The now extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog was selected by Dr. Martinez to be the foundation for the breed. The Cordoba Fighting Dog was a huge, fierce hunting dog. The Cordoba was everything the doctor wanted, except for that whole so fierce he would tear people apart.
The Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Old English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Great Pyrenees, Pointer, Irish Wolfhound and Dogue de Bordeaux were bred into the original ferocious stock. The hopes were to keep the warrior's heart and huge size of the Cordoba, while toning the ferocity down.
After much perseverance, the Dogo Argentino we know today emerged. While now known as an all-around working dog, the Dogo maintains his edge.
The Dogo Argentino Club of America, bearer of the standard of excellence, has this description of the Dog's General Appearance:
Molossian normal type, mesomorphic and macrothalic, within the desirable proportions without gigantic dimensions. Its aspect is harmonic and vigorous due to its powerful muscles which stand out under the consistent and elastic skin adhered to the body through a not very lax subcutaneous tissue. It walks quietly but firmly, showing its intelligence and quick responsiveness and revealing by means of its movement its permanent happy natural disposition. Of a kind and loving nature, of a striking whiteness, its physical virtues turn it into a real athlete.