Cimarrón UruguayoCharacteristics, history, training and care

Its exact origin is unknown. The FCI standard says the breed descends from dogs brought by the Spanish and Portuguese conquerors. The dogs left behind in the country interbred, and natural selection allowed only the strongest and cleverest to survive. Wikipedia links it mainly to the Alano Español.

In the 18th century, feral packs attacked cattle, and the government paid a bounty for every dog killed. Many survived even so, especially in the hills of Cerro Largo. Farmers there began to catch and tame them, using them as guard dogs and for working cattle.

How the breed developed

• Colonial era – Spanish and Portuguese settlers bring dogs to Uruguay; some of them go feral.
• 18th century – The feral dogs are hunted, with bounties paid by the government.
• Later – Farmers in Cerro Largo tame them and use them for guarding and for cattle.
• 21 February 2006 – The FCI provisionally accepts the breed.
• 7 November 2017 – The FCI definitively recognises the breed.
• 16 June 2022 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the FCI standard (“balanced, intelligent and very brave”) and on the Wikipedia description.

The standard describes it as a dogue-type dog, medium to large, strong, compact, solid-boned, muscular and agile. The body is slightly longer than its height (ratio 10:11).

General appearance

The head is broader than it is long, with a strong muzzle slightly shorter than the skull. The almond-shaped brown eyes have a curious expression. The thick tail reaches the hock; at rest it hangs down, and in movement it is carried horizontally or slightly raised.

The coat is brindle or fawn in all shades; fawns may have black shading. Bluish brindle and bluish fawn are also accepted, all with or without a mask. White markings are allowed only under the jaw, on the neck, chest and belly and on the lower legs. Brown (chocolate) disqualifies.

It is an intelligent, well-balanced dog, used in Uruguay for guarding, hunting, herding, rescue and dog sports. Wikipedia says it is fairly calm and does not usually bark unless the threat is real.

Like any large, powerful dog, it must be very well socialised from an early age to be a safe companion.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it early. People, children, other dogs and new places, from the first months.
• Be calm and consistent. A brave dog needs clear rules.
• Give it an activity. It was bred for work: guarding, herding or dog sports.
• Teach recall and lead walking well. It is very strong for its weight.

It is an agile, hardy working dog that needs daily exercise and space. It is happiest in a house with a large yard.

Tips for a balanced life

• The fence must be solid.
• It is not suitable for a flat.
• It suits an experienced owner.

Coat and skin care

The short coat is easy to maintain: brushing once a week with a rubber grooming mitt is enough. During the moulting season it should be brushed more often.

Common health problems

No health studies have been published for the breed. Wikipedia recommends that dogs be tested for dysplasia before breeding:

Other care

• Check the ears and teeth once a week.
• Trim the nails when they start to touch the floor.
• Check for ticks after outings in nature.

A muscular, active dog needs a good-quality food suited to large breeds. The portion should be based on its actual weight and daily activity.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Puppies need a growth food suited to large breeds.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The name means “gone wild”. “Cimarrón” was the name given in South America to domestic animals that lived free.
• The army's mascot. It is the mascot of the National Army of Uruguay.
• Bounties for ears. Wikipedia says that in the past, to claim the bounty, people handed in the ears of the dogs they had killed.
• Studied by the university. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Montevideo carries out genetic studies on the breed.
• It has reached the United States. The breed has been exported to the United States and is recognised by the United Kennel Club.

A national symbol of Uruguay

The story of the feral dogs that survived being hunted and became guardians of the farms has made the Cimarrón a national symbol in Uruguay. The breed is the mascot of the National Army of Uruguay.

Where does the Cimarrón Uruguayo come from?

From Uruguay; it descends from the dogs brought by Spanish and Portuguese settlers, which went feral.

How big does it get?

Males measure 58–61 cm and weigh 38–45 kg; females measure 55–58 cm and weigh 33–40 kg.

Is it a family dog?

It can be, if it is well socialised from an early age. It is balanced, but very brave and protective.

Is it recognised by the FCI?

Yes, provisionally since 2006 and definitively since 2017.