A level-headed, intelligent and courageous dog that stays calm in everyday life and is devoted to its family. It tends to be quiet and saves its voice for situations that really matter.123
how to spot oneCimarrón Uruguayo coat and colours
short, smooth, with undercoat
A strong, well-muscled mid-to-large dog with a short, flat-lying coat over a soft undercoat, a broad head and a balanced, athletic outline.12
Coloursbrindle in various shadesfawn in various shadesbluish variants of brindle or fawnwith or without a dark masklimited white on underjaw, neck, chest, belly and lower legs123
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cimarrón Uruguayo. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
by countryIs the Cimarrón Uruguayo legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Cimarrón Uruguayo in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksCimarrón Uruguayo exercise needs
Bred as a hard-working ranch dog, it needs daily long walks, room to move and a job or structured activity such as training, tracking or dog sports.13
the hands-on bitsCimarrón Uruguayo grooming and care
The short coat needs only a weekly brush and a rub-down, with more brushing during seasonal shedding. Regular nail trims and ear checks round out the routine.12
where they are happiestCimarrón Uruguayo at home
Best suited to a home with a secure yard or rural space and an owner experienced with large guardian breeds.23
who they like aroundCimarrón Uruguayo with people and other pets
Bonds closely with its household and benefits from early, broad socialisation and consistent, calm training.13
where it all beganCimarrón Uruguayo history
The breed traces back to dogs brought to Uruguay by Spanish and Portuguese settlers that went feral and survived in the wild. Ranchers, especially in the Cerro Largo highlands, later tamed these tough dogs to guard estates and work cattle, and the national kennel club spent years documenting them before FCI recognition.132
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The breed is the mascot of the National Army of Uruguay and is seen as a national symbol.3
2
Its name 'cimarrón' refers to animals that returned to the wild, reflecting the breed's feral past.3
3
The Cerro Largo highlands in north-eastern Uruguay are regarded as the breed's stronghold.3
4
It was the first Uruguayan breed recognised by the FCI, provisionally in 2006 and definitively in 2017.3
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name 'Cimarrón' comes from the Spanish word 'cimarrón,' meaning 'wild' or 'untamed,' referring to dogs that escaped or were abandoned by Spanish and Portuguese conquerors and became feral in Uruguay. The name reflects their history as wild, free-roaming dogs that later were domesticated by local inhabitants.4
I start my day with a long, steady walk across the campo, checking every fence line. My human trusts me to watch the herd, and I do it quietly, saving my voice for real trouble. At home, I curl up by the door, keeping one ear on the family. When the kids play, I join in with gentle nudges and a wagging tail. Evening comes, and we all sit together under the stars. I am calm, devoted, and ready for whatever tomorrow brings.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard no. 353, Group 2 Section 2.1 Molossoid, dogue type, without working trial. Provisional 21.02.2006, definitive 07.11.2017; current standard dated 16.06.2022.1
FCI (dates)
Provisional recognition 21 February 2006, definitive recognition 7 November 2017.3
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
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Cimarrón Uruguayo, and at what times?
Feed your adult Cimarrón Uruguayo at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stick to regular times each day, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes.5
What should a Cimarrón Uruguayo eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always check with your vet for the best diet.6
How often should I bathe a Cimarrón Uruguayo?
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 very dirty, but avoid overbathing to keep its skin healthy.7Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Cimarrón Uruguayo need brushing?
Brush your Cimarrón Uruguayo weekly to keep its short coat healthy, and increase brushing during seasonal shedding. Pet Wiki's starting plan is weekly brushing, which matches general guidance for short smooth coats.127Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Cimarrón Uruguayo's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days as a starting guide. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for help.7Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Cimarrón Uruguayo need?
This breed needs daily long walks and room to move, plus a job or structured activity like training or dog sports. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play, so aim for at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day.13Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Cimarrón Uruguayo's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture and dirt. Pet Wiki suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks. Never insert anything into the ear canal.7Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Cimarrón Uruguayo live?
Lifespan varies for this breed, so please ask your vet or a good breeder for a more accurate estimate based on your dog's health and lineage.
Is a Cimarrón Uruguayo good with children and other pets?
With early, broad socialization and calm training, this devoted breed can be good with children and other pets. However, it is a large guardian breed, so always supervise interactions and introduce new animals carefully.123
Can a Cimarrón Uruguayo be left alone?
This breed bonds closely with its family and may struggle with long periods alone. Provide daily exercise and a job to do, and consider crate training. It is best suited to owners who are home most of the day.123
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.
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