If you’re a dog lover, then you must have heard about the popular Argentine Dogo. This breed is known for its muscular built, strong jaws, and high hunting ability. It’s no surprise that it’s often used as a hunting dog or a watchdog, as it fiercely defends its owner’s property.
However, while this dog has many fans, the pronunciation of its breed name can be quite challenging for some. In this article, we will explore why saying “Dogo Argentino” pronunciation is ruff, and we’ll do it all with humor!
What’s in a Name?
The Argentine Dogo has a beautiful name, but knowing how to pronounce it is another thing entirely. The breed name is Spanish, and it’s spelled DO-Go AR-gen-TEE-no. But as an English speaker, saying it correctly can be challenging.
It’s like trying to pronounce “Saoirse Ronan” for the first time – nearly impossible.
Why it’s “Ruff”
Let’s face it: not everyone is fluent in Spanish, and saying “Dogo Argentino” the way it’s meant to be pronounced can be a mouthful. Here are some reasons why it’s “ruff” to say:
- Roll your ‘R’s
One of the most challenging aspects of saying the breed name correctly is rolling your R’s. In Spanish, the double R is pronounced differently than in English. It’s called an alveolar trill, and it consists of multiple vibrations of the tongue.
Try saying “perro” (dog) with a trilled r – pe-rro.
- Silent Letters
Another tricky aspect of the breed name is that it contains silent letters. The ‘h’ in ‘argentihno’ is not pronounced, and that can throw off English speakers who are used to pronouncing every letter they see.
- Different Vowel Sounds
The “o” at the end of Dogo is pronounced differently than the “o” in Argentino. The vowel sound in “o” in Dogo is more closed, while the “o” in Argentino is more open. This difference in vowel sounds might seem small, but it can make a huge difference in the way the word is pronounced.
Pronounce it Right
Now that we’ve discussed why the pronunciation of “Dogo Argentino” is “ruff,” let’s dive into how to say it correctly.
It’s all in the Emphasis
The accent mark in the word Argentino indicates where to place the emphasis. The accent is on the second syllable, and it should be pronounced “AR-gen-TEE-no”
If you place the emphasis on the first syllable, then you’re saying “Ar-Dogo Argentino” – which is not correct.
Double “R” Roll
The double ‘R’ in Argentino should be trilled, and it out to be pronounced as if you’re imitating a loud purring cat.
“AR-ge-RR-TEE-no.”
Silent “H”
Lastly, the “h” in the word Argentino is not pronounced, so it should sound like “ar-gen-TEE-no” when said out loud.
Don’t say “ar-gen-TH-ee-no.”
Fun Facts about the Argentine Dogo
Now that you know how to pronounce the breed name correctly let’s reveal some fun facts about the Argentine Dogo.
It has a Nose for Hunting
The Argentine Dogo was bred to be a hunting dog. It is known for its highly developed sense of smell and its ability to follow a scent tirelessly.
It’s quite Strong
The Argentine Dogo is a muscular and robust dog that can weigh between 80-100 pounds. Its strength and agility make it a great candidate for activities like weight pulling, agility, and obedience competitions.
It’s a Family-friendly Dog
Despite the Dogo’s fearsome appearance, it can be an excellent family dog if trained correctly. It is loyal, protective, and loves spending time with its family members – humans included.
Famous Fans of the Dogo
Popular Argentine soccer player Diego Maradona owned an Argentine Dogo, which he named “Suegra” (Mother-in-law). He was often photographed with the dog, and many media outlets credited Suegra with helping Maradona get over his addictions.
The Dogo in Popular Culture
The Argentine Dogo has made several appearances in pop culture, ranging from video games to movies. Below are some examples:
Video Games
In 2019, Red Dead Redemption 2 featured an Argentine Dogo in one of its missions, titled “A Fine Night of Debauchery.” The Dogo in the game was named Rufus, and players had to use the dog’s help to find a missing character.
Rapid Fire
In the 2019 Netflix action movie “Triple Frontier,” the Dogo played the role of one of the drug lord’s security dogs. The Argentine Dogo in the film was trained to attack and defend, and it did an excellent job.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Argentine Dogo is a beautiful, strong, and loyal dog, but saying its breed name can be challenging. From silent letters to rolling R’s, the struggle to say “Dogo Argentino” correctly is real. However, with a little practice, you can get there.
Practice rolling those R’s, place emphasis on the correct syllable, and remember; the “h” in Argentino is silent. With these tips, you’ll be able to say “Dogo Argentino” like a pro.
Thank you for reading, and if you have any tips on how to pronounce other challenging dog breed names, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Remember, it’s all bark and no bite, so let’s keep it light and fun.
References
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American Kennel Club. “Get To Know The Dogo Argentino: A Dog Breed With A Purpose.” AKC, 2021, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dogo-argentino/.
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Munjta, Robert. “Irish actress Saoirse Ronan finally teaches us how to pronounce her name.” https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/entertainment/saoirse-ronan-teaches-pronounce.
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Netflix. “Triple Frontier.” Netflix, 2019, https://www.netflix.com/title/80211540
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Rockstar Games. “Red Dead Redemption 2.” Rockstar Games, 2018, https://www.rockstargames.com/reddeadredemption2/.