Working Dogo Argentinos

Our pups are all equal in quality when they leave our yard. Price differences are solely based on “Pick of the Litter” and registration type (full with breeding rights or limited). For the African market(South Africa & neighboring countries) unregistered, microchipped pups are available. Registration means KUSA (FCI) limited registration, microchipping, age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming and a vet health certificate if required. Full registration includes all above, as well as full breeding rights.

Once an application has been successfull, an applicant gets placed on the waiting list, according to their particular choice. Choice may be a pup from a specific mother and father, a specific colouring (like a pirate) or male/female. Waiting period may vary due to these choices, either waiting for a specific mating, or a specific colour pattern to show up. Successful applicants may choose to pay a depisito up front, securing their spot, or they may opt to wait until a litter is borne before deciding to place a deposito. Once a litter is borne, first come, first serve and all deposits paid need to be paid fully in order to reserve a pup. Preference of pup may be indicated at around seven weeks of age. Deposits are transferable to a future litter if the timing isn't right.

ShaTranj is not a shipping agent. Transport can be arranged anywhere in South Africa at the buyers cost. Shipment of pups can also be arranged(all paperwork included) anywhere in the world where Dogo Argentinos can be legally imported. This will be handled on individual basis to cover all neccassary paperwork, quarantine regulations, veterinary permits etc. Within a 300km radius of ShaTranj premises, it is possible to arrange personal delivery.

Every breeding dog is cleared for hips and elbows (OFA), heart, and eyes (CERF), plus a full breed-specific DNA panel.

Our contract requires that we always get first right of return. We will take any dog we've bred back at any point in its life, no questions asked — they never end up in a shelter.

All our retired animals remain part of the family. They have been loyal to us as long as they could…we owe them the same. Both dogs and horses remains on the farm, part of the daily routine for as much as they feel themselves up to. Breeding Dogos, injured Dogos…any Dogo that became part of the family, will NEVER be sold off in their old age (or any other age) to become part of a life where strange people try milking the last from them.

There is NO short answer. READ ALL OF THIS, then see summary at end. The Argentinian Dogo is a large, white, muscular breed of dog that was developed in Argentina primarily for the purpose of big-game hunting, including wild boar. Males weigh 40-45kgs, 60-68cm heigh at the shoulder Females weigh 38-43kgs, 60-65cm heigh at the shoulder Dogos were bred as big-game hunters in Argentinia. In modern days they still hunt in some areas and with a few breeders, but they are also trained for search and rescue, police assistance, service dogs, guide for the blind, competitive obedience, Schutzhund and military work. At ShaTranj our Dogos hunt, track, does anti poaching, find wounded, snared or darted game, help with snare detection, reacts to farm attacks and crime scenes and assist with Search & Rescue operations. ​ The Dogo is an intelligent and courageous dog with a strong, natural instinct to protect its home and family. Dogos are very social dogs and are happiest when included in all family activities. Dogos make a strong distinction between familiar people and strangers, so it is imperative that they be well trained and socialized at an early age. The breeder, Antonio Nores Martínez, also wanted a dog that would exhibit steadfast bravery and willingly protect its human companion. It was first bred in 1928 from the Cordoba Fighting Dog, along with a wide array of other breeds, including the Great Dane. ​ In 1928, Antonio Nores Martinez, a medical doctor, professor and surgeon, set out to breed a big game huntingdog that was also capable of being a loyal pet and guard dog. Antonio Martinez picked the Cordoba Fighting Dog to be the base for the breed. This breed is extinct today, but it was said that, as a large and ferocious dog, it was a great hunter. Martinez crossed it with the Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Old English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Pyrenean Mastiff, English Pointer, Irish Wolfhound and Dogue de Bordeaux.[6] Nores Martinez continued to develop the breed via selective breeding to introduce the desired traits. In 1970, Dr. Raul Zeballos brought the first six specimens of Argentinian Dogo to the United States. Summary: - the Dogo is probably not the best choice for 1.) the 1st time dog owner, 2.) the person with zero experience of power breeds or workings breeds - if you “think” it would be nice to have one…pass them by until you’ve physically seen and handled them. Then reevaluate your decision. - if you have no space and no time to exercise, or at least spend quality time with them…pass them by. - if all the above qualifies you NOT to have a Dogo, but you have a burning passion and a desire to learn and develop…go for it. - in our selection for new owners, the macho type, wanting a Dogo for the image, are rarely successful. By all means, be macho, but don’t use the Dogo to try and get it. - otherwise, if you know, you know…and we will do everything we can to match you up with a pup that can enrich your life. You can be macho with him/her or simply loving, you can hunt or simply play flirtpole in the backyard, you can track for hours through the harshest terrain in Africa or you can walk the pavement around the block. JUST DON’T BE AN ASSHOLE WITH YOUR DOGO !! They WILL be as GREAT or as TERRIBLE as you make them. Please feel free to open direct discussion if you need more information, advice or experience stories ! +27 82 309 1651 johan@shatranj.co.za