El Dogo Argentino, Argentino Dogo, the Argentine Mastiff, or simply the bulldog of Argentina: The Dogo Argentino goes by many names. And whether you speak Spanish or English, one thing is for sure: the Dogo is a great pet to have!
Once you bring home your little Dogo Argentino puppy, you will know what we mean. This intelligent dog is really special – so much so, that it carries a hefty price tag.
Regardless of the money, it costs to own a Dogo, a majority of Dogo fanciers simply cannot resist picking up a Dogo Argentino puppy for sale. This Argentinian dog breed is really very sweet, loyal, and family-friendly.
Today, it is mainly bred as a companion dog to curl up on your couch but that wasn’t always the case. If you ever get a chance to see the Dogo fight, you’d understand exactly what we mean. This handsome dog is a ferocious fighter and that is why it was bred in the first place: to entertain people through dog fights and also as a pack-hunting dog.
Modern Dogos have retained these unique characteristics of their ancestors: loyal and fiercely protective natures, easy trainability, incredible intelligence, and unbeatable tenacity and courage. Due to all these qualities, this is a much-in-demand dog breed.
If you are wondering how much a Dogo Argentino puppy costs, then this guide is for you. Here we will discuss different aspects of Dogo ownership – right from the time you bring your pup home to its golden years.
We will cover the price of Dogo Argentino pups and factors that influence this price, the first-year cost of owning a Dogo followed by the cost in each subsequent year. We will also cover training costs, costs of your Dogo’s food, basic canine supplies, and vaccination costs. Finally, we will cover medical costs and miscellaneous costs like dog walking, grooming, travel, and pet boarding costs.
If you’re in a hurry, the following summary will help:
The price of a Dogo Argentino puppy can range from $1000 to $4000 and it varies from breeder to breeder.
The first-year cost of owning this large dog is around $2000. In the subsequent years, the annual costs could exceed $1000.
Since the average life expectancy of the Dogo is about 12 years, the lifetime cost of owning an Argentino Dogo can be about $12,000.
The Dogo Argentino Price
Dogo Argentinos are a relatively rare breed and not many breeders are dealing with it. The breed is banned in the UK, Denmark, Norway, Fiji, Australia, Singapore, etc. It is also banned in some states of the United States such as New York and Colorado.
These factors have caused the Dogo Argentino pups to be quite expensive. You can expect to pay anywhere between $1000 and $4000 for this strikingly handsome white dog.
The following table shows the price of Argentino Dogo puppies with the minimum, maximum, and average values.
| The minimum price of Dogo Argentino puppy | $1000 |
| The maximum price of Dogo Argentino puppy | $8000 |
| Price bracket | $1000 to $4000 |
| Price average | $2500 |
Factors that Influence the Cost of Dogo Argentino Pups
Breeders
There are very few breeders of the Dogo Argentino breed in the USA. The reputed and ethical ones are registered members of the American Kennel Club and most of them import their Dogos from La Cocha Argentina for mating.
All their pups and adult dogs are well-taken care of and they only sell their puppies to individual owners who won’t use the dogs in illegal fights. For this reason, they thoroughly vet their potential buyers. Such breeders put in a lot of care and effort in maintaining their dogs. Naturally, this can factor in the cost of your Dogo Argentino puppy.
Bloodlines
The original creator of the Dogo Breed was Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez who experimented with several dog breeds to create this strong, loyal, and incredible dog.
Ethical breeders still follow Dr. Martinez’s philosophy and breed along those lines only using the best of the original old-school bloodlines. Due to this reason, some champion puppies having pureblood lines can cost as high as $8000.
Health-guarantee
Another factor that can impact your Dogo’s price is a health guarantee. A reputable breeder will provide a 2-year warranty against genetic defects. This can significantly increase your pup’s price because the breeder would want to recover the costs spent on vet bills.
Here are some places to buy your Dogo Argentino from:
| Place | Features | Cost |
| Dream Dogos | Minnesota-based Dogo breeder. They are registered with the AKC and Fédération Cynologique Internationale. They have even been featured on TV as the true representative of Dogo Argentino. Dream Dogos breeder will match each puppy to a potential owner after a thorough vetting process. They also give a Health Guarantee: 2 years against genetic issues | $2000-$3500 |
| Pure Dogo | This breeder won the best Dogo breeder award in 2017. | From $2000 |
Basic Supplies your Dogo will Need and Approximate Costs
Here are some supplies to buy before you bring home your Dogo:
Toys
This big dog needs strong toys and accessories that can stand up to its power. Even a small Dogo puppy has massive strength so do invest in sturdy toys which will last longer and are also safe for your young pet. Approximate cost – $50-$75.
