A Detailed Comparison of the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher.

Dogo Argentino versus German Pinscher

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Dogo Argentino Versus German Pinscher: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher 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 Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher 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 Dogo Argentino and for the German Pinscher. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher.

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

Dogo Argentino versus German Pinscher

Dogo Argentino versus German Pinscher: Overview

A very important difference between the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dogo Argentino is a large-sized dog while the German Pinscher is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the German Pinscher 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.

Dogo Argentino versus German Pinscher: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino to the German Pinscher 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.

Factor Dogo Argentino German Pinscher
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 27 inches 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 25 to 45 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2510 $2040
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1150 – $2688
Temperament Score 89.5 percent 91.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 93 135

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dogo Argentino 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 German Pinscher. 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 a Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a German Pinscher is 78 out of 125.

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

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

    Dogo Argentino versus German Pinscher

    The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher

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

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus German Pinscher

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher.

    Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, German Pinschers weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. German Pinschers are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Dogo Argentino Versus the German Pinscher

    The German Pinscher has a better temperament than the Dogo Argentino.

    This is because the temperament score for the German Pinscher is 91.9 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 they 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 89.5 percent, the Dogo Argentino has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 91.9 percent, the German Pinscher has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher by measuring the temperaments of 19 Dogo Argentinos and 37 German Pinschers.

    Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of German Pinscher

    The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the German Pinscher puppy is $2040. The price of the German Pinscher typically ranges from $1150 – $2688. However, the price of a German Pinscher can be as low as $500 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 10 German Pinscher puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the German Pinscher.

    Dogo Argentino German Pinscher
    Average Price $2510 $2040
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1150 to $2688

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers

    A breakdown of the prices of German Pinschers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dogo Argentino puppy or the German Pinscher 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    Dogo Argentino versus German Pinscher
    Dogo Argentino versus German Pinscher

    The Popularity of Dogo Argentino versus Popularity of German Pinscher

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Dogo Argentino is more popular with dog owners than the German Pinscher. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Dogo Argentino is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the German Pinscher is 135 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of German Pinscher

    Popularity of German Pinscher

    Year Dogo Argentino Popularity Rank German Pinscher Popularity Rank
    2020 93.0 139
    2013 no data 130
    2014 no data 141
    2015 no data 138
    2016 no data 146
    2017 no data 136
    2018 no data 134
    2019 no data 123

    Health Problems of Dogo Argentino versus Health Problems of German Pinscher

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

    Both the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher 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 German Pinscher is prone to more genetic health problems than the Dogo Argentino.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the German Pinscher than for the Dogo Argentino.

    3 health tests are recommended for Dogo Argentino while 4 tests are recommended for the German Pinscher.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dogo Argentinos and in German Pinschers.

    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.

    German Pinscher Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Pinschers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Dogo Argentinos and German Pinschers

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Dogo Argentino Breed is Baer Hearing Test problems.

    This is because the Dogo Argentino ranks 3 out of 21 dog breeds for Baer Hearing Test problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 105 Dogo Argentinos, 3 of them had Baer Hearing Test problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dogo Argentinos, and how common these diseases are in Dogo Argentinos relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 3 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 16 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 85 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the German Pinscher Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.

    This is because the German Pinscher ranks 11 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 77 German Pinschers, 2 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in German Pinschers, and how common these diseases are in German Pinschers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 11 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 15 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 56 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 95 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 110 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 196 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Dogo Argentino and in German Pinscher and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher:

    Disease Dogo Argentino Rank German Pinscher Rank
    Baer Hearing Test problems 3 out of 21 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 16 out of 198 dog breeds 196 out of 198 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 85 out of 144 dog breeds 95 out of 144 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 11 out of 71 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 15 out of 159 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 56 out of 115 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 110 out of 182 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the German Pinscher?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    German Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dogo Argentino or the German Pinscher?

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

    German Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than German Pinschers?

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

    German Pinschers shed moderately.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus German Pinscher

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    German Pinschers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    German Pinschers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and German Pinschers?

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

    German Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the German Pinscher?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    German Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the German Pinscher?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    German Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about German Pinschers?

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

    German Pinschers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the German Pinscher

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    German Pinschers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

    German Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about German Pinschers?

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

    German Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the German Pinscher?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

    German Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. German Pinscher

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

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

    Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Pinscher?

    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.

    German Pinschers 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogo Argentino that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dogo Argentino:

  • American Bulldog (78 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the German Pinscher vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the German Pinscher vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Pinscher

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Pinscher that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the German Pinscher:

  • Australian Kelpie (79 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Australian Kelpie.
  • Belgian Malinois (80 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Belgian Malinois.
  • German Wirehaired Pointer (83 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs German Wirehaired Pointer.
  • Mudi (79 percent match with German Pinscher). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Mudi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Dogo Argentino and how the German Pinscher compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dogo Argentino and of the German Pinscher to other breeds:

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus Basset Hound     Dogo Argentino versus Brittany     Dogo Argentino versus Saint Berdoodle     Dogo Argentino versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Dogo Argentino versus Sheepadoodle     Dogo Argentino versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Dogo Argentino versus American Hairless Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Dogo Argentino versus Great Pyrenees     Dogo Argentino versus Lagotto Romagnolo     

    German Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Pinscher versus English Springer Spaniel     German Pinscher versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     German Pinscher versus Standard Poodle     German Pinscher versus American Staffordshire Terrier     German Pinscher versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     German Pinscher versus Maltese     German Pinscher versus Barbet     German Pinscher versus American Pit Bull Terrier     German Pinscher versus Australian Cattle Dog     German Pinscher versus Bolognese     

    Conclusion: Dogo Argentino versus German Pinscher. 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 Dogo Argentino and the German Pinscher better suits you and your family.