercise plus training games or puzzle feeders. With barking at 3 of 5 and a watchdog score of 5, expect some barking at the door. Grooming at 1 of 5 means an occasional brush.
Popularity
In 2020 it ranked 93.
Breeds with a similar profile
Closest matches across all 14 trait ratings:
#15 in 2025Doberman PinscherKidsEnergyShedding
Compare: Dogo Argentino vs Doberman Pinscher · Dogo Argentino vs Dalmatian · Dogo Argentino vs Norwegian Elkhound
Frequently asked questions
Are Dogo Argentinos good with kids?
The AKC rates the Dogo Argentino 3 out of 5 for being good with young children. Supervise early meetings and teach kids how to handle a dog.
Do Dogo Argentinos shed a lot?
Shedding is rated 4 out of 5 (high), and coat grooming 1 out of 5.
Are Dogo Argentinos easy to train?
Trainability is rated 5 out of 5 and mental stimulation needs 4 out of 5.
How much energy does a Dogo Argentino have?
Energy is rated 5 out of 5 and playfulness 4 out of 5.
Ratings: American Kennel Club breed pages, compiled February 2022 (AKC Dogo Argentino page). 2025 ranking: AKC, published August 2026. How we check.