A Dogo Argentino is typically $1,000 to $4,000 from a legitimate breeder. This will even get to at least $8,000 if the puppy has a superior lineage. Considering they’re rare, the average price seems to be reasonably affordable.
Aside from this vast cost for a puppy, it would be best if you also considered the essential things you need to spend on for their entire lifetime. This includes their monthly food expenses, training, accessories, toys, and more. Know how much your budget should be in owning a Dogo Argentino through this price guide.
The Average Cost of Getting a Dogo Argentino Puppy
The price for every Dogo Argentino puppy varies a lot, depending on where you got it from. There are at least 3 possible places where you can get this rare dog, each offering different price ranges.
From an Adoption Center
Adoption centers only charge at least $150 to $700 per rescued Dogo. You can certainly scan your area or nearby cities and find out which of them suits the budget you have in hand.
The asked fee is certainly more affordable than the ones you can get from a breeder. After all, rescue dogs are just as great as the puppies from them.
From a Reputable Breeder
All reputable breeders combined, the guesstimate price of a Dogo Argentino puppy is around $1,000 to $8,000. It depends on what puppy you’re getting as there are three kinds:
- Pet quality puppy.
- Show quality puppy.
- Superior quality puppy.
For pet-quality Dogos, the reasonable price range is from $1,000 to $4,000. Some may even be at around $2,500. These puppies are healthy and ethically bred, but they don’t pass the breed standards set by the AKC.
Show-quality Dogos, on the other hand, are all healthy, ethically bred, and ideal in appearance and proportions. They can be priced at $2,500 to $7,000 or less from certain breeders.
Meanwhile, Dogo Argentinos with superior lineages or who belong to a litter of a champion bloodline can be purchased at $8,000. Dogs like these would be great for anyone who thinks about starting their own breeding business.
From a Puppy Mill
The puppies sold at any puppy mill are oftentimes sold at the same competitive prices set by reputable breeders. Little do some people know, however, that there’s no guarantee that the puppy is healthy. Some backyard breeders would also even advertise “very rare” Dogo Argentino pups and charge an insane amount.
7 Elements That Influence the Price of a Dogo Argentino Puppy
Several factors change the price of a Dogo Argentino puppy. With all these in mind, a breeder can’t freely charge crazy amounts to any willing buyer. Let’s take a look at all the 7 reasons why prices change from time to time:
1. Age
Dogo Argentino puppies are more expensive than adult ones. This is because they still need to be microchipped and subjected to vaccinations, heartworm medication, and flea and tick prevention, among others, to ensure they won’t be susceptible to transmissible diseases. All these cost money and effort.
2. Health
The common issue found in the Dogo Argentino breed is deafness. This is particularly due to their white pigmentation, which is found to be hereditary, according to research.
Understandably, this doesn’t pass the breed standards set for the breed, which prompts breeders to sell their partially or entirely deaf Dogos at a lower cost.
3. Bloodline
Litters from a famous champion line are reasonably high-priced. They can be sold at double or even triple the average cost. They’re usually an excellent investment if dog shows and competitions are part of your future plan with your dog; otherwise, regular Dogos are fine.
4. Availability
Despite being around for so long already, the Dogo Argentino puppy is still considered a rare breed. You won’t be able to find a lot of breeders nor discover available litters that quickly, so if the demand is high, the price tag will go along with it.
5. Intactness
If you don’t want to breed dogs in the near future, a spayed or neutered Dogo puppy would be your best option. They’re sold more affordably as they no longer have the capacity to breed. With intact dogs, however, you can start a profitable breeding business, more so if the dog is of superior bloodline.
6. Reputation
Experienced breeders would typically charge higher than those who are new to the breeding industry. They have built their own remarkable reputation, and the fact that people would have them as their first option should they purchase a Dogo puppy makes them even have the right to up their fees.
7. Vaccinations and Other Treatments
The puppy may be extra costly if the breeder sells them with complete vaccination, health tests, and successful microchipping. You’re getting the puppy as a whole package, to say the least.
Initial Costs of Owning a Dogo Argentino Puppy
In owning a Dogo Argentino, the breeder’s fee isn’t the first and last expense you’re going to make; there will be other initial costs. Let’s see the estimated budget for each one:
- Food. For puppies, the annual fee for high-quality dog food can be $350; for adults, it can come up at $500.
- Training. This depends on what kind of training your dog is about to get. Generally, a 5 weekly session would cost you $100-$200.
- Accessories. This includes a bed, leash, dog collar, feeding bowls, and more. Allocate at least $150 for your Dogo’s accessories.
- Toys. A $100 dollar worth of toys during the first year is pretty reasonable. In the succeeding years, there’s no need to buy more, unless the old ones are damaged.
- Grooming. Your Dogo, despite the short fur, would require regular grooming; you have to invest in quality nail clippers and other dog products. This can be around $50-$200. This can go beyond if you decide to bring your puppy to a dog salon.
- Vet Expenses. Initial vet visits can be $300, but this depends on the treatment and the clinic’s location.
- Exercise. Should you hire a walker, the usual charge would be $20-$25 per 30 minutes.
Is a Dogo Argentino Puppy Worth It?
The Dogo Argentino puppy is totally worth it only if you’re experienced enough to handle this large dog. They excel at guarding, which means you and your family will feel extra safe with this breed at your home and property.
They’re highly affectionate and active. They’d love to do those things with you, whatever outdoor activities you take on. Dogos, despite their intimidating appearance, are sweet, loving, and sensitive. They need immense training and socialization right from puppyhood, so ensure they get loads of it.
To truly get your money’s worth, don’t rely on the fact that the Dogo is the perfect breed for you. You have to put in some effort, so they grow up to be well-mannered and far from dangerous. If possible, be their trainer, so you both have more opportunities to bond and get to know each other better.
