Guide on Deciding Betweeen the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino.

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American Bulldog Versus Dogo Argentino: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the American Bulldog and for the Dogo Argentino. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the American Bulldog or the Dogo Argentino.

American Bulldog versus Dogo Argentino: Overview

Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino are similar in size. The American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the American Bulldog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Dogo Argentino belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

American Bulldog versus Dogo Argentino: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Bulldog to the Dogo Argentino based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino

Factor American Bulldog Dogo Argentino
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 16 years 9 to 15 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Height 20 to 28 inches 23 to 27 inches
General Health 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Weight 60 to 120 pounds 80 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1400 $2510
Price Range $912 – $1600 $1500 – $2500
Temperament Score 86.9 percent 89.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Ichthyosis
  • LIPOFUSCINOSIS (LAM)
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Bulldog in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Dogo Argentino. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the American Bulldog is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Bulldog is a better pet than the Dogo Argentino. So, you should get the American Bulldog!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino

    The American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino are most similar:

    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino are very easy to groom.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino are very playful.
    • Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of American Bulldog versus Dogo Argentino

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino.

    American Bulldogs weigh 60 to 120 pounds when fully grown. American Bulldogs are 20 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Bulldog versus Dogo Argentino

    The lifespan of American Bulldogs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Bulldogs is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Dogo Argentinos is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Dogo Argentinos is 12.0 years.

    American Bulldogs live longer than Dogo Argentinos.

    Temperament of the Dogo Argentino Versus the American Bulldog

    The Dogo Argentino has a better temperament than the American Bulldog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dogo Argentino is 89.5 percent while the temperament score for the American Bulldog is 86.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 86.9 percent, the American Bulldog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 89.5 percent, the Dogo Argentino has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino by measuring the temperaments of 214 American Bulldogs and 19 Dogo Argentinos.

    Price of American Bulldog versus Price of Dogo Argentino

    The average price of the American Bulldog puppy is $1400. The price of the American Bulldog typically ranges from $912 – $1600. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 302 American Bulldog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the American Bulldog.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Bulldog and Dogo Argentino. For different price points, the charts show how many American Bulldog puppies or how many Dogo Argentino puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Bulldogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Bulldogs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Bulldog puppy or the Dogo Argentino puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of American Bulldog versus Health Problems of Dogo Argentino

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the American Bulldog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Dogo Argentino.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the American Bulldog than for the Dogo Argentino.

    7 health tests are recommended for American Bulldog while 3 tests are recommended for the Dogo Argentino.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in American Bulldogs and in Dogo Argentinos.

    American Bulldog Health Problems

    American Bulldogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing American Bulldog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a American Bulldog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your American Bulldog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen American Bulldogs for:

  • approved laboratory
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Ichthyosis
  • LIPOFUSCINOSIS (LAM)

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for American Bulldogs here.

    Dogo Argentino Health Problems

    Dogo Argentinos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dogo Argentino puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Dogo Argentino puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dogo Argentino breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Dogo Argentinos for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogo Argentinos here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Bulldog versus Dogo Argentino

    American Bulldogs do not like to be left alone.

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Bulldogs shed more than Dogo Argentinos?

    American Bulldogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the American Bulldog or the Dogo Argentino

    American Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Bulldog or the Dogo Argentino?

    American Bulldogs are very easy to groom.

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

    Does the American Bulldog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dogo Argentino?

    American Bulldogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Dogo Argentinos have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do American Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Dogo Argentinos?

    American Bulldogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Dogo Argentinos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can American Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Bulldog vs. Dogo Argentino

    American Bulldogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Dogo Argentinos have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can American Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Bulldog or the Dogo Argentino?

    American Bulldogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Dogo Argentinos?

    American Bulldogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are American Bulldogs and Dogo Argentinos?

    American Bulldogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the American Bulldog Easier to Train than the Dogo Argentino?

    American Bulldogs are very easy to train.

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Is the American Bulldog Better for Apartment Owners than the Dogo Argentino?

    American Bulldogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Bulldog or the Dogo Argentino?

    American Bulldogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Bulldog versus Dogo Argentino. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the American Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino better suits you and your family.