The Banned Dogo Argentino and Its Legal UK Counterpart: The Bullmastiff
- Advanced Animal Care
- Oct 4
- 3 min read
The UK's Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 introduced breed-specific legislation (BSL) to restrict certain breeds deemed potentially dangerous, including the Dogo Argentino, alongside the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Fila Brasileiro, and more recently, the American XL Bully. Owning a Dogo Argentino in the UK requires a court-issued Certificate of Exemption, strict muzzling in public, and neutering, making it effectively prohibited for most. In this blog, tailored for UK readers, we explore the banned Dogo Argentino and compare it to its closest legal counterpart, the Bullmastiff, highlighting their similarities and differences while reflecting on the implications of BSL.
The Dogo Argentino: A Banned Powerhouse
Originating in Argentina in the 1920s, the Dogo Argentino was bred by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez for big-game hunting, particularly wild boar, by crossing breeds like the Cordoba Fighting Dog, Pointer, and Mastiff. This muscular, athletic breed stands 24-27 inches tall and weighs 90-100 lbs, with a short, pure white coat designed for endurance in rugged terrain. Known for its courage, loyalty, and protective nature, the Dogo is a pack hunter with a strong prey drive, making it an excellent guard dog but also raising concerns about its potential aggression. Its ban in the UK stems from its powerful build and historical association with hunting, despite its affectionate temperament with family when properly trained.
The Bullmastiff: A Legal GuardianThe Bullmastiff, a legal UK breed recognized by the Kennel Club, was developed in the 19th century by gamekeepers to protect estates from poachers, combining the English Mastiff and Old English Bulldog. Like the Dogo, it’s a large, muscular dog (24-27 inches tall, 100-130 lbs), with a short coat in fawn, red, or brindle, often with a black mask. Both breeds share a protective instinct, loyalty, and a calm demeanor with family, though the Bullmastiff is slightly stockier and less agile than the Dogo.Temperamentally, the Bullmastiff is known as a "gentle giant," offering a more docile nature compared to the Dogo’s hunting-driven energy, though both require experienced handlers and early socialisation to manage their guarding instincts. Health concerns are similar, including hip dysplasia, bloat, and a lifespan of 7-9 years. The Bullmastiff’s long-standing role as a British working dog has kept it legal, while the Dogo’s foreign hunting heritage led to its ban.
Key Comparisons
Size and Build: Both are large and muscular, but the Bullmastiff is heavier (up to 130 lbs) compared to the Dogo’s leaner 100 lbs.
Coat: Short and low-maintenance, with the Dogo’s white coat contrasting the Bullmastiff’s fawn or brindle.
Purpose: The Dogo was bred for hunting, the Bullmastiff for guarding, influencing their energy levels.
Temperament: Both are loyal and protective, but the Bullmastiff is calmer, while the Dogo retains a higher prey drive.
Legal Status: The Dogo is banned under BSL; the Bullmastiff is a cherished UK breed.
Final Thoughts: BSL and Responsible Ownership in the UKThe Dogo Argentino’s ban highlights the ongoing debate about BSL’s effectiveness—dog bite incidents have increased despite restrictions, suggesting training and ownership play a bigger role than breed. The Bullmastiff proves that similar traits can thrive with responsible care. For UK pet owners, always check local council rules, prioritise socialisation, and choose ethical breeders to ensure any dog becomes a loving companion.
Published: 02:27 PM BST, Saturday, 04 October
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