How Much Does a Dogo Argentino Cost? 14 Must Know Expenses


The Dogo Argentino are among the most athletic of the Bully breed dogs. These tremendous dogs are large and in charge pack hunting dogs, that make great working dogs and family companions. Adding a Dogo to your home can be a wonderful experience, knowing how much a Dogo Argentino costs will be important.

A Dogo Argentino puppy can cost between $2500-$7000 from a reputable breeder. Depending on the Dogo’s show quality, gender, and bloodline. The average first year cost of a Dogo Argentino is between $4900 – $12160.

Giving your Dogo Argentino the high quality of life they deserve comes at a price. These dogs are large, highly energetic animals that will require extra attention and training to ensure a well balanced and happy life. The price of a Dogo Argentino’s proper upbringing is well worth it though.

Below is a breakdown of some of the expenses you will be looking at to raise a happy, healthy Dogo Argentino Puppy in your first year, and the years after.

PURCHASE RANGE AVERAGE COST
Puppy Purchase** $2500 – $7000 $3000
Premium Food & Treats $450 – $950 $700
Harness & Leash* $40 – $60 $50
Food & Water Bowls* $10 – $50 $30
Toys & Chews $250 – $500 $375
Dog Bed* $30 – $100 $65
Dog Crate* $40 – $80 $60
Grooming $30 – $80 DIY $55
Vet Bills & Preventative Care $700 – $1500 $1100
Training* $20 – $300 $200
Insurance $720 – $1320 $1000
Registration & Tags $10 – $20 $5
Misc.. Poops bags, wipes, towels $100 – $200 $150
Total In First Year $4900 – $12160 $6790
Total Yearly After Start Up Costs $2260 – $4570 $3385

** One time expense / * First year expense that will last years / Additional costs for dog walking services will range from $20-$30 per 30-60 minute walk.

How Much Dogo Argentino Cost?

If you are wondering, how much dogo Argentino cost? These dogs are a bit more expensive than other dog breeds. This breed is rare and typically costs between $1500 and $2500 in the US. It’s because they are larger dogs and need more food and space. Vet bills also elevate when taking care of Dogo Argentino.

When it comes to the matter of puppies and how much does a Dogo Argentino puppy cost, their price depends on the grooming of their mothers. During pregnancy, the mother needs food in a larger amount, which increases the cost of the puppy. The breeders use top-quality products and produce puppies, which increases the price.

How Much Do Dogo Argentino Puppies Cost?

Show and breeding quality puppies from reputable breeders, such as Pure Dogo, are $3,500. This includes pedigree, BAER test results, veterinarian exam report, new puppy instructions, health guarantee and lifetime breeder support.

The pick of the litter is $4,000. Pet quality puppies are around $2,800 depending on assessment. Reputable breeders sell Dogo puppies from $2,500 to $7,000.

“You can find backyard breeders and new breeders selling puppies for $1,500. Anything less than that are usually internet scams.” – Renata Brett Dennis of Pure Dogo

Why are Dogo Argentino So Expensive?

The Dogo Argentino is expensive mainly due to their size and the strict adherence to breed standards. These dogs come from very elite bloodlines that all reputable breeders take very serious.

The size of the Dogo Argentino is also a major contributor to their cost as a breed. These large dogs can weigh up to 100 lbs, and require a lot of space to move and exercise. They do not fare well in small yards or enclosures.

The cost of feeding a Dogo Argentino can also be expensive. These dogs require a premium quality dog food, and a lot of it. The high energy and athletic nature of the Dogo Argentino requires high level food and supplementation to give them optimal energy and nutritional health.

Factors Influencing Dogo Argentino Price

Dogo Argentino price depends on several factors like pedigree, breeder experience, and healthcare. The breeder who bred the puppies with expertise charges more than other puppies.

The cost of Dogo Argentino is also affected by the healthcare facilities that dogs received over the period. Regular vaccinations and health screenings like BAER screening cost more due to the breeder’s investment.

These factors decide the dogo Argentino puppy cost. This breed may seem expensive for its quality and proper care.

What Should I Feed My Dogo Argentino? – The 5 Best Options

With any dog you want to ensure they are getting a premium quality dog food. The Dogo Argentino is no exception. Special attention to the protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals provided in your dog food is important.

The Dogo Argentino, like many of the Bully breeds, is susceptible to skin and joint issues, as well as some potential food allergies. Ensuring your Dogo is being fed a top quality food rich in Omega fatty acids can help with many skin and joint issues, and be great preventive care.

