Pop quiz!

One of the Dogos in this triptych would be given a DQ in a conformation ring. Do you know which one, and why?

The answer is found in the AKC breed standard. It reads: Color: Entirely white. The only tolerable spots are one black or dark-colored patch on the skull but which can also be located on one ear or around one eye or very small dark spots on the ears. The size of the spot must be in proportion to the size of the head, not exceeding 10 percent of the latter. More than one spot on the head (with the exception of small spots on the ears) is a disqualification. Comparing two dogs of equal quality, the whiter is preferred. 

The Dogo at the far right would suffer a DQ in a conformation ring because the spot over his or her right eye is larger than 10% of the size of their head (we asked an AI to determine the actual size based on the image, and it reported back that by estimating the width of the head (from the base of the ear to the far side of the muzzle) compared to the largest dimension of the spot, the spot covers approximately 13% of the head’s width).

As for the brindle color of that same dog’s spot, we did a little digging. Neither the AKC, FCI, nor UKC standards for the Dogo Argentino specifically prohibits brindle. All of these registries simply state that only “one black or dark-colored patch” is allowed.  We wondered why.

While brindle is genetically possible in the breed, it is extremely rare and not typically seen in purebred Dogos, so the appearance of a brindle spot could raise questions about breed purity or be considered outside the norm for show purposes. In practice, most Dogo Argentinos with head spots have solid black or very dark patches, and judges at conformation shows may interpret “dark-colored” to mean only black or very dark brown, potentially penalizing or questioning brindle even if it is not explicitly disqualified by the written standard. Thus, although brindle is not outright banned, it is not typical and could be problematic for show competition or strict breed standard adherence.

But we keep coming back to the question, why?

Adhering to a breed standard is, of course, the logical answer, but why were spots mentioned in the standard at all besides being a reflection of breed purity?

As far as we can tell, there are a couple of answers. First and foremost, the original breeders, Antonio and Agustín Nores Martínez, selected for a white coat to distinguish the Dogo from its fighting-dog ancestors and to set it apart as a specialized hunting breed. The Martínezes insisted on a white coat so that hunters could easily distinguish their dogs not only from prey, but also from the shadowy jungle environment beneath the canopy. The smaller the spot on the dog, the easier it was for hunters to recognize it as a dog and not mistake it for something else. They recognized, however, that minor pigmentation—such as the “pirata” spot somewhere on the head—could appear, and rather than “throw the baby out with the bathwater,” they allowed for a small spot because it was a genetic reality that didn’t impact the dog’s abilities.  The pirata spot is basically a result of the Dogo’s genetics for extreme white spotting, controlled by the S locus. This gene usually produces an all-white coat, but sometimes it leaves behind a bit of pigment—usually on the head—because the white spotting isn’t always 100% complete. There’s no separate “pirata gene”; it’s just a quirk of how the white spotting genes work. The word, pirata, by the way, is Spanish for “pirate,” a term that came from Spanish-speaking breeders and dog enthusiasts in Argentina where the breed was developed.

Ultimately, the Dogo’s iconic white coat and the strict rules about spots aren’t just about looks—they reflect a blend of history, genetics, and practical hunting needs. Understanding the reasons behind these standards helps us appreciate not only the breed’s appearance but also the thoughtful breeding that shaped it. Whether in the show ring or the field, these details remind us how form and function go hand in hand.

Images in triptych: Dogo in middle by © Seregraff; Dogo at far right by © Marcinsl1987; Dogo at far left by © Rpedemonte. All images from Dreamstime