At a glance the quick version
FCI and UKC give matching ranges (UKC: 84-100 lb males, 73-88 lb females).
Coat and looks how to spot one
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.13
Personality what they are like
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.132
Daily activity how busy a day looks
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.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
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.13
Home where they are happiest
Best suited to a home with a secure yard or rural space and an owner experienced with large guardian breeds.32
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with its household and benefits from early, broad socialisation and consistent, calm training.12
The story where it all began
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.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The breed is the mascot of the National Army of Uruguay and is seen as a national symbol.2
- 2
Its name 'cimarrón' refers to animals that returned to the wild, reflecting the breed's feral past.2
- 3
The Cerro Largo highlands in north-eastern Uruguay are regarded as the breed's stronghold.2
- 4
It was the first Uruguayan breed recognised by the FCI, provisionally in 2006 and definitively in 2017.2
Recognised by the official bits
- 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 2017.2
- UKC
- Recognised in 2006, Guardian Dog Group.3
- Kennel Club Uruguayo
- Recognised nationally in Uruguay.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cimarrón Uruguayo. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
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.4
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.5
How often should I bathe a Cimarrón Uruguayo?
Furry Diary'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.6 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary's starting plan is weekly brushing, which matches general guidance for short smooth coats.136 Furry Diary 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.6 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play, so aim for at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day.12 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks. Never insert anything into the ear canal.6 Furry Diary 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.132
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.132
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard N° 353 Cimarrón Uruguayo fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Cimarrón Uruguayo en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, FCI dates, history, fun facts
- UKC Cimarron Uruguayo breed standard ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, size, coat, colour
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.