A very popular big dog is the Dogo Argentino, which is also known as the German Shepherd. There is a strong belief that a particular breed is superior to the other among fans of both breeds. In the opinion of many dog enthusiasts, this is mostly a matter of preference.
Their histories and origins differ considerably from each other. Many people are interested in learning more about these breeds because they are both prevalent breeds.
You can compare Dogo Argentino vs German Shepherd based on their temperament, size, personality, and maintenance requirements using the tool below.
Choosing the right breed for your lifestyle and home is crucial before getting a puppy. Let’s get started…
Table of Contents
What is a Dogo Argentino?
It is known for being a fearless yet gentle breed of dog, according to Michele Welton, a very well-known dog trainer.
Argentine Mastiffs and Dogos are also forms of the Argentine Dogo. It is ideal for an active family to have a dog as a loyal family pet when properly socialized. Boars and panthers were bred originally to hunt with these dogs.
A large, muscular breed of dog, the Argentine Dogo is an excellent hunter and guardian. Keep them fit by keeping them mentally stimulated and physically active. It’s common for these dogs to be friendly and protective when raised by competent owners.
It’s super important for this breed to be socialized with as many new people as possible early on. Families are very important to Dogo Argentinos, who show a lot of affection toward each other.
Most of them want lots of petting and affection from their family members. When it comes to other dogs and cats, Dogo owners need to be cautious.
Because of an urge to fight that many of them still have, these dogs should only be kept with dogs of the opposite sex. Because of their strong prey drive, Argentine Mastiffs should be cautious around cats.
Keeping their prey drive in check and avoiding tragic incidents will require gentle but firm control from owners.
Compare German Shepherd vs Dogo Argentino sizes
Breed Name | Dogo Argentino | German Shepherd |
Size | Large | Large |
Weight | Male: 88-99 pounds (40-45 kg), Female: 71-77 pounds (32-35 kg) | Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) |
Average Weight | Male: 93.5 pounds (42.5 kg), Female: 74 pounds (33.5 kg) | Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) |
Height | Male: 24-27 inches (64-68 cm), Female: 23-25 inches (60-64 cm) | Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) |
Average Height | Male: 25.5 inches (66 cm), Female: 24 inches (62 cm) | Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) |
How Do German Shepherd Dogs Display Good Traits?
Despite their intelligence, German Shepherds are very loyal to their human families and never fail to please them. It is easy for them to learn new commands because of their high intelligence level.
Your dog will be diligent in completing any task you ask of him or her. German shepherds can howl if get proper training.
The owner will rarely need to repeat commands given to a GSD once it has been trained. It follows commands given very reliably once it has been trained.
Despite their protective nature, German Shepherds are loyal to their family members. Even perceived threats do not deter them from protecting their family members.
Other pets, including other dogs, will usually get along well with most.
How Can You Spot Bad GSD Traits?
German Shepherds can sometimes overreact in their protective duties, although it is relatively uncommon for them to attack without provocation.
You might not like your neighbors if your dog barks at something they see or hear as a threat. While not overtly hostile, a German Shepherd Dog may seem standoffish around strangers. It is due to their instinct to protect that they possess this trait.
You should exercise your Shepherd regularly and engage him in other stimulating activities; otherwise, he might become bored and become interested in his own interests.
Bored people may dig, chew, or bark in an unwanted manner to relieve boredom. German Shepherds are known to jump fences and wander if left unsupervised in a yard.
The lifespan of a Dogo Argentino versus a German Shepherd Dog
Dogs’ life expectancy is strongly affected by their quality of care, but there are also other factors, especially their breed when it comes to determining their lifespan.
German Shepherd Dogs and Dogo Argentinos have similar life expectancies. In general, they live between nine and fifteen years
Hopefully, you will end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you after reading the next few sections that compare Dogo Argentino and German Shepherd Dog.
Breed Name | Dogo Argentino | German Shepherd Dog |
Breed Group | Sporting Dogs | Herding Dogs |
Height | 23 to 27 inches | 22 to 26 inches |
Weight | 80 to 100 pounds | 75 to 95 pounds |
Life Span | 9 to 15 years | 10 to 14 years |
German Shepherd Dog vs Dogo Argentino Adaptability
Let’s start by discussing how a dog adapts to apartment living when we discuss “dog adaptability.”
The majority of dogs are great – but not every dog is suitable for or suited to living in an apartment. The number one reason why dogs may be considered the worst dog breed for apartments is the amount of energy they have. They produce noise, smell, shed, and have a high level of energy.
Dogo Argentinos are generally not considered to be good apartment dogs, as German Shepherd Dogs are known to be.
There are some dogs who will do better if left home alone for six to eight hours, however, the majority of dogs can manage. If you are going to leave a German Shepherd Dog or a Dogo Argentino alone, take a look at the table below for their tolerance to being left alone.
If you would like to learn more about the best dogs to leave alone, you can read our list of recommended dogs.
