Pet Wiki

Serrano Bulldog

Also called Buldogue Serrano

A steady, even-tempered guardian that is deeply attached to its owner.

SizeLarge
Weight25 to 40 kg (55 to 88 lb)males 31 to 40 kg, females 25 to 35 kg12
Height48 to 56 cm (19 to 22 in)males 50 to 56 cm, females 48 to 53 cm1
CoatShort
OriginSouthern Brazil (highlands of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina)21
Rare breedShort profile
very devoted to its owner
balanced guardian
agile cattle worker
12

Personality what they are like

A steady, even-tempered guardian that is deeply attached to its owner. It is not needlessly aggressive to people or dogs, but it takes its guarding role seriously and has a strong instinct for working cattle.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

short

A compact, muscular bulldog with long, athletic muscles that hint at agility, a well-proportioned head and a short, easy coat.12

Coloursany colour acceptedblack and tan and brindle with white are seen12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Serrano Bulldog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • 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

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate to high. A working cattle dog that also makes a good walking and running companion.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low. The short coat needs only an occasional brush.1

Home where they are happiest

Best with an experienced owner and space to move, such as a rural home or farm.2

Company who they like around

Strongly bonded to its owner and works closely with the people it lives with.12

The story where it all began

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

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its name comes from the Portuguese word for people of the hills and mountains.1

  2. 2

    It is the lighter, more agile cousin of the Campeiro Bulldog, which was recognised in 2001.2

  3. 3

    Its possible ancestors include the Bullenbeisser, the Old English Bulldog and the Alano Español.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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

Name ideas for your new friend

SerraGaúchoBentoXaráTauraChicoMandiFeraLobãoPampaZagaBrisa

A day in the life told by a Serrano Bulldog

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.

Recognised by the official bits

CBKC (Brazil)
Recognised as a separate breed in August 2009; not recognised by the FCI2
CBKC (Brazil)
Recognised national breed1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Serrano Bulldog, and at what times?

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

What should a Serrano Bulldog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

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

How often should I bathe a Serrano Bulldog?

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

How often does a Serrano Bulldog need brushing?

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

How do I trim a Serrano Bulldog's nails, and how often?

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

How much exercise does a Serrano Bulldog need?

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

How do I look after a Serrano Bulldog's teeth and ears?

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

How long does a Serrano Bulldog live?

Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet for an estimate based on your dog's health and lineage.

Is a Serrano Bulldog good with children and other pets?

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

Can a Serrano Bulldog be left alone?

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.

You might also like

Campeiro Bulldog

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Serrano Bulldog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for size, weight, colours, temperament, name
  2. Buldogue serrano - Wikipedia (Portuguese) pt.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, recognition, temperament
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.