Which is Better between the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz? A Very Detailed Review.

Dogo Argentino versus Kuvasz

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Dogo Argentino Versus Kuvasz: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz. 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 Kuvasz.

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 Kuvasz

Dogo Argentino versus Kuvasz: Overview

A very important difference between the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dogo Argentino is a large-sized dog while the Kuvasz is a giant-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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino to the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 27 inches 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 70 to 115 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2510 $1630
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1438 – $1812
Temperament Score 89.5 percent 78.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 93 161

    *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 Kuvasz. 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 Kuvasz is 66 out of 125.

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

    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 Kuvasz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz

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

  • Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Kuvaszs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Kuvaszs can tolerate cold weather.
  • Dogo Argentinos have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Kuvaszs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz

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

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz are not easy to train.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Kuvasz

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

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

    On the other hand, Kuvaszs weigh 70 to 115 pounds when fully grown. Kuvaszs are 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Dogo Argentino Versus the Kuvasz

    The Dogo Argentino has a better temperament than the Kuvasz.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dogo Argentino is 89.5 percent while the temperament score for the Kuvasz is 78.4 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 78.4 percent, the Kuvasz has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz by measuring the temperaments of 19 Dogo Argentinos and 51 Kuvaszs.

    Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Kuvasz

    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 Kuvasz puppy is $1630. The price of the Kuvasz typically ranges from $1438 – $1812. However, the price of a Kuvasz can be as low as $1250 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2 Kuvasz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Kuvasz.

    Dogo Argentino Kuvasz
    Average Price $2510 $1630
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1438 to $1812

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Dogo Argentino and Kuvasz. For different price points, the charts show how many Dogo Argentino puppies or how many Kuvasz 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 Kuvaszs

    A breakdown of the prices of Kuvaszs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dogo Argentino puppy or the Kuvasz 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.

    The Popularity of Dogo Argentino versus Popularity of Kuvasz

    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 Kuvasz over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Dogo Argentino is more popular with dog owners than the Kuvasz. 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 Kuvasz is 161 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of Kuvasz

    Popularity of Kuvasz

    Year Dogo Argentino Popularity Rank Kuvasz Popularity Rank
    2020 93.0 177
    2013 no data 150
    2014 no data 161
    2015 no data 150
    2016 no data 165
    2017 no data 157
    2018 no data 163
    2019 no data 166

    Health Problems of Dogo Argentino versus Health Problems of Kuvasz

    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 Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz is prone to more genetic health problems than the Dogo Argentino.

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

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

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

    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.

    Kuvasz Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kuvaszs here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Dogo Argentinos and Kuvaszs

    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 Kuvasz Breed is Thyroid problems.

    This is because the Kuvasz ranks 7 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 434 Kuvaszs, 51 of them had Thyroid problems.

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

  • Thyroid problems: Rank 7 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 25 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 52 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 64 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 124 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Dogo Argentino and in Kuvasz and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dogo Argentino and the Kuvasz:

    Disease Dogo Argentino Rank Kuvasz Rank
    Baer Hearing Test problems 3 out of 21 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 16 out of 198 dog breeds 52 out of 198 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 85 out of 144 dog breeds 64 out of 144 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 7 out of 115 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 25 out of 70 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 124 out of 145 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 Kuvasz?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Kuvaszs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Kuvaszs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Kuvaszs?

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

    Kuvaszs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Kuvasz

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Kuvaszs do not like to be left alone.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Kuvaszs Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Kuvaszs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Kuvaszs?

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

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

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

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Kuvaszs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Kuvasz?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Kuvaszs are not easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Kuvaszs?

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

    Kuvaszs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Kuvasz

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Kuvaszs drool moderately.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Kuvaszs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

    Kuvaszs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Kuvaszs?

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

    Kuvaszs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Kuvasz?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

    Kuvaszs are very easy to groom.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Kuvasz

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

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

    Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Kuvasz?

    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.

    Kuvaszs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to 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 Kuvasz vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Kuvasz vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kuvasz

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz:

  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Kuvasz). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Hovawart.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus West Highland White Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Briard     Dogo Argentino versus Schipperke     Dogo Argentino versus Maremma Sheepdog     Dogo Argentino versus Bluetick Coonhound     Dogo Argentino versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Dogo Argentino versus Havanese     Dogo Argentino versus Barbet     Dogo Argentino versus Cavachon     Dogo Argentino versus Australian Cattle Dog     

    Kuvasz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kuvasz versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Kuvasz versus Ibizan Hound     Kuvasz versus Chow Chow     Kuvasz versus Lhasapoo     Kuvasz versus Japanese Spitz     Kuvasz versus Scottish Deerhound     Kuvasz versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Kuvasz versus Norwegian Buhund     Kuvasz versus Italian Greyhound     Kuvasz versus Pyrenean Mastiff     

    Conclusion: Dogo Argentino versus Kuvasz. 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 Kuvasz better suits you and your family.