A comparison of temperament between dogo Argentinos and German shepherds
The temperament of a breed as a whole is difficult to generalize. Various factors affect the behavior of each dog, and each has a different temperament.
Is your family looking for a new pet?
You won’t go wrong with a German Shepherd Dog or a Dogo Argentino if you’re looking for a companion dog. They are perfect for families because of their friendly nature and outgoing personality. It’s easy to bond with them, they’re both very affectionate with family.
It’s just that German Shepherd Dogs do better when it comes to behavior around kids.
The temperament of a German Shepherd dog can vary from one dog to another, but most are gentle and patient with children.
There is no reason why Dogo Argentinos cannot be nice to children, although it may take some time for them to get used to them.
The behavior of guarding
Others prefer dogs who are friendly to strangers, while some owners welcome their dogs’ guarding behavior.
German Shepherd Dogs and Dogo Argentinos are completely opposite when it comes to friendliness toward strangers.
You can expect Dogo Argentinos to act protectively towards strangers, unlike German Shepherds who are friendly with strangers.
What is your decision-making process?
Dog breed expert The Dog Breed Expert cites poor planning on the part of their former owners as a major reason for dogs ending up in pounds and shelters.
For the sake of your dog, it is crucial that you make a wise choice. It is possible for your dog’s life to be disrupted as well as your own by a bad decision.
It is also possible for the dog to lose his or her life if he or she goes to the wrong place. Dogos and Shepherd-type dogs are among the three million dogs euthanized each year by the No Kill Advocacy Center.
Making the right decision requires proper planning. Your chances of choosing the right dog will increase if you think things through.
It is beneficial to have a thorough understanding of each breed. Nevertheless, it is only one part of the equation when it comes to making a decision.
Additionally, you should consider how well your lifestyle fits with the needs of these breeds. There are enough differences between the Dogo Argentino and the German Shepherd that you’ll need to measure carefully if you’re trying to choose between them.
It is essential that you take the time to consider some of the crucial differences between the two breeds and the importance of each of them to your family and the needs of everyone.
As it may seem marginal at the outset, there can be differences between the two breeds that could cause problems in the future that are not apparent at the time.
How Do You Want Your Dog To Be?
There is more to this question than meets the eye, even though it might appear to be a simple one.
There might be differences in personality traits between breeds originally used for similar purposes. A dog’s personality is very important.
Defending oneself is a useful function of both Shepherds and Dogos. Argentine Dogos, on the other hand, have been used as guard dogs and for flock guarding, while German Shepherd Dogs have mostly been used for police work.
They both have a large enough size to serve as the perfect deterrent against burglars or other potential assailants. As a matter of fact, each of the two has its own unique set of needs that make them stand out from each other.
The dog’s protective nature will also need to be taken into consideration, as well as his or her needs.
Although your dog will spend much of its time protecting you, you should still think about bringing him home with you. Families are the best place to raise both breeds, not backyards.
Is there a child in your home or a person with a disability?
The traits that each breed possesses might play a role in your decision-making although both breeds are good with children when properly supervised.
It is their protective instincts that cause German Shepherds to “herd” children. It is common for dogs of this breed to be rambunctious as children or even adults who are not in great physical shape can easily be knocked over by them.
Shepherds may be a better option for households with small children, older adults, or disabled residents.
Can You Tell Me About Your Other Pets?
You should consider other pets when making a decision about a dog, despite socialization being critical. When it comes to smaller pets, including small dogs, German Shepherds usually get along well with other pets.
In order to avoid conflict with other pets, it is best to keep an Argentine Mastiff in a setting where they will not be in conflict with others. For a quick recap, this means no cats or dogs of the same gender that the dog did not grow up with.
What Is Your Grooming Time Like?
The longer and thicker the coat of a GSD, the greater the grooming needs. Most owners are not burdened by these needs, however.
It is relatively rare for both breeds to need to be bathed. In terms of cleanliness, both breeds are satisfactory whether you’re looking for a pet for a family or for an individual.
Conclusion
It is important to keep enough considerations in mind when choosing a breed from this list. Every household has a different preference when it comes to dog breeds.
In choosing the right dog, it is important to make an informed decision based on plenty of facts. The Dogo Argentino is best suited to owners who are athletic and don’t have sensitive pets. Physically active people who can handle strong dogs can enjoy these dogs a lot. In addition to adjusting well to different family settings, German Shepherds are quick learners. Sheepdogs are the clear winner when it comes to dogs that are safe around children and pets.
Your family will enjoy spending time with a loyal companion no matter what breed you choose. In addition to being protective of their entire family, both of these dogs also prove to be popular with families.
I’m David, an expert contributor and writer, with two furry friends of my own, I know the challenges of raising and caring for dogs. From training to nutrition and health, my goal is to provide valuable insights and advice to help create strong bonds and happy, healthy lives. Find me in Twitter.