I have written extensively about some of the best premium quality dog foods on my resource page. My top recommendations for your Dogo would be:

  • ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  • American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato
  • Wellness CORE Grain-Free
  • Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe
  • CANIDAE All Life Stages

A premium quality dog food is your best bet to maintain a happy and healthy dog. The cost can be a little more than your low quality brands, so expecting to pay $60 – $80 a month should come as no surprise.

Including some supplementation for skin, joint, and heart health, like some Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, can further enhance the health of your Dogo Argentino.

High quality diets will lead to less Vet visits in the future, so the upfront cost is well worth it for your wallet.

Dogo Argentino Harness & Leash  – The 5 Best Options

Getting the proper gear for your Dogo can be overwhelming when it comes to the choices. Hopefully I can simplify that for you to make the best decision possible when it comes to harnesses and leashes for your Dogo Argentino.

My first recommendation when it comes to gear for your Dogo Argentino is to get a proper harness rather than a collar.

Your Dogo is going to be a strong adult very soon, and I find that harnesses are the best option with Bully breeds. A good harness and leash setup can cost between $40 – $60 and will last for years.

Harnesses are the better option than collars for a few reasons.

Excellent for training

Teaching your Dogo puppy to walk on leash with a harness can prevent tangles and trip ups. Not only can this make learning to walk on leash easier, but can also prevent injuries from tangle ups.

Provides better control

A harness allows for great control of your dog’s movement, and with the large and strong Dogo Argentino, this is especially useful. If your dog is still learning leash manners, or you are in a busy area, having greater control of your dog can provide that extra layer of safety.

Discourages pulling

The way that a harness fits makes pulling on leash a lot less easy for dogs than a collar. Wearing a harness can reduce the amount your Dogo pulls on leash, and makes training leash manners much easier.

Safer for the dog

Collars, especially for your Dogo Argentino puppy, can create situations where an injury is more likely to happen. A sudden jerk or pull in the wrong direction can hurt and and injure your puppy’s neck.

Prevents escape attempts

Most dog escapes happen when they slip from a loose collar, or a collar breaks. A harness is designed to be a lot more difficult to slip out of, and the likelihood of a harness breaking compared to a collar is far less.

When it comes to getting a leash for your Dogo Argentino my recommendation above all else is to NEVER USE A FLEXI-LEASH.

Those extendable leashes that let your dog wander wherever they like are dangerous and teach your extremely bad habits.

Some gear recommendations for your Dogo’s harness and leash needs would be the following highly quality, top rated items.

  • Rabbitgoo Dog Harness, No-Pull Pet Harness
  • WALKTOFINE Dog Harness No Pull Reflective
  • RUFFWEAR, Front Range Dog Harness
  • iYoShop 6 FT Strong Dog Leash with Comfortable Padded Handle
  • Blazin’ Safety LED Dog Leash

Source – AKC

Reviews & ResourcesThe Best Leashes, Harnesses, & Collars for Bully Breed Dogs

Dogo Argentino Bowls & Accessories – The 5 Best Options

Food bowls don’t have to be a complicated affair, and can be a very affordable purchase that will last the lifetime of your Dogo. For me it is important to have a sturdy food and water dish setup for my Staffy to prevent messy eating.

Some dogs can be very fast eaters, and along with some training, things like slow feeders bowls can be a great investment. A slow feeder bowl can slow your dogs eating considerably, and add some extra mental stimulation for your Dogo.

A good bowl setup will cost between $10 – $50 if you are not looking for anything to boujee and designer made. No judgement if you want to go that route, I myself have made a couple purchases from the Posh Puppy Boutique.

Getting a few Kongs to keep at the ready is a must in my books. Kongs are such a versatile and essential feeding and training tool. They can provide mental stimulation, slow your dog’s eating, help with crate training and be great for dogs with separation anxiety.

I myself keep 4 Kongs in the house to make sure I always have one ready to go.

My top food bowl and accessories recommendations for your Dogo Argentino would be:

  • URPOWER No Spill Dog Food Bowl
  • UPSKY Double Dog Bowls No-Spill Resin Station
  • Outward Hound Fun Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl
  • YETI Boomer 8, Stainless Steel, Non-Slip Dog Bowl
  • Pawfect Pets Premium Elevated Dog Diner
  • Super Chewer Kongs

Dogo Argentino Toys – The 5 Best Options

Dogo Argentinos can be powerful chewers, and enjoy a fair deal of challenge and mental stimulation when it comes to toys. Providing your dog with a strong, durable and exciting toy will be your best option to avoid constant replacements.

