Plummer Terrier vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison

Known also as the Argentinian Mastiff, this large dog breed from Argentina is a descendant of the extinct Fighting Dog of Cordoba. People were looking for a fearless, companionable dog, and a man, Martinez from Argentina, began a selective breeding program to get a breed that wasn’t essentially geared to fighting.

A number of breeds were mixed to achieve the desired characteristics in the Argentine Dogo breed.

It is unfortunate that the dog has been used for fighting and that it comes across as a dangerous dog so that today it is banned in several countries.

This purebred dog was developed by Dr David Brian Plummer in the UK. The whole idea for developing the dog was for it to be an all-purpose dog that could also hunt down vermin.

Developed in the 1960s, the Plummer Terrier combines Jack Russell Terrier, Beagle, and red Fell Terrier blood. Later on, a Bull Terrier was brought in too. This created some problems and certain characteristics were selectively bred out of the Plummer.

Today, as a working terrier, the dog is versatile and has many uses. He may not be recognized by any major organizations, but there is at least a well-established Plummer Terrier club in the UK.

The Argentine Dogo is a striking looking dog, large, muscular and powerful looking. He stands at about 60 – 68cm and weighs about 35 – 45kg.

He has a pure white coat. The coat is short and smooth. The ears are high set and most times cropped and erect.The Dogo’s tail is long and hangs naturally.

Temperament

The Argentine Dogo is a companion dog today who can be loving and loyal towards his human family. He is a strong willed dog with a distrust of strangers and other animals.

He will most certainly require training and socialization if you want him to behave well among people and animals. With proper training and socialization, he can make a good family pet.

The Plummer Terrier is a small, working terrier standing at between 28 and 36cm both male and female and weighing between 5 and 8kg.

The ears of the dog are high set and are fairly short, being floppy. The Plummer Terrier has a white and red/orangey coat which is short. He is an average shedder.

The tail would traditionally be docked, giving him an attractive, compact look, but these days the tail tends to be left long. The eyes are almond-shaped, dark brown and alert.

Temperament:

Your Plummer Terrier is active, hardy and adaptable, making it that he can settle down into life in the city or in the countryside. They will however, require regular exercise.

They’re the kind of dogs which are at home inside or outside. They’re very intelligent and can easily be trained and socialized. They’re also loving and loyal towards their human family. He is good with kids too and is playful and energetic around them, giving as good as he gets. His alert, intelligent nature makes him a good watchdog.

This big, muscular white dog with his short white coat was once a hunting dog so he is active and energetic. He is also intelligent and courageous, loving his human family and wanting to protect them being a strong characteristic of his.

The Argentine Dogo is social, strong, loyal and devoted and just wants to be part of his human family and all their activities. It is important that he is trained and socialized at an early age because then he is obedient and relaxed around people and pets in the home.

Your Plummer Terrier promises to be a great companion and family pet, getting on well with children.

They’re intelligent too, so they’re easy to train. Being low maintenance and being a healthy breed too, the Plummer Terrier has got everything that people want from a canine friend - love, devotion, action, low maintenance, health and a wonderfully companionable nature.

The Argentine Dogo can live to be between 10 and 12 years of age if he is looked after well, however about 10% of Argentine Dogos suffer from pigment-related deafness in one or both ears.

Dogs with white coats often have to contend with deafness.

Deafness in Dogs:

A dog can lose it’s hearing because of an ear infection. That is why it is so important to watch your pets ears and make sure that the ears aren’t red and that your pet isn't continually scratching his ears.

The most common cause of congenital deafness with a dog is pigment-related. Dogs with white coats are often affected by deafness and you commonly see deafness in dogs with white pigmented skin because they carry the piebald gene – the white coat and often blue eyes. Without a particular stem cell, the white dog’s body isn’t able to make a special layer of hearing cells.

Hip Dysplasia:

There is a high rate of hip dysplasia with these dogs and more than 40% of Argentine Dogos have malformed hips. This isn’t a dog ailment to take lightly as it can lead to pain, discomfort and even lameness for your pet.

Skin- and Eye Diseases:

Skin diseases such as red, itchy allergies are also common with these dogs as well as eye diseases.

These feisty little dogs are known to be a robust, healthy breed and with good care can reach between 12 and 15 years of age, and maybe older.

Some common dog diseases that your Plummer Terrier might succumb too, but which is highly unlikely.

Infectious Diseases:

Distemper and parvovirus are two example of these infectious diseases. Parvovirus is deadly and can be picked up through contact with the feces of an infected dog. Your dog will be vomiting, won’t want to eat and will no doubt also have bloody diarrhea.

Distemper is transmitted through contact with an infected dog’s urine or blood. Symptoms include difficulty with breathing, fever and diarrhea. There are vaccines available for the prevention of these life-threatening diseases.

Lower Urinary Tract Problems:

This disease can be debilitating for your pet and can include incontinence and bacterial infections. You’ll find your pet trying to urinate frequently but producing small drops of urine. Don’t hesitate – get your pet to the vet immediately.

Dental Disease:

You have to be careful with dental disease because many people think it affects just the teeth but it is linked to problems with the heart, kidneys and to diabetes. To prevent dental problems, look inside your dog’s mouth regularly and get him to a vet or professional dog groomer to attend to the tooth.

Brushing and Grooming:

With his short coat, the Argentine Dogo is a low maintenance dog, requiring a good brush twice a week. Its a pure white dog, and wiping him down with a damp cloth can keep his coat looking dazzling white and clean.

Grooming your dog like this gives you a good chance to also check your pet for fleas and ticks and to ensure the skin is free from infection or dryness. You will find that he sheds a bit more in the hotter seasons, but during the colder months it will be wise to bring your pet indoors.

Other areas to consistently check with your dog are his nails – to keep them trimmed, to clean his teeth 2 or 3 times a week with proper canine toothbrush and toothpaste and to check his ears for infection.

Exercise:

He is an active, energetic little dog and loves nothing more than to be darting after a ball, going for long walks with you or jumping into a pool. He’s happiest when active and busy with his beloved family members.

Grooming:

With his short coat and being a moderate shedder, you’ll just have to give your Plummer a good brush twice a week to keep the coat free of loose hairs and dust.

Diet:

Always aim to give your dogs the best food there is. Dogs are just like people when it comes to food – nutritious, quality food helps towards good health and longevity. Apart from a good quality commercially manufactured food, give him some homemade food as a treat too. Simple, tasty food is best appreciated by dogs. They don’t want spicy, exotic foods that can upset their stomachs.

They love boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and healthy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. You can add this into the dry kibble occasionally as a treat, and also some raw meat from time to time. Your pet will be healthy and happy with such a diet. Make sure he always has a bowl of cool, fresh water within reach.