The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the largest non-profit breed registry in the world. This month, they welcomed two more breeds to the club—the Barbet and the Argentine Dogo (also known as the Dogo Argentino). A breed must meet certain eligibility requirements to gain AKC recognition. It takes dedication and time. So, we applaud the effort of the owners to get these breeds fully recognized.
We feature the Barbet and the Argentine Dogo in our library of more than 350 breeds, types and varieties and test for both in Wisdom Panel™ DNA tests. But to celebrate their inclusion on the AKC registry, we thought we’d also share a few fun facts about these two magnificent breeds.
Barbet
At first glance, you might confuse the curly-coated Barbet for a Doodle. Though they’re said to be an ancestor of the Poodle, these dogs are their own unique breed. And you’ll find roughly 500 of them in the U.S. today. Their name comes from the French word “barbe,” referring to their adorable beards.
Friendly and fun-loving, Barbets are great family dogs that are good with kids and develop deep attachments to their owners. These intelligent, obedient dogs are eager to learn. But, as with many smart dogs, it’s important to keep them well-exercised and mentally stimulated so they don’t get bored and come up with ways to entertain themselves.
Barbets do have a few genetic predisposition to be aware of. These include epilepsy, hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy—the last of which we screen for in our Wisdom Panel™ Premium test.
Argentine Dogo
The Argentine Dogo has been around since the 1920s. They were originally bred with the now-extinct Cordobo Fighting Dog and other breeds to be a superior hunting dog—but one that was less aggressive and suitable as a family dog.
Argentine Dogos were sometimes used to guard people or property. For this reason, they need firm, dedicated training to temper their guarding tendency. They also benefit from consistent socialization to ensure they are comfortable around people and in all situations.
In short, they can be affectionate family dogs, but are not generally recommended for novice dog owners. Argentine Dogos are also prone to some genetic health issues, including hip dysplasia, deafness, heart and eye issues and allergies.
Dig into the Details
The more you know about your dog’s background, health and disposition, the better equipped you are to provide a happy, healthy life. DNA testing is one way to find out critical information that you and your veterinarian can use to plan your dog’s lifelong care.
Get a Dog DNA Test Kit
