Dogo Argentino are a powerful and muscular breed of dog that originated in Argentina. They were bred specifically for big game hunting, including wild boar and puma. One of the most distinctive features of the Dogo Argentino is their uniform white coat color.
History of the Breed
The Dogo Argentino was first developed in Argentina in the 1920s by Dr. Antonio Nores Martínez. Martínez wanted to create a brave and strong hunting dog that could tackle large prey like wild boar and puma. To do this, he crossed several large, powerful breeds like the Great Dane, Bulldog, Boxer, Pointer, and Mastiff.
One of the key requirements Martínez had for the new breed was a solid white coat. There were several reasons for this:
- White dogs were highly visible when hunting in the grasslands and forests of Argentina, making it easier for hunters to follow them.
- White coats helped regulate body temperature in hot climates.
- The solid white coat distinguished the new Dogo breed from other local hunting dogs.
Martínez bred selectively for many generations until the dogs consistently produced solid white offspring. The all-white coat became part of the breed standard when the Dogo Argentino was officially recognized in Argentina in 1954.
Genetics of Coat Color
The genetic reason Dogo Argentino can only have a white coat is because the breed only carries recessive genes for white pigment. In dogs, there are two main genes that control coat color and pigmentation:
- E gene – Determines whether a dog is black/brown (dominant E allele) or red/yellow (recessive e allele)
- A gene – Controls how much white/fawn pigment is produced
The A gene has four possible alleles:
| Allele | Pigment Produced |
|---|---|
| Ay | Fawn/sable coat |
| aw | Agouti pattern |
| at | Black-and-tan/tricolor pattern |
| a | Recessive white (no pigment) |
Dogo Argentino only carry the little ‘a’ recessive allele on the A gene which prevents any pigment from being produced, resulting in a pure white coat. They also only carry the recessive ‘e’ allele on the E gene which prevents black/brown pigment.
Breed Standards
Breed standards for the Dogo Argentino also firmly establish that solid white is the only acceptable coat color. According to the Argentine Kennel Club standard:
Color: Completely white. A dark or black patch or mask, or more than 10% of the coat in another coloring than white is a disqualification.
Likewise, the standard of the Federation Cynologique Internationale states:
The color has to be completely white. A pale yellow coloration is permitted.
Any Dogo Argentino with non-white markings or coloring are disqualified from conformation showing and breeding. Only solid white is allowed for purity of the breed.
Reasons for the White-Only Standard
In addition to the original functional and visibility reasons, there are other explanations why white remains the mandatory coat color for Dogo Argentino today:
- Tradition – White has been part of the breed identity since its origins in the 1920s.
- Breed purity – Solid white indicates a Dogo is purebred and not mixed with other breeds.
- Aesthetics – The glossy white coat is considered highly attractive and beautiful.
- Symbolism – White has symbolic meaning of purity, nobility and prestige in many cultures.
While some criticize the limited gene pool caused by a single-color standard, most Dogo Argentino breeders and owners wish to preserve the striking white appearance that makes the dogs so instantly recognizable.
Health and Genetic Diversity
Limiting Dogo Argentino to only white coats has created some health issues and lack of genetic diversity for the breed. Some problems connected to the white-only coat standard include:
- Higher rates of deafness – White coat color and pigmentation patterns are often linked to congenital deafness in dogs.
- Sunburn susceptibility – White dogs are more prone to sunburn on their skin and exposure-related cancers.
- Limited gene pool – Breeding only white dogs narrows the genetic diversity of the breed’s foundation stock.
To improve the breed’s health, some kennel clubs like the UKC have removed the “must be white” clause from their Dogo standard. Responsible breeders will breed for health and temperament over coat color.
Occasional Non-White Markings
While extremely rare, there are occasional reports of Dogo Argentino puppies being born with small patches of non-white coloring. Possible causes include:
- Recessive genes from foundation stock ancestors
- Spontaneous mutation of the pigment genes
- Hidden genes from crossbreeding with other breeds
- Chimerism – Absorption of genetic material from a twin in utero
These colorful markings are generally disqualifying faults according to breed standards. Responsible Dogo breeders will not continue breeding lines that produce non-white offspring.
Conclusion
In summary, the reason Dogo Argentino are required to have a solid white coat traces back to functional needs of the original breeders in Argentina. The white color was hardcoded into the breed standards early on and persists today for reasons of tradition, purity and symbolism.
While the white-only coat standard has some detrimental effects on the breed’s health and genetic diversity, most Dogo enthusiasts wish to maintain the iconic white appearance. Responsible breeding practices can help improve health within the constraints of the breed’s distinctive white identity.
