Dogo Argentino versus Pekingese. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

Dogo Argentino versus Pekingese

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Dogo Argentino Versus Pekingese: Introduction

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

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

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 Pekingese

Dogo Argentino versus Pekingese

Dogo Argentino versus Pekingese: Overview

A very important difference between the Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dogo Argentino is a large-sized dog while the Pekingese is a tiny-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 Pekingese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Dogo Argentino versus Pekingese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino to the Pekingese 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 Pekingese
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 2/5
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 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 23 to 27 inches 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 7 to 14 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $2510 $1930
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1288 – $2500
Temperament Score 89.5 percent 93.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 93 86

    *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 Pekingese. 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 Pekingese is 77 out of 125.

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

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

    Dogo Argentino versus Pekingese

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese

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

  • Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Pekingeses adapt well to apartment living.
  • Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Pekingeses are good for new dog owners.
  • Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Pekingeses shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather. However, Pekingeses cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom. However, Pekingeses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Dogo Argentinos do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Pekingeses do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese

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

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese are not easy to train.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Pekingese

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

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

    On the other hand, Pekingeses weigh 7 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Pekingeses are 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Pekingese Versus the Dogo Argentino

    The Pekingese has a better temperament than the Dogo Argentino.

    This is because the temperament score for the Pekingese is 93.3 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 93.3 percent, the Pekingese has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese by measuring the temperaments of 19 Dogo Argentinos and 15 Pekingeses.

    Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Pekingese

    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 Pekingese puppy is $1930. The price of the Pekingese typically ranges from $1288 – $2500. However, the price of a Pekingese can be as low as $700 and as high as $7500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 138 Pekingese puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Pekingese.

    Dogo Argentino Pekingese
    Average Price $2510 $1930
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1288 to $2500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Pekingeses

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

    Adopting the Dogo Argentino versus Adopting the Pekingese

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dogo Argentinos and many Pekingeses are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Dogo Argentino named Pirate that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dogo Argentinos like Pirate on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Dogo Argentinos, Pekingeses are also available for adoption. For example, Casper is a Male Pekingese that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Pekingeses like Casper that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Dogo Argentino and the Pekingese can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Bowser is the name of another Dogo Argentino (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also Maxum, an adorable Male Pekingese on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Dogo Argentinos and Pekingeses are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Dogo Argentinos and Pekingeses that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Dogo Argentino versus Pekingese

    The Popularity of Dogo Argentino versus Popularity of Pekingese

    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 Pekingese over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pekingese is more popular with dog owners than the Dogo Argentino. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pekingese is 86 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Dogo Argentino is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of Pekingese

    Popularity of Pekingese

    Year Dogo Argentino Popularity Rank Pekingese Popularity Rank
    2020 93.0 95
    2013 no data 77
    2014 no data 82
    2015 no data 80
    2016 no data 93
    2017 no data 88
    2018 no data 92
    2019 no data 83

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Pekingese?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Pekingeses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

    Pekingeses are very good for new dog owners.

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Pekingeses?

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Pekingese

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Pekingeses can be left alone only for a short time.

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

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

    Pekingeses can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Pekingeses?

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

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

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

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Pekingeses do not get along well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Pekingese?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Pekingeses are fairly easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Pekingeses?

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

    Pekingeses are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Pekingese

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Pekingeses do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pekingeses Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Pekingeses?

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

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

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

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Pekingese

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

    Pekingeses 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 Pekingese?

    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.

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

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

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Mal Shi (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Mal Shi.
  • Pomeranian (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Pomeranian.
  • Pomsky (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs Pomsky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus Pekingese     Dogo Argentino versus Maremma Sheepdog     Dogo Argentino versus Afghan Hound     Dogo Argentino versus Standard Poodle     Dogo Argentino versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Dogo Argentino versus German Pinscher     Dogo Argentino versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Dogo Argentino versus Bloodhound     Dogo Argentino versus Yorkipoo     

    Pekingese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pekingese versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Pekingese versus Irish Wolfhound     Pekingese versus Newfoundland     Pekingese versus French Bulldog     Pekingese versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Pekingese versus Tibetan Spaniel     Pekingese versus Dutch Shepherd     Pekingese versus Airedale Terrier     Pekingese versus English Toy Spaniel     Pekingese versus Lancashire Heeler     

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