Pet Wiki

Cimarrón Uruguayo

Also called Cimarrón, Uruguayan Cimarron, Perro Cimarrón, Maroon Dog, Uruguayan Gaucho Dog

A level-headed, intelligent and courageous dog that stays calm in everyday life and is devoted to its family.

SizeLarge
Weight33 to 45 kg (73 to 99 lb)males 38 to 45 kg, females 33 to 40 kg12
Height55 to 61 cm (22 to 24 in)males 58 to 61 cm, females 55 to 58 cm12
CoatShort, smooth, with undercoat
OriginUruguay.13
GroupFCI group 2
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
brave and dependable guardian
calm, steady and intelligent
versatile worker for herding, guarding and hunting
123

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.123

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

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.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

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.13

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.12

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.23

Company who they like around

Bonds closely with its household and benefits from early, broad socialisation and consistent, calm training.13

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.132

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The breed is the mascot of the National Army of Uruguay and is seen as a national symbol.3

  2. 2

    Its name 'cimarrón' refers to animals that returned to the wild, reflecting the breed's feral past.3

  3. 3

    The Cerro Largo highlands in north-eastern Uruguay are regarded as the breed's stronghold.3

  4. 4

    It was the first Uruguayan breed recognised by the FCI, provisionally in 2006 and definitively in 2017.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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

Name ideas for your new friend

GauchoPampaToroMateoLunaCharrúaSolRíoEstanciaBrisaCieloFuego

A day in the life told by a Cimarrón Uruguayo

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.

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 2017.3
UKC
Recognised in 2006, Guardian Dog Group.2
Kennel Club Uruguayo
Recognised nationally in Uruguay.3

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

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

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 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.7 Pet 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.127 Pet 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.7 Pet 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.13 Pet 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.7 Pet 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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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard N° 353 Cimarrón Uruguayo fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. UKC Cimarron Uruguayo breed standard ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, size, coat, colour
  3. Wikipedia: Cimarrón Uruguayo en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, FCI dates, history, fun facts
  4. fci.be fci.be
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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