Border Terrier versus Dogo Argentino. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Border Terrier Versus Dogo Argentino: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier or the Dogo Argentino.

Border Terrier versus Dogo Argentino: Overview

A very important difference between the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Border Terrier is a small-sized dog while the Dogo Argentino is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Border Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Border Terrier versus Dogo Argentino: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino

Factor Border Terrier Dogo Argentino
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Height 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 27 inches
Weight 11 to 15 pounds 80 to 100 pounds
Life Span 12 to 15 years 9 to 15 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1160 $2510
Price Range $800 – $1400 $1500 – $2500
Temperament Score 91.6 percent 89.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination annually until at least Age 8ys (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM)
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125.

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

    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 Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino

    Below is a list of where the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino are most different:

    • Border Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Border Terriers are very friendly towards strangers. However, Dogo Argentinos are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Border Terriers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Dogo Argentinos are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Border Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Dogo Argentinos are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino

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

    • Both the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Border Terrier versus Dogo Argentino

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino.

    Border Terriers weigh 11 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Border Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Border Terrier versus Dogo Argentino

    The lifespan of Border Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Border Terriers is 13.5 years.

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

    Border Terriers live longer than Dogo Argentinos.

    Temperament of the Border Terrier Versus the Dogo Argentino

    The Border Terrier has a better temperament than the Dogo Argentino.

    This is because the temperament score for the Border Terrier is 91.6 percent while the temperament score for the Dogo Argentino is 89.5 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 91.6 percent, the Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino by measuring the temperaments of 143 Border Terriers and 19 Dogo Argentinos.

    Price of Border Terrier versus Price of Dogo Argentino

    The average price of the Border Terrier puppy is $1160. The price of the Border Terrier typically ranges from $800 – $1400. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 19 Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Border Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Border Terriers. 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 Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Dogo Argentino.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Border Terrier than for the Dogo Argentino.

    5 health tests are recommended for Border Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Dogo Argentino.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Border Terriers and in Dogo Argentinos.

    Border Terrier Health Problems

    Border Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Border Terrier 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 Border Terriers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination annually until at least Age 8ys (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Spongiform Leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM)

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Border Terriers 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: Border Terrier versus Dogo Argentino

    Border Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Border Terriers shed more than Dogo Argentinos?

    Border Terriers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Border Terrier or the Dogo Argentino

    Border Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Terrier or the Dogo Argentino?

    Border Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

    Does the Border Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dogo Argentino?

    Border Terriers 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 Border Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Dogo Argentinos?

    Border Terriers 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 Border Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Border Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Border Terrier vs. Dogo Argentino

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

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

    Can Border Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Border Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Border Terrier or the Dogo Argentino?

    Border Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Border Terriers good family dogs? What about Dogo Argentinos?

    Border Terriers 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 Border Terriers and Dogo Argentinos?

    Border Terriers 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 Border Terrier Easier to Train than the Dogo Argentino?

    Border Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Is the Border Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Dogo Argentino?

    Border Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Border Terrier or the Dogo Argentino?

    Border Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier and the Dogo Argentino better suits you and your family.