Also called Buldogue Serrano · Southern Brazil
A steady, even-tempered guardian that is deeply attached to its owner.
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Weight | 25 to 40 kg (55 to 88 lb)males 31 to 40 kg, females 25 to 35 kg12 |
| Height | 48 to 56 cm (19 to 22 in)males 50 to 56 cm, females 48 to 53 cm1 |
| Coat | Short |
| Origin | Southern Brazil (highlands of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina)21 |
A typical home-care rhythm for a Serrano Bulldog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Moderate to high. A working cattle dog that also makes a good walking and running companion.2
Best with an experienced owner and space to move, such as a rural home or farm.2
Strongly bonded to its owner and works closely with the people it lives with.12
Low. The short coat needs only an occasional brush.1
Feed your adult Serrano Bulldog at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can vary, so ask your vet for a schedule that suits your dog's routine.3
A balanced commercial dog food is a good choice. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always check with your vet for specific dietary needs.4
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues.5 Pet Wiki plan
Brush your Serrano Bulldog weekly to keep its short coat healthy. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 7 days, and the coat needs only occasional brushing.15 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days as a starting point. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain.5 Pet Wiki plan
Your Serrano Bulldog needs daily exercise, such as walks and play. As a working cattle dog, it enjoys running and staying active, so moderate to high activity is ideal.2 Pet Wiki plan
Brush your dog's teeth at least two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, and daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks, and never insert anything into the ear canal.5 Pet Wiki plan
Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet for an estimate based on your dog's health and lineage.
Yes, it is generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized, but its guarding instinct means supervision is wise. It bonds deeply with its family and is not needlessly aggressive.12
This breed is very attached to its owner and may not do well if left alone for long periods. It thrives with company and a job to do, so consider your schedule carefully.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Running costs for a Serrano Bulldog, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
No breed-specific rule names the Serrano Bulldog in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Serrano is a Portuguese word widely used in Brazil as a term for those who are from regions with hills; it is a synonym of hillside or mountain used as substantive adjectives. The breed's name reflects its origins in the rugged, mountainous 'serrano' terrains of southern Brazil, where it was developed as a versatile working dog.1
I started my day by checking the fence line, making sure everything was safe. My human gave me a pat, and I followed them to the pasture, where I watched the cows with a steady eye. After a short walk, I lay in the shade, guarding the house. In the evening, I rested my head on their lap, content. Being a guardian is serious work, but I love every moment.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
German, Italian and Polish settlers brought bulldog-type dogs to southern Brazil from the 19th century, and ranch hands bred them for handling cattle. Two types grew out of this, the heavier Campeiro and the lighter Serrano; after nearly disappearing by the late 1970s, the Serrano was recovered and recognised by the Brazilian kennel club in 2009.2
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Campeiro Bulldog