The Brazilian Dogo is an extremely affectionate, obedient, quick-to-learn, and strong dog.
The Brazilian Dogo, also known as Brazilian Dogge, Bull Boxer, and Dogue Brasileiro in Portuguese, is a Molosser-type working dog breed originated in Brazil.
It is a rare breed that is neither recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) nor the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, this Brazilian dog is officially recognized by the Brazilian Confederation of Cynophilia (CBKC), where it belongs to the Group 11 – Breeds not recognized by the FCI.
If you’re considering buying or adopting a dog, or even if you’re just curious about it, I’m sure you’ll find practical and useful information about this breed here.
Let’s get to it.
Breed overview: Brazilian Dogo, the Dogue Brasileiro
- FCI recognized: No, but recognized by the CBKC
- Group: 11 – Breeds not recognized by the FCI
- Weight: Female: 51–85 lbs (23–39 kg), Male: 64–95 lbs (29–43 kg)
- Height: Female: 20–23 in (50–58 cm), Male: 21–24 in (54–60 cm)
- Coat: Short or medium, dense, hard, and glossy
- Color: Any color combination; either solid, piebald, or tricolor
- Life expectancy: 13 years
History
The Brazilian Dogo is a mix between Boxer and Bull Terrier, and as such, it inherits attributes of both breeds.
These dogs were mated in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in 1978 by Pedro Pessoa Ribeiro Dantas, a Bull Terrier breeder.
Dantas took a female puppy for himself and named her Tigresa (female for tiger in Portuguese) because of her coat’s brindle markings.
After noticing the puppy’s many positive characteristics, he went ahead and arranged another mating between a different Boxer and Bull Terrier.
The outcome was as positive as in the first litter, so a new breeding line was established.
At first, the breed was named Bull Boxer, but it is known as Brazilian Dogo nowadays because of confusion with the English breed with the same name.
Appearance
This medium-sized dog is strong and has a muscular body, like the Brazilian Bulldog. It might seem intimidating at first because of its big head and jaws, but it is a docile dog and a quick learner.
Its ears are medium-sized and floppy, and its snout is deep and blunt.
The females grow up to 23 in (58 cm) in height while an adult male stands at about 24 in (60 cm).
Its fur is short, dense, and glossy, and it comes in many colors, but the most common are white, brown, tan, red, and black, or a combination of these colors.
Temperament and behavior
The Brazilian Dogo is an active, attentive, and observing dog with a strong guarding instinct. It is intelligent, and it picks up commands and tricks relatively quickly with positive reinforcement techniques.
Unlike the Brazilian Terrier, the Brazilian Dogo is not very playful, but it is genuinely gentle, loyal, and affectionate towards its family and needs social interaction.
Because it has a strong guarding instinct, like the Brazilian Mastiff, this territorial dog is mostly used as a watchdog, and it won’t bark unless without a good reason.
Common health issues
As an active and healthy dog, the Brazilian Dogo has no significant health issues.
But it goes without saying that a dog with such a high energy level needs a lot of exercise, and often, a simple walk around the block won’t cut.
Due to the lack of exercise or unhealthy food and snacks, the Brazilian Dogo might quickly gain weight, so be sure to regularly measure its weight.
It is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and luxation patella as a medium but muscular and robust breed dog. It is not a hypoallergenic breed.
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Care
The Brazilian Dogo requires very little care as it needs minimal grooming, and it barely sheds, if at all.
These characteristics make this dog breed perfect for people who don’t tolerate dog hair or don’t have time, skill, or money to take care of a high maintenance dog.
Regardless, this breed, just like any other, requires lots of love and affection.
Diet and nutrition
The Brazilian Dogo is a muscular and robust dog and a very active breed. As such, it requires a large amount of food.
However, it is essential to ensure that your dog is not being overfed, as that can lead to excess weight gain, as I talked about above.
Still, you should also adjust the food amount based on how active you keep your dog. Research dog food brands that are suitable for Brazilian Dogos and appropriate for your dog’s age.
Children and other pets
At first, it is cautious with strangers, but the Brazilian Dogo is relatively friendly with other people after getting acquainted.
It might not get well with other pets, dogs, and cats, but it is definitely a good dog with young children.
It won’t be playful with the little ones. Still, it will instead be friendly and affectionate, proving its loyalty and protecting its family.