Dogo Argentinos are considered one of the most powerful dog breeds, but a puma is also known for their incredible strength. It’s difficult to determine which one of them is stronger unless you test out their skills and other factors in fighting.
If you’re wondering if your Dogo Argentino stands a chance against a puma if both of you end up in that situation, then there’s only one way to find out. Keep reading this article and see who’s got the edge.
Would a Dogo Argentino Fear a Puma?
Healthy and full-grown Dogo Argentinos are less likely to fear a puma. This dog from Argentina was bred based on the Fighting Dog of Cordoba and other fierce breeds like the Bullmastiff, Bull Terrier, and the Dogue de Bordeaux. They’re fearless protectors and fit guarding dogs.
However, if the Dogo is an inexperienced puppy, frail and fragile, or too old to fight, then they’ll acknowledge the fact they’re in danger in the presence of a Puma. Several situations are possible, admittingly.
It can be a different story if it’s the other way around or if both are too vulnerable to start a fight. Often, animals would perceive a situation as not worth starting a fight for unless it involves the following:
- Food.
- Water.
- Mates.
- Territory.
- Nesting areas.
Size Difference
The Dogo Argentino is a domesticated animal, while the puma thrives best in the wild. It’s interesting to know how big or small their physical difference is, knowing that they have a different diet and genetics.
Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino breed is also known as the Argentinian Mastiff. This group is renowned for their massive sizes, and the Dogo exhibits impressive proportions too. The ideal height and weight, according to the AKC, is 24-26.5 inches and 80-100 pounds.
Male Dogos are usually bulkier and more prominent than their female counterparts. They also take longer to reach their full size, but significant physical changes can be observed in their first 7-8 months
Puma
Pumas can be around 23.6-35.4 inches in height and 115-220 pounds in weight. They’re easily identifiable as they have smaller cat heads, round, untufted ears, a long and sizable cylindrical tail, and a 2-4 inches black tail tip.
Though a Puma is much larger than the Dogo, the said wild animal isn’t considered a big cat compared to leopards and lions.
Hunting Skills
Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino was primarily bred to become an unmatched big game hunter with superb skills in catching prey. With the Fighting Dog of Cordoba and many other breeds used for the Dogo’s development, the scenting ability, strength, endurance, and size all play advantageous roles in catching a quarry.
However, since some Dogos are now mainly family companions and home guardians, a lack of hunting practice may not make them discover their potential in hunting. Training will be necessary before they become experts in doing the task.
Puma
Pumas are perfectly born to become hunters. With their unpredictable environment, they are usually prepared for any outcome. Puma cubs generally start hunting at the age of 6 months.
On another note, based on cougar biologist Mark Elbroch’s statements, Patagonian pumas kill around 50 percent more prey than their counterparts in North America.
Also, Elbroch added that pumas would usually leave their prey behind due to the presence of condors. The birds, which aren’t larger than pumas, aren’t a direct threat to the wild cat, but pumas naturally act like squirrels amid a flying predator.
Strength and Ability to Fight
Dogo Argentino
The physical description of a Dogo Argentino includes being muscular, athletic, and tough. With people acknowledging their strength and potential, some Dogos, unfortunately, end up in fighting rings.
They’re fit enough to go after a wild boar or any other animal targeted for hunting, although a pack would often be necessary for its success.
Puma
No doubt, pumas are powerful and robust in their physique. The more experience they get, the more magnificent their catch is. However, when it comes to fights, the puma typically tries not to get involved if they find it unnecessary or unrewarding.
In the wild, keeping themselves unharmed is essential, as becoming vulnerable could put them in threatening situations, especially since other predators are lurking nearby.
Bite Force
Dogo Argentino
Learning the bite force of your Dogo will help you understand their jaw muscle function and activity. However, a study states that this largely depends on factors such as age, gender, craniofacial morphology, and the presence of pain or disorders.
For the Argentinian breed, the possible bite force they can make goes around 500 PSI. This isn’t too far compared to a lion’s with a force of up to 650 PSI.
Puma
Pumas can inflict at least 724 PSI. Such a score can easily damage and tear flesh like a piece of paper. However, cubs may not cause that much harm, but the more mature they are, the more likely you or your dog will not want to experience the force of their closing teeth.
Their canines are solid and big. Once they snap on something and bite hard into it, severe injury is to be expected. The first spot they attack is the base of the prey’s skull. They’ll then drag it to a secluded area, hide it, and feed it for several days.
Aggression Levels
Dogo Argentino
Generally, your Dogo Argentino shouldn’t be aggressive without any valid reason. They have to be friendly, well-socialized, and non-threatening. Aggression will only show if they’re not raised right or if their destructive behaviors aren’t checked and eliminated.
When provoked by an intruder, the Dogo Argentino is on their full defensive and protective mode to ensure their family’s safety.
This also comes as a surprise to some, but a Dogo who never showed signs of hostility can still become a potential threat, especially if interactions are not monitored and controlled. Other than that, the dog is less likely to harm your loved ones with boundaries.
Puma
Pumas are naturally timid animals. Engaging in anything senseless that requires aggression isn’t a thing, but, according to National Geographic, there has been a 2018 case of a cougar attacking two cyclists in Seattle.
This isn’t considered normal behavior, though. The initial interpretation is that, when this happened, the puma might have been so desperate to survive. A healthy wild cat like this one would rarely approach a human.
By all means, this wild cat doesn’t resort to openly showing aggression and announcing their presence during their hunt. They’re highly secretive and would pounce at their target at the perfect timing.
Does a Dogo Argentino Stand a Chance Against a Puma?
The Dogo Argentino may stand a chance against a puma, but this isn’t the result you always expect, as different situations may yield differing results. The canine of Argentina can defeat the wild puma mostly if the latter is sick, too young, too old, or if they’re attacked by surprise.
The dog will have to fight with all their strength even to survive the wrath of a puma. Fortunately, this cougar usually avoids fights and will flee the scene in a heartbeat.