My Staffy is a big chewer, and those cute little fluffy toys don’t stand a chance when it comes to longevity. She can have the squeaker out and the toy’s fluff stuffing all over my living room within an hour.

Over the years I have found some amazing options to keep her entertained, and my monthly toy budget down to a cost of $20 – $40

I admit it might seem like I have more toys around than my Staffy needs, but I typically rotate her toys to keep her interested. She can get bored with some toys, so putting those away and bringing out other toys that have been in the cupboard, reinvigorates her interest to play with them.

These are some of your best toy options for a Dogo.

  • Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Chew Toy
  • Arm & Hammer Super Treadz Gator & Gorilla Chew Toy
  • LECHONG Dog Rope Toys
  • Petstages Dogwood Tough Dog Chew
  • Bark Box Super Chewer Subscription

Resources & ReviewsThe Best 15 Dog Toys & Chews for Aggressive Chewers

Dogo Argentino Beds – The 5 Best Options

Dog beds come in a range of prices, from the most basic not so comfy ones, to the over the top posh ones. Getting a comfortable sleeping area for your Dogo to have a snooze and relax is a basic necessity if you don’t want them in your bed, or on the couch.

Crate training your Dogo Argentino is one of your best moves when it comes to potty training and prevention of your dog developing separation anxiety. Getting yourself a crate that will work from the time your dog is a puppy to an adult can save you a lot of money.

The iCrate comes with a divider that allows you to adjust the size and space your dog has as they grow from puppy to adult. A bestseller, and what I always recommend to any new dog owner. Grab one on Amazon.

Getting a dog bed with a removable, machine washable cover is probably the most important feature next to comfort. You will need to wash the stink, hair and food bits from your dogs bed on a regular basis.

My recommendations for affordable, comfortable, and easy care beds will cost between $30 – $100 and these beds can last several years with proper maintenance. 

  • Frisco Plush Orthopedic
  • Frisco Pillow Dog Bed
  • Furhaven Pet Dog Bed – Orthopedic Ultra Plush
  • Furhaven Pet – Plush Orthopedic Sofa
  • BarksBar Large Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed

If you really want to spoil you Pibble, get them a top notch Bully Bed at BullyBeds.com

Dogo Argentino Cost of Grooming

The Dogo Argentino is a low maintenance breed of dog when it comes to grooming. A weekly brushing of their short coat, and a bath every 6-8 weeks is all it will take to keep them smelling good and looking shiny. Additional costs of toe clippings can remain fairly cheap whether you do it at home, or take them in to a groomer.

The cost of grooming at home with your own supplies will cost you between $30 – $80 a year.

Get yourself a good brush, shampoo, and nail clippers and you are all set. I use a gentle hypoallergenic shampoo on my Staffy because of her sensitive skin, and I would recommend the same for your Dogo.

Recommended Grooming Tools

  • KING KOMB™ – Deshedding tool
  • FURminator Short Hair Dog Deshedding Tool
  • PetNeat Pet Grooming Brush
  • SleekEZ Original Deshedding Grooming Tool
  • Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
  • Casfuy Pet Nail Trimmer: Painless Paws Grooming & Smoothing

If you would rather take your Dogo to a groomer, this can cost you $150 – $200 a year depending on where you live and what sort of spa package treatment you choose. Thankfully you can save a few bucks on hair cuts with your Dogo, as they will never need one.

Resources & ReviewsThe 15 Best Dog Grooming & Bathing Products

Dogo Argentino Cost of Training

Depending on your own personal experience when it comes to training dogs, giving your Dogo Argentino the foundations for a well behaved and balanced life is crucial. The Dogo Argentino is a still a strong, powerful and athletic breed that will require proper handling. These dogs are not for everyone, and proper education is a must.

The cost of training your Dogo can range anywhere from $20 – $300. This includes supplementary materials and tools. There are a number of options one can take when training their dog, and depending on your needs and budget you can achieve this through group classes, 1:1 sessions, books, and online video courses.

Puppy and Group Training Classes

Enrolling your puppy in a 6-8 week group puppy class is a great way to lay a foundation of learning not just for your dog, but also for you as the owner.

Training classes are meant to introduce your puppy to basic commands, walking on leash, and socialization skills. Keeping these new skills going with consistent training after the 6-8 weeks is up to you, not your Dogo puppy.

Puppy and group training classes can range in price between $20-$25 a session, or $120 – $200 for the full course program. This can vary depending on where you live, but is about the average cost.

Over the course of these 6-8 weeks you will learn all the basics on how to communicate effectively with your Dogo puppy, and use positive reinforcement techniques. The trainer of these courses should equip you with everything you need to get a great start on your puppy’s learning path.

