Dogo Argentino vs. Pitbull: Key Differences

Dogo Argentinos were first bred in Argentina in the 1920s by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez, whose goal was to create a powerful and versatile hunting dog capable of taking on big game, such as wild boar and puma. Pitbulls have a more controversial history. The breed originated in England in the 19th century, where they were bred for bull-baiting and dog fighting. These different origins have resulted in notable differences in the breeds’ size, appearance, behavior, and lifespan. Continue reading to discover more about these key differences between the Dogo Argentino and the pitbull.

Size

When it comes to size, there is an obvious difference between the Dogo Argentino and the Pitbull. Dogo Argentinos typically stand 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder, while pitbulls are much shorter, standing 13 to 24 inches tall. The average Dogo Argentino weighs between 85 and 100 pounds, while pitbulls weigh between 25 and 80 pounds.

Appearance

Though these two breeds do share some similar physical characteristics, there are numerous physical differences between the Dogo Argentino and the pitbull.

The Dogo Argentino is always white, while the pitbull comes in a variety of colors and fur patterns. Additionally, the pitbull is more likely to have floppy ears compared to the erect ears of the Dogo Argentino. 

While both breeds are extremely muscular and powerful, the Dogo Argentino has a less compact body compared to the stockier pitbull. The legs of the pitbull are noticeably shorter than the strong legs of the Dogo Argentino. Both breeds have large, round heads. A Dogo Argentino’s muzzle is about the same length as its skull, while a pitbull’s muzzle is often shorter and more square-shaped.

 Behavior

The behaviors of the Dogo Argentino and the pitbull are similar in many ways. Both breeds are alert, protective, and vigilant.

Both breeds require a dedicated and experienced owner to train them properly and ensure they do not develop issues with strangers or other dogs. They both require a serious and experienced owner that they don’t have issues with strangers or other dogs.

While both dogs make fantastic companions, the pitbull tends to be a bit goofier overall compared to the Dogo Argentino.

Lifespan

A final difference between the Dogo Argentino and the pitbull is their lifespan. Likely due to their size differences, the pitbull lives longer on average than the Dogo Argentino. The pitbull lives an average of 12 to 15 years, while the Dogo Argentino typically lives 10 to 15 years.