Facts & Origin
Profile: Cimarrón Uruguayo - Origin, History & Suitability
The Cimarrón Uruguayo, often referred to simply as the "Cimarrón," is a sturdy and proud dog breed whose origins lie in Uruguay. This breed embodies the rich and varied history of the country.
- Historical Roots: It is believed that the Cimarrón Uruguayo descended from dogs brought by Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors during the colonial period. These dogs then became wild and formed feral packs, from which the breed gets its name - "Cimarrón" means "wild" or "gone wild" in Spanish.
- From wild dog to working dog, local farmers and landowners began to tame these wild dogs to work with livestock and as guard dogs. Over time, the breed evolved into an indispensable companion in rural Uruguay.
Suitability
The Cimarrón Uruguayo has proven to be a versatile dog, both in working and family environments:
- Working Dog: Because of its history as a working dog, the Cimarrón has impressive energy and stamina. He is excellent for herding and guarding livestock.
- Family Dog: If properly socialized and trained, the Cimarrón Uruguayo can also be a loving and loyal family dog. However, he needs an owner who has experience with dogs and is capable of setting clear boundaries.
- Guard Dog: His guard instinct is strong, which is why he is often used as a guard and protection dog.
To note
It is critical that this dog receive clear leadership and early socialization. His strong personality and energy can be overwhelming if not properly managed.
Conclusion
The Cimarrón Uruguayo is a symbol of Uruguayan culture and history. He is powerful, loyal and versatile, but requires an experienced owner who understands the breed's characteristics and needs.



Alternate Name | Cimarrón Uruguayo, Perro Criollo, Perro Gaucho |
Origin | - |
Life expectancy | 10 - 12 years |
Care requirements | low-maintenance |
Activity level | average to high |
FCI group | Molossian type |
AKC group | not recognised |
KC group | not recognised |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Loyal companion
The Cimarrón Uruguayo is known for its extraordinary loyalty to its family. Once bonded to an owner, this dog becomes a loyal and steadfast friend who always stays by the owner's side.
Robust Temperament
- Energetic: Originally bred as a working dog, the Cimarrón Uruguayo has high energy and stamina. This dog needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Confident: This dog has a strong and dominant temperament. He is confident and fearless, which makes him an excellent watchdog.
- Intelligent: The Cimarrón is a smart dog that learns quickly. However, this can also mean that he will acquire undesirable behaviors if not properly managed.
Social Behavior
- With family members: The Cimarrón Uruguayo is very affectionate and protective towards his family. He is especially good with children and can be an excellent playmate.
- With strangers: Towards strangers he can be reserved or suspicious. Early socialization is therefore essential to ensure that he reacts well in unfamiliar situations.
- With other animals: Although the Cimarrón may get along well with other pets in his household, his strong prey drive may cause him to chase smaller animals.
Conclusion
The Cimarrón Uruguayo's character is a combination of loyalty, intelligence and energy. He is a wonderful companion for experienced dog owners who have the time and patience to raise and train him properly. A well socialized and trained Cimarrón Uruguayo will become an irreplaceable part of any family.
Health and breeding information
Care requirements
The Cimarrón Uruguayo has a short and dense coat, which is considered low maintenance. However, this does not mean that it does not need attention in terms of grooming:
- Regular brushing: once a week is recommended to remove dead hair and keep the coat clean.
- Bathing: Only when necessary so as not to strip the skin's natural oils.
- Ears, eyes and teeth: should be checked regularly for signs of infection or other problems.
Health
The Cimarrón Uruguayo is known for its hardiness, but like all breeds, it can be susceptible to certain diseases:
- Hip dysplasia: A genetic condition that can cause malformation of the hip joint.
- Allergies: Can manifest as skin irritation, itching or digestive problems.
Regular veterinary visits and vaccinations are essential to ensure the health of the Cimarrón Uruguayo.
Breeding
The breeding of the Cimarrón Uruguayo is supervised by various associations to ensure the purity and health of the breed:
- Care is taken to avoid inbreeding and to maintain genetic diversity.
- Breeding dogs must pass health examinations, especially with regard to hip dysplasia.
- The focus is on a balanced temperament and breed-typical characteristics.
Anyone interested in a puppy of this breed should contact reputable breeders who adhere to the standards set and put the welfare of the animals first.


Visual appearance
The Cimarrón Uruguayo impresses with its rugged and powerful appearance. His athletic build and powerful musculature clearly show his working dog roots and ability to herd and protect livestock.
Coat Characteristics
The coat of the Cimarrón Uruguayo is short and dense. It efficiently protects the dog from weather conditions, adapting to both hot and cooler temperatures. The coat color varies:
- Often in yellowish and brownish tones.
- Often with a characteristic black mask on the face
- Occasionally with white patches on chest and paws
The coat is described as low maintenance. Regular brushing is sufficient to keep it clean and healthy.
Size and weight
- Males:
- Height: Between 58 and 61 cm.
- Weight: Approximately 38 to 45 kg.
- Bitches:
- Size: Between 55 and 58 cm.
- Weight: About 33 to 40 kg.
General impression
The Cimarrón Uruguayo is a proud and majestic dog. His short, shiny coat, powerful stature and expressive eyes make him a real eye-catcher. It is not only his physical characteristics that impress. His lively presence and alertness distinguish this dog as well.
Those looking for a dog that is both beautiful and functional will find a loyal and reliable companion in the Cimarrón Uruguayo. Its low-maintenance coat and robust constitution make it an ideal companion for active people.
Fur length | short |
Fur | flat coated |
Ear shape | Floppy Ear |
Tail | lang |
Anatomy | muscular, rugged |
Size ♀ | 55 - 58 cm |
Weight ♀ | 33 - 40 kg |
Size ♂ | 58 - 61 cm |
Weight ♂ | 38 - 45 kg |
Suitable For | - |
Known Diseases
Hip dysplasia (HD)
Hip dysplasia (HD) is a genetic condition in dogs where the hip joint is not shaped properly. This leads to pain, stiffness and restricted movement.
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
Elbow joint dysplasia is a chronic disease complex of the elbow joint of fast growing dog breeds.
Gastric torsion
Gastric torsion is a disease in which the stomach rotates around its own longitudinal axis. The cause of the disease is not known.
Joint damage
In some breeds, joint damage can occur later in life, affecting the musculoskeletal system.