15 Dog Breeds From Latin America

Chihuahua

One of the most popular of all the Latin American breeds, the Chihuahua, is closely related to the Techichi dog developed by the Aztecs in ancient Mexico. In the mid 19th century, as the breed gained popularity, most of these small dogs came from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, its namesake. Despite their small stature, this "handbag dog" is smart, active, and sometimes stubborn, feisty, and fearless with strangers and other dogs. They have a big dog personality in a small package. Chihuahuas are also particularly susceptible to cold weather conditions too.

Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)

The Xoloitzcuintli is also called the Mexican hairless dog. it's pronounced "show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee" or Xolo ("show-low") for short. This ancient Mexican breed traces back to the Aztec people over 3,000 years ago. The Xolo was revered by the tribes and considered sacred, and today they're classed as the country's national dog.

Most commonly found in the hairless variety, with just a few tufts of hair on their head, they also come in a coated variation. The Xolo also comes in three sizes; toy, miniature, and standard. The loyal Xolo bonds closely with their family members. They have a high prey drive and retain some of their guarding traits, and can be wary of strangers. They make good watchdogs.

Dogo Argentino

As the name suggests, this canine originates from Argentina, where it developed as a big-game hunting dog. They're a relatively new breed, only around since the 1920s. Despite being bred for their strength, stamina, bravery, and power, they can make great family pets when matched appropriately with the right home.

These dogs require consistent guidance and socialization training. They tend to be consistently loyal, very protective and patient, gentle, and often playful with respectful older children. Their protective instincts mean they may start to exhibit guarding behaviors and may not like the company of strange dogs. Most Argentinos have a high prey drive and aren't generally suited to living in households with small furry pets. These dogs are smart and energetic, and they will need plenty of daily exercise and enrichment to keep them from becoming bored.

Havanese

The Havanese is Cuba's only native dog breed. These dogs were first developed in the early 16th century when settlers came to the Island from Spain. They're thought to be closely related to the bichon frise, although they have a silky rather than curly coat requiring high maintenance.

Providing they get enough company and stimulation, they tend to be adaptable and are often well-suited to apartment living. These smart little dogs can be playful and affectionate, but they also make good watchdogs. They aren't, however, as prolific barkers as other small breeds.

Chamuco

The chamuco or "devil" is more widely known as the Mexican pit bull. It's a new and controversial breed type; people developed these crosses to be a powerful, brave, tenacious dog that would excel in secret, illegal fighting rings. They aren't suited for novice dog owners but can respond best to positive, force-free training methods.

It's believed that the Chamuco developed in the 1970s, mixing the American pit bull terrier with the now-extinct Mexican bulldog and some other bull breed types. You generally won't find the Chamuco outside of Mexico. When kept as pets, they are known for being incredibly loyal and protective of their family. They tend to be affectionate and gentle with those they know, including children.

Argentine Pila

This hairless breed originated in Argentina, descending from the other hairless breeds found in surrounding countries, with its oldest ancestors dating back 3,000 years. They were bred primarily as companion dogs and are well-suited for apartment life. They are affectionate, playful, and patient. They are well-suited for a highly active family.

Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro)

The Brazilian mastiff is a large working dog known for its aggression, being used as livestock guardians, hunting, guarding, and tracking. They are natural protectors and considered a dangerous breed not suitable for novice dog owners. Instead of attacking their prey, they pin it down. Its storied past includes hunting for fugitive slaves in the 18th century and returning them unharmed.

Brazilian Terrier

This small terrier from Brazil likely descends from a mix of Jack Russells, Parson Russells, fox terriers, and Chihuahuas imported into the country in the 1800s. They are smart, energetic hunters that owners should not trust around other small animals. They are friendly dogs that love to play and dig. They need a yard for running and plenty of mental exercise too.

Chilean Terrier

This native Chilean breed dates back to the 1800s, although it is rarely found outside its home country. It originated from a mix of British fox terriers with indigenous Chilean dogs existing before Spanish conquistadors' arrival. The Chilean terrier is a compact, well-balanced, and elegant dog bred for fox hunting and killing vermin. They are active, intelligent dogs that can make good companions but do not trust it around small furry pets due to their overzealous prey drive.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca orchid or Inca hairless dog is an ancient hairless breed originating in Peru during the Inca Empire observed as far back as 300 BC in Incan pre-Columbian art. The breed is affectionate with its family but wary with strangers. This canine is not a suitable choice for first-time dog owners. 

Cimarrón Uruguayo

Cimarrón Uruguayo is a mastiff-type of dog from Uruguay descended from mastiffs brought to the country from Europe. This dog was bred with indigenous, feral dogs and hunted for its attacks on livestock. Ranchers caught the dogs and domesticated them, leading to today's breed. These dogs are commonly used as guard dogs on farms and ranches. This smart, energetic breed needs plenty of attention, exercise, and mental stimulation.

Mucuchies (Venezuelan Sheepdog)

The mucuchies or the Venezuelan sheepdog is a large livestock guardian dog descended from Spanish breeds like the Spanish mastiff and Great Pyrenees; it was bred for two centuries since the 16th century. It is the national dog of Venezuela, used for herding throughout the Andean mountains of Venezuela. Once prevalent, now rare and facing extinction, they are loyal guardians. These dogs are affectionate toward their families but wary of strangers. An energetic breed, they need plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and space to roam.

Patagonian Sheepdog

This docile breed developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for sheep-herding work in the southern part of Chilean Patagonia. The Patagonia sheepdog is also called the Magellan sheepdog or barbucho. It likely derived from European working dogs like the Old Welsh gray sheepdog or collies brought to Chile by European settlers.

Brazilian Dogo (Bull Boxer)

Brazilian dogo is a molosser or mastiff-type working dog breed originating in 19th century Brazil. The dog is a mix between boxer and bull terrier. It is a medium-sized, strong, agile, and muscular dog that's massive without being stocky. It has a balanced temper and is a good family dog.

Campeiro Bulldog

The campeiro bulldog, meaning "field dog," was developed in southern Brazil. It is believed to be a descendant of the old English bulldog and Serrano bulldog introduced to Brazil by Europeans. The campeiro bulldog handle cattle and swine at slaughterhouses by subduing them. During the 1970s, it faced extinction due to sanitation regulations at slaughterhouses forbidding the use of the dogs in that way.