Also known as the Bull Terrier Guatemalteco and the Guatemalan Bull Terrier, the Dogo Guatemalteco is a protective and loyal breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the Dogo Guatemalteco can be traced back to 1930’s Guatemala, when breeder Hector Montenegro began experimenting with crossing various breeds, in hopes of creating a superior guardian dog. Montenegro eventually crossed the white Bull Terrier, Dalmatian, and the Boxer, and the Dogo Guatemalteco was finally born.
Throughout its history, the Dogo Guatemalteco has been most commonly used as a watch and guard dog, and kept as a family pet, proving its superior abilities to provide both protection and companionship.
Breeders and enthusiasts alike are currently working endlessly to earn the Dogo Guatemalteco recognition from the Federation Cynologique Internationale.
Today, while the Dogo Guatemalteco has attained an underground regional popularity as a companion and working dog, the breed remains extremely rare outside of its native Guatemala.
Personality Traits
Best known for its protective and loyal nature, the Dogo Guatemalteco loves to play the role of guardian, and is willing to do anything necessary in order to protect its owner and territory. This breed is very intelligent, yet stubborn and somewhat independent, creating difficulty in training. As a pet, the Dogo Guatemalteco is loyal, loving, and affectionate. These large dogs are not suited for full-time indoor or apartment living, as they enjoy spending time outdoors and playing games such as fetch and tug-of-war.
Train-ability
Due to its stubborn and independent attitude, the Dogo Guatemalteco can prove challenging to train. This breed is known for being especially difficult to housebreak and growing bored and even annoyed with repetitive exercises and tasks.
Establishing immediate dominance, trust, and respect is key to successfully training the Dogo Guatemalteco. These dogs require an experienced, confident, and patient handler with a stern and serious approach.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning a Dogo Guatemalteco, such as its no hassle, low maintenance coat. This energetic breed is often quite amusing and entertaining to watch while at play. When properly socialized from a young age, the Dogo Guatemalteco gets along well with children and non-dog pets, known for its gentle and caring approach to small children. These dogs are dominant, alert, and territorial, making incredible watch and guard dogs by announcing the arrival of guests and unwanted visitors, and serving as a deterrent to would-be intruders. The Dogo Guatemalteco is loyal, loving, and affectionate, making an excellent family pet and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Dogo Guatemalteco. These active and athletic dogs require large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play outdoors, especially when under the age of two years. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. A Dogo Guatemalteco not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
The Dogo Guatemalteco is not recommended for households with other dogs. Even with proper socialization from a young age, this breed is known to show dominance, aggression, and jealousy towards other dogs.
As previously mentioned, the Dogo Guatemalteco remains rather rare outside of its native Guatemala and can prove difficult to obtain. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, extremely high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
While the Dogo Guatemalteco is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, primary lens luxation – dislocation of the lens, distichiasis – ingrown eye lashes, skin allergies and sensitivity, obesity, and bloat.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Dogo Guatemalteco? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.heydogs.com/d/dogo-guatemalteco.html
http://www.moloss.com/fact/txt/guatemalanbullterrier.html