Food and water bowls
Invest in sturdy bowls which won’t tip easily. Stainless steel bowls are a good choice. You can also place a rubber mat under the bowls to contain the mess and prevent bowls from slipping and skidding. Approximate cost is $20.
Sturdy leashes
Once your vet gives you the green signal to take your Dogo on walks outdoors, you will need a sturdy leash, no-pull halter, and collar. Make sure you choose chew-resistant leashes and collars. Expect to spend about $20 on these.
Training accessories
Your Dogo pup will need firm training right from day one. Some accessories that can aid the training process are clickers for clicker training, high-quality (low-calorie) treats, potty training pads or pee pads, no-chew training bitter sprays to deter chewing of furniture, etc. Approximate cost – $75.
Crate, crate pad, dog bed
It is a good idea to crate-train your Dogo. This is not a punishment – crate training teaches your pup to enjoy me-time, entertain itself, and even learn to self-soothe. Crate training also aids in potty training. A sturdy crate for this large dog can cost around $75 with a crate pad. You can also add a comfortable chew-proof dog bed inside the crate. This will cost about $50.
Basic grooming supplies
A Dogo has a short, white coat that does not need too much grooming. However, they do shed regularly, so you need to brush it from time to time. Invest in a slicker brush to remove the loose hair. You will also need a dog shampoo for bathing your pet monthly.
Also buy a dog toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental chew sticks to maintain oral hygiene. Pet wipes can be used for cleaning eye boogers and ear gunk. Take care of your Dogo’s nails with sturdy clippers or nail grinders. The total cost of these basic supplies – about $75 to $100.
| Item | Cost |
| Collar-leash set | $20 |
| Food-water bowls | $15 – $20 |
| Sturdy chew-proof dog bed | From $50 |
| Sturdy crate | From $50 |
| Mats for containing food messes | $10 |
| Sturdy toys and training accessories | $50 – $75 |
| Grooming tools – brush, comb, dental supplies, shampoo, nail clippers, etc. | $75 |
| Poop bags | $10 |
| Potty pads for indoor training | $10 |
Dogo Argentino Training Cost
There are many types of dog training options to choose from for training your Dogo.
You can choose from private in-home training or group training classes for your Dogo. In private training, professional dog trainers customize training programs for this special breed. They even include client consultation along with specific behavior training for issues like aggression, fear, excess barking, etc. Private training is very effective but it is also expensive.
Then there is a board and train option too. You can send your dog to live with a trainer who teaches your dog the basic commands.
These days, online dog training has also become popular since the Covid-19 pandemic. In this innovative trend, trainers help owners train their puppies through video call sessions. Here is a table showing various price ranges for these dog training options:
| Dog training type | Cost |
| Private lessons | As low as $20 an hour to almost $400 depending on your area, trainer, and your pet’s needs |
| Group lessons | About $125 for 6-week classes |
| Board and train | $1000 to $2500 for 2-weeks of boarding |
| Online training with private trainers | $90-$350 |
| Online training via YouTube videos | Free |
Dogo Argentino Food Costs
By the time your breeder gives you your Dogo puppy, it will have weaned off its dam’s milk and would have transitioned to puppy food. You can bring the same food for your pet to eat in the first few weeks. Your adult Dogo will weigh about 80 to 100 lb and measure about 25 to 26 inches at withers.
Dry or wet food?
Dry dog food or kibble is a good choice for your adult Dogo. Remember that this is a high-energy dog and it needs plenty of protein, complex carbs, and essential fats to maintain its overall health and well-being.
There are many cheap dog foods on the market that are advertised as being high-in-protein. However, these tend to contain soy. One of the unpleasant side-effects of soy is that it causes flatulence in dogs. So, look for dog food containing a balance of proteins, vitamins, and minerals without the fillers like corn, soy, by-products, fillers, and artificial flavors, etc. The food should contain at least 22.5% protein. Good sources of protein for Dogos are chicken, rabbit, turkey, fish, etc.
Wet food is another good choice for most dogs. However, some Dogos are known to suffer from diarrhea after switching to canned or wet food. Some others develop behavioral issues because of their craving for canned food. So, always consult your vet and tweak your Dogo’s diet if your pet seems to suffer from indigestion or the behavioral issues mentioned above.
How much to feed?
- Feed your Dogo puppy three times a day. A 3-month-old Dogo will need at least 2- 3 3/4th cups of kibble divided into 3 meals each day. If your pet prefers wet or canned food, feed about 1.5 to 2 cans of 3.5 to 5 oz. each per day.
- Feed your adult Dogo of 80 lb. weight 4 to 5 cups or 1000g of kibble. If you feed wet food, feed it at least 5 cans of 3.5 to 5 oz. each per day.
