The International Cynological Federation (FCI) is the body in charge of standardizing dog breeds into 10 groups with different sections each, obviously in addition to those dogs that correspond to a specific breed, there are many more than they are mestizos.
Unfortunately in this article we will see how some breeds previously recognized by the FCI have become extinct but we will also learn about other breeds that we can still enjoy and that originate from the American continent, specifically from Argentina.
Discover in this AnimalWised article what are the Argentine dog breeds.
Argentine Polar Dog
This breed was the fruit of the cross between Siberian Husky, Greenlandic Husky, Alaskan Malamute and Manchurian Spitz, unfortunately it became extinct in 1994, when he had to move from the region to comply with the Antarctic Treaty for Environmental Protection.
The Argentine polar dog was developed by the Argentine army, which conceived it as a sled dog for its Antarctic bases, it was a breed capable of dragging large loadsover long distances, therefore it was a corpulent and heavy animal, being able to reach 60 kilograms.
They had a great temperament but were without a doubt true allies, not only able to facilitate transportation in extreme weather conditions, but also to warn of deadly cracks that would have cost the lives of several soldiers.
Yagán dog
The Yagan dog is an extinct breed, but it was without a doubt the first breed of Argentine dog, since it lived with the indigenous natives of southern Argentina, known as Tierra del Fuego, the Yaganes and Seikmán indigenous people had managed to partially domesticate this dog.
Its closest genetic relative is believed to be the maned wolf, also known as the maned wolf.
Physically, the Yagan dog had a certain resemblance to the fox, it was barely used for hunting and defense because it had not completed the domestication process, nor was it very attached to man, however, it entered the precarious homes of the indigenous people and there it huddled in a herd, often serving as a source of heat
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Argentine Dogo
It is the best-known breed of Argentine dog and it was conceived for hunting big game of native species, such as pumas, foxes and boars. Genetically, it has characteristics of multiple breeds such as the Spanish mastiff, Spanish alano, bull terrier, bulldog and Pyrenean mastiff.
He was used as a fighting dog because of his great physical strength, specifically the dogs used for such cruelty belonged to the Araucana breed, these dogs lacked sense of smell and were very aggressive towards each other.
Later the Guarani caste was created, with an improved sense of smell and much less aggressiveness. The Argentine Dogo that is known today was born in the late 1940s. It is a robust and hardy working dog that is used for hunting, works well in a group and can be trained for military service as well as search and rescue tasks.
With adequate socialization, the Argentine Dogo is faithful and affectionate both with adults and children, and also has a good predisposition to relationship with other pets.
Cordovan fighting dog
The Cordovan fighting dog is another breed native to Argentina that has become extinct. This breed was obtained by crossing boxers, bull terriers, mastiffs and English bulldogs.
It was created in the province of Córdoba in the 20th century, as its name indicates, it was traditionally used as a fighting dog, it had great aggressiveness and a surprising pain tolerance.
The aggressiveness of this breed of dog led to its own extinction, multiple specimens died in fights and reproduction was not easy because males and females also tended to fight each other and not mate. This breed was also used in the creation of the Dogo Argentino.
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Argentine Pila Dog
This breed is found mainly in the northwestern provinces of Argentina and is appreciated above all for the soft touch of its skin, since it does not have hair. It is believed to be descended from the Peruvian Hairless Dog.
This dog belongs to pre-Columbian times and there is evidence of its existence dating back to some 3,000 years ago. It is believed that it arrived in Argentina at the hands of the Incas, who offered it as a present to strengthen ties.
There are three varieties of size, small, medium and large, they are agile and fast dogs, capable of climbing and making great jumps.
Another genuine characteristic of this breed, apart from their baldness, is that these dogs lack premolars as well as other teeth. They can be any color.
They are very affectionate dogs with the human family and also with other pets, they adapt perfectly to small spaces and indoor life, they are playful and cheerful although they have a certain tendency to distrust strangers who makes them excellent watchdogs, but never aggressive.