1:1 Private Training Sessions

Private training sessions with your Dogo Argentino will cost anywhere from $35-$75 a session, sometimes more depending on the trainer and your specific need.

The purpose of a private training session is typically far beyond learning the basics of sit, stay, down, and walking on leash. These sessions are usually for a specific behavior you are needing help correcting.

A single session with a private trainer is unlikely to resolve whatever issue you are looking to fix. Expect to have multiple sessions with this trainer to work on the consistency of the training they are providing. Ask about package rates to perhaps get a lower rate per session.

Typically the trainer will be able to come to your home and evaluate how your Dogo’s interacts with you and your family. The private trainer should be able to provide tools and techniques to everyone in the family to help guide your dog’s behavior and consistently work your way towards the desired behaviors.

Some examples of the issues you are wanting a private trainer to assist with could be:

  • Dog jumping on people
  • Separation anxiety
  • Differents forms of aggression
  • Digging, Chewing, and destructive behaviors
  • Excessive barking

Always do your research ahead of time and properly vet your potential trainers for certifications in their field, as well as any available reviews from previous customers. A trainer who practices positive reinforcement techniques, along with skills on being a pack leader are always preferred.

Dog Training Books

There are many fantastic dog training books that are out there. I used a few myself to supplement my group training sessions with my Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy Ruby, and they were a tremendous help.

Learning as an owner should never end with your puppy or obedience classes. Getting yourself a few good books to continue will make a world of difference.

When I first brought Ruby home I picked up a few books that her group trainer had recommended and dove right into learning as much as I could. Cesar Millan, Dr. Ian Dunbar, and Dr. Patricia McConell all provide valuable insights, lessons, and techniques that have stayed with me all these years.

Each of these books provided me with similar yet different approaches to try and I was able to find what worked best and adapt them to my training with Ruby. I would highly recommend you check out these books, as well as a few more recent books that come highly recommended.

How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond by Cesar Millan

Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog by Dr. Ian Dunbar

Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution

The Puppy Primer by Dr. Patricia McConnell

Online Dog Training Classes

Online learning and dog training apps can be a great alternative to in person group classes. Though you will be missing out on the socialization aspects, so be sure to be socializing your dog as often as you can. They learn so much from other dogs as well as from us as owners.

At the time of writing this article the world is currently in the middle of a global pandemic, and many group and indoor activities are cancelled. This can create issues for the many people who have brought a new puppy home, or are looking to add some additional obedience training to their adult dog’s regime.

Online classes can provide you with just as much knowledge as an in person group session, and you can always go back to review the lessons afterwards. This is such a handy way of approaching your Dogo’s training so long as you are putting in the actual work.

There are some great online classes you can start right away online that are taught from professionals and cover a range of different material. Online classes can range from $20-$150 per course depending on the depth and breadth of the material you need.

Best Online Courses For Dogo Argentino Training

Pupford Academy is an online based training academy with a huge selection of courses. The Pupford Academy has real certified CPDT-KA trainers with 10-20 years of professional dog training experience.

With their step-by-step instructions, video based training modules, and specific behavior type problems sections, you are well equipped to raise the well behaved puppy of your dreams.

The Dunbar Academy – The Dunbar Academy offers dozens of courses to help you with general as well as very specific dog training programs. This online learning is provided by the world renowned training expert Dr. Ian Dunbar and his family.

Resources & ReviewsThe Best Dog Training Courses, Books, & Tools

Dogo Argentino Veterinary Expenses

One of the highest costs of owning a Dogo Argentino will be your medical and preventative care bills. Even with a healthy dog these are an annual or semi-annual cost you must incur to maintain and prevent future illness that can result from lack of care.

A healthy Dogo should be seeing their vet once to twice each year during their adult life. When you add up the consultations, shots, dental care, and preventative treatments this can cost on average between $700 – $1500 a year.

If your Dogo Argentino is sick or needs emergency treatments such as surgery, these costs can go much higher. In the case of cancer treatments and consultation with a specialist and treatment can cost between $1500-$6000.

The first year of your Dogo’s life will have an upfront cost of between $75-$100 to get the first rounds of vaccinations. Puppies should receive 3 cycles of vaccines in the first year or so of their life that cover all the core DHLPP vaccinations. These include:

  • Distemper
  • Hepatitis
  • Leptospirosis
  • Parvo
  • Parainfluenza

Additional vaccinations like bordetella and rabies are highly recommended, and oftentimes required by law, or to have your dog participate in group activities such as training classes, or boarding.