Here is a table showing the monthly costs of different types of food for Dogos
| Type of food | Approximate quantity for 80.lb Dogo per month | Cost |
| Dry dog food | 65-75 lb. | $120-$150 |
| Canned or wet food | 150 cans of 5 oz. each | $230-$250 |
| Freeze-dried food | 90 cups | $150-$200 |
| Raw food (commercially prepared) | 30 lb. | $100 – $120 |
Comparing Dogo Argentino Dog Food Costs
The Argentinian mastiff or Dogo is a large, high-energy dog. Thankfully, it is not overly fussy and pretty much eats everything you feed it. This hardy dog also does not have any food restrictions but you must still feed it high-quality food with proteins, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and antioxidants.
Look for human-grade food with natural ingredients. You can choose to feed wet or canned food or go in for kibble or dry dog food. Kibble is generally better for your Dogo’s teeth.
Evaluate your Dogo’s health from time to time. If your dog appears to gain excess weight despite the moderate activity, you might have to reduce its portion sizes. Your vet can guide you in this regard.
There are many good dog foods available in the market. The following table will show you the exact cost range and benefits of different dog foods for the Dogo.
| Name of dog food | Features | Price per lb. |
| Purina One Smart Blend Natural Large Breed Formula | Specially formulated for large, energetic dogs. Contains glucosamine | $1.01/lb. |
| Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
|
Contains roasted venison and bison to give nearly 32% protein to your energetic Dogo. Made in the USA. It also contains probiotics for digestion. | $1.86/lb. |
| Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
|
Contains natural ingredients. The first ingredient is real meat. No fillers, preservatives, etc. | $1.73/lb. |
| Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
|
Vet-formulated food with real protein. Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and omega fatty acids and vitamin E for a healthy coat | $1.66/lb. |
Medical Costs of Dogo Argentino
Vaccination costs
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, your Dogo will need some core vaccinations to prevent deadly infections like parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, etc.
Your Argentino will also need non-core vaccines like those for Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Borrelia Burgdorferi, etc.
Some vets charge per shot while others charge for bundle vaccines. Expect to pay between $20 and $40 for most vaccines depending on the cost to the veterinary practice. Some low-cost clinics charge between $10 and $20 per shot. In some states, there are mandates which decide the cost of the vaccine.
You can also go to a veterinarian that offers some other preventive checkups for your Dogo along with vaccinations. For example, some practices can have preventive annual exams, mid-annual exams, deworming, and screening blood work. Such preventive packages can cost $200.
You will also need to deworm your puppies regularly. Your breeder will deworm 2-3 week old Dogo puppies. You also need to de-worm every 2 weeks until your pup is about 6 months old. Once your Dogo is 12 months of age, deworm it every 3-4 months. De-worming meds can cost about $15 to $45.
Flea and tick prevention is imperative for Dogos. Without this, your pet could suffer terribly. Fleas and ticks cause intense itching and failure to curb their population can lead to massive infestations. So, regularly use flea-tick protection like shampoos, sprays, collars, powders, and spot treatments.
The following tables will show you the exact cost of core and non-core vaccines, the costs of emergency care, and the costs of different medical procedures for canines.
| Name of the Vaccine | Age to give | Cost |
| Canine parvovirus | 6 to 10 weeks, repeat again at 9 to 10 weeks, 12-13 weeks, and 15-17 weeks. | About $75 to $100 for all core vaccines |
| Canine distemper | Same as above | |
| Hepatitis | Same as above | |
| Rabies | 15-17 weeks and booster at 1 year. Also based on state laws | |
| Leptospirosis | 9-10 weeks and 12-13 weeks. | $15-$35 |
| Optional vaccines/non-core vaccine – Lyme disease and Canine influenza | 12-13 weeks and booster at 15-17 weeks. | $20-$50 |
| Bordetella (also non-core vaccine) | 6-7 weeks and booster at 9-10 weeks | $19-$45 |
| Flea and tick | Starting from 8 weeks of age/as advised by your vet | $50 for a 3-month supply |
| Deworming | Start at 2-3 weeks then repeat every 2 weeks until 4 deworming. Adult Dogos to be dewormed every 3 months | $15-$45 depending on the brand of medicine. |
Table showing approximate costs of medical procedures for Dogos:
| Name of test | Cost |
| Routine checkup | $50 and $250 |
| Spaying or neutering | $160-$200 |
| Vaccines | $20-$50 |
| Physical exam | $45 – $55 |
| Fecal exam | $25-$55 |
| Heartworm test | $45-$50 |
| Dental cleaning | $70-$400 |
| Allergy testing | $195-$300 |
Costs of special tests
| Name of test | Cost |
| Bloodwork | $80-$100 |
| X-ray | Up to $200 |
| USG | Up to $500 |
| Hospitalization | $600-$3500 |
| Emergency surgery | Up to $5000 |
Dogo Argentino Inherited Diseases
The Dogo is generally a hardy breed but unethical breeding and puppy mills could cause these dogs to inherit certain genetic issues from their parents. These include:
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a painful condition in Dogos. It can cause slower movements, pain while walking and running, and a change in gait in the affected dogs. Treatment for hip dysplasia includes the use of joint medicines, exercise, physical therapy, and in extreme cases, surgery. The cost of total hip replacement surgery is nearly $5000.
