Dogo Guatemalteco

The Dogo Guatemalteco is a relatively new breed believed to have originated sometime between the 1890s and 1930s. There is little documentation regarding the development of the breed and there are two theories about when the breed originated. One theory claims it was in the 1890s that the Dogo Guatemalteco was first bred while the other theory claims it was in the 1930s. There is evidence that the breed was in existence during the 1890s in the form of several photographs that show the Galusser family of Guatemala with dogs that look like the Dogo Guatemalteco. There are other photographs dating back to 1910 showing more dogs that look like the Dogo Guatemalteco with the Gerardi family. Some historians claim the dogs in these photographs are not the Dogo Guatemalteco but are dogs that were used to create the new breed. The Galusser family is credited almost solely with the development of the breed. However, there are some historians that give credit to Hector Montenegro as the sole developer of the breed. There is also a theory that the Galusser family, Gerardi family and Montenegro developed the breed together. The first written evidence of the breed’s existence dates back only to the 1930s. The Dogo Guatemalteco was recognized across Guatemala as a unique breed and the only breed developed in the country. All researchers and historians agree that the Bull Terrier is the primary DNA contributor to the Dogo Guatemalteco breed. It is not exactly clear if the Bull Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was used. Other contributors to the Dogo Guatemalteco include the Boxer and Dalmatian. It is also possible the Cordoba Fighting Dog and the Dogue de Bordeaux were also crossed to create the Dogo Guatemalteco. There are only a few organized dog clubs that recognize this breed. The Kennel Club of Guatemala (ACANGUA) has granted full recognition to the Dogo Guatemalteco. In 1981 the Guatemalan government officially named the Dogo Guatemalteco as their national dog breed.