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