Hypothyroidism
If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause a host of issues in your dog. This includes glaucoma, anemia, and corneal ulcers. The cost of treating it is $850 in the first year followed by $300-$500 in the subsequent years.
Laryngeal paralysis
The only treatment for laryngeal paralysis is surgery to tie down the larynx in place. Without this, your Dogo won’t be able to breathe. The cost of surgery is between $2600-$5000.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma can cause eye pain, blurry vision, squinting, redness of eyes, and tearing in dogs. Diode laser is the only way to treat it and the cost is about $1800 for both eyes.
Pet Insurance for your Dogo Argentino
Dog Argentino pet insurance does tend to cost slightly more than most dogs. This is due to the fact that it is a rare breed and also pure. Mixed dog breed insurance premiums are slightly lower. So, shop around carefully and choose a plan that won’t leave any gaps in coverage.
Good insurance companies cover unexpected and routine vet bills. Some even cover training costs and grooming costs. Some companies give you loyalty rewards and reimbursements for spaying/neutering, nail trimming, dental cleaning, nutritional supplements, etc. Many reduce your deductible by $50 each year you do not make a claim.
The following table will show you the comparison of different insurance companies:
| Name | Pros | Cons | Cost |
| Embrace | Covers some pre-existing though curable conditions | Could take up to 15 days to process accident/illness claims | Basic coverage starts from $14 per month. |
| Figo | No network limitations, 30-day money-back guarantee if you don’t like their service, voted one of the best insurance for pets in 2021 | Has an enrollment exam | Plans average at $1.50 per day |
| Healthy Paws | No.1Customer-Rated 2010 – 2021
No maximum annual or lifetime payouts. Most claims are processed within 2 days
|
Not for older pets | $40 basic plan |
Additional Costs of Dogo Argentino
Grooming
Dogo Argentinos have a short coat and they do not need too much grooming. However, you must still brush your pet regularly to remove the loose hair. Also, brush its teeth daily. If you choose to go for professional grooming, depending on your city, it can cost around $40 to $75 for basic services like bath, trimming, nail care, etc.
Travel/boarding/pet sitting
If you have to travel without your Dogo, you can have a dog sitter come over to watch your pet and walk it two-three times a day. If not, you can board your pet at the dog boarding facility. This can cost about $30-$50 per night. Dog sitters charge about $25 per hour for a large dog like the Dogo. In case your Dogo travels with you, you’d need to spend at least $120-$200 one-way on airfare charges.
Dog Walking
Dogos need plenty of exercise. Remember: these dogs were bred to hunt in packs and participate in dog fights. If you cannot provide it with the exercise it needs, it is bound to get sick, depressed, and even indulge in bad behaviors. Dog walkers charge $35 on average for a large dog like the Dogo for a 30–45-minute walk.
Home setup
Dogos need a large house with a fenced yard. This large and energetic dog is certainly not for apartment dwellers. If your yard is an open one, you may need to secure it with a sturdy fence. Expect to pay at least $1000 for fencing, depending on your yard’s size.
Key Takeaways – How Much Does a Dogo Argentino Cost?
The first-year cost of owning your Argentino
Sure, you’re excited to have this cute puppy but be prepared to shell out at least $2000 in its first year. This may not include the cost of buying it from a reputed breeder. Some breeders are even known to charge as high as $4000-$8000 for this rare dog breed. First-year costs also include the costs of vaccinations, routine checks, basic supplies, spaying/neutering, dog training, etc.
The monthly cost of owning your Dogo
Argentino Dogos need healthy food which costs up to $200 per month. Also, add in routine and unexpected vet bills, additional costs on toys, supplements, etc. This can cost about $300.
Annual costs
After the first year, expect to pay nearly $1000 on your Dogo’s care. This includes flea and tick medication, deworming four times a year, costs of food and treats, basic medical costs, costs of dog walking, training, and unexpected vet costs.
Lifetime costs
The average life expectancy of Argentinian Dogo is about 12 years. If you spend $1000 on average per year, then the lifetime costs could come to $12000. In case your Dogo develops health issues in its senior years, then these costs can add up rapidly. Expect to pay at least $2000 per year on treatment or hospitalization, if needed. Pet insurance can help you avoid most of these costs.
We hope the above guide helps you budget and plan for your Dogo’s arrival.