Health care for you Dogo Argentino is a top priority and responsibility of any pet owner. Keep your dogs shots up to date and book your annual or semi-annual check ups. Accidents can also happen, and these can be costly.

A torn ACL, a broken leg, or an emergency stomach surgery to remove a child’s toy. These can and do happen. Consider getting insurance for your Dogo to help mitigate some of the financial risks.

Dogo Argentino Insurance Cost – The 7 Best Options

Having pet insurance for your Dogo can be a lifesaver financially when it comes to unexpected expenses. Accidents can happen, dental care will be needed, and having some options for holistic treatment coverage may be desired.

In doing some research for this article I obtained a series of quotes from about 10 different insurance providers. I kept all the information as consistent as possible when getting the quotes. I found that for a Male Dogo Argentino, that has been neutered the cost of monthly pet insurance can range from $60-$110

These numbers are based on a $500 deductible, $10,000-Unlimited claim limits, and an 80% reimbursement. All insurance providers have limits to coverage plans, and those vary from quote to quote.

Personally I have looked at dozens of different pet insurance companies for my Staffy. I know how daunting it can be to sift through the various options for coverage, deductibles, and annual payout limits.

In my search I did find some of the best options. The insurance coverage I chose was specific to my needs of my dog. These are some of the best providers I have found.

Eusoh

Eusoh is my choice for pet insurance community health sharing plans. You never pay more than $65 and the average monthly cost is about $40. GET A QUOTE

Touting themselves as not an insurance company but a community health sharing plan. Eusoh has a very unique, and admirable business model that does not rely on premiums to make their profit. They are a member based reimbursement network, that is fast, affordable, and honestly pretty cool.

Trupanion

One of the most trusted, reliable, and established pet insurance companies on the market today. Trupanion has one of the most custom tailored plans you can get. They also use a specially developed technology that can pay your vet directly. Saving you time on claims immediately. GET A QUOTE

PetPlan

PetPlan has a great comprehensive package that covers everything from exam fees, to dental, even to chronic and hereditary conditions. The quote I received was about average cost, but the coverage was fantastic. GET A QUOTE

Pets Best

Offers great plan options to suit your specific needs, and coverage along with stellar service, and fast payouts. This company offers a versatile set of plan options and great customer service access. GET A QUOTE

Embrace Pet Insurance

Embrace coverage is very comprehensive from basic accidents to cancer treatments, prescriptions, and behavioral therapy. You are not limited to a specific network of vets, so Embrace works at any clinic. GET A QUOTE

Pet First Insurance

One of the fastest payout networks on claims. With a very robust selection of plans to help tailor your coverage to your budget and your pets needs. Great coverage options including exam fees and holistic options. GET A QUOTE

Pet Premium

Among one of the most affordable pet insurance companies. Pet Premium offers great support for your pets health insurance with open transparency on coverage. GET A QUOTE

Dogo Argentino Exercise Needs

The Dogo Argentino is a very energetic breed of dog. When you have an Dogo Argentino puppy and have to leave for work everyday, they are going to need some exercise and a potty break. This is true of adult dogs as well.

Hiring a dog walker to provide your Dogo Argentino with their exercise needs is your best bet for keeping your dog happy. Leaving your dog home alone all day can lead to some mischief and destructive behaviors, not to mention smelly accidents.

The average cost of a dog walker is $20 – $30 for a 30-60 minute walk with your dog. This can vary depending on where you live and the dog walking service you choose.

There are many options to source out a good and reliable dog walker or dog walking service. Word of mouth is often the best method, so talk to people at your local dog park who use a dog walker.

There are also services like Rover and Wag Walks that have a fast and convenient way for you to schedule in a dog walk for your Dogo Argentino.

Both services are comparable in price, and allow you to set you specific appointments and instructions. The dog walking services have a large network of vetted walkers in thousands of US cities and towns. They also offer pet sitting and boarding options as well.

Conclusion

The cost of owning an Dogo Argentino doesn’t end once you have paid your initial adoption fee from a breeder. There are many hidden costs that can jump up and surprise you if you’re not paying attention. Planning ahead, and making a budget for your new family member will make your life a whole lot easier.

Finding the right breeder, the right food, the right gear, insurance, and dog walker are necessary steps to becoming a good pet owner. I have gone through all of this myself, and wish I had a blog post like this to reference when I was first adopting my Staffy.

Through my years of experience I have compiled this article into the most comprehensive yet concise set of monthly and annuals costs you can anticipate. It may seem like an Dogo Argentino is going to cost you a lot, but the gift of your furry companion will pale in comparison.

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