The Cimarrón Uruguayo (Uruguayan Cimarron) is a breed of molosser dog type dog originating in Uruguay. The word cimarrón in Latin America is used to mean feral, referring to the breed's history. Other names by which it is known in English are Cimarron, Cimarron Creole, Cimarron Dog, Maroon Dog, Cerro Largo Dog, Uruguayan Gaucho Dog, Perro Cimarron, possibly others. The breed is officially recognised in Uruguay and by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale with the name Cimarrón Uruguayo.
History
The Cimarrón Uruguayo descends from European dogs brought by early colonizers, and released or abandoned. The dogs adapted to living in the wild in Uruguay, and in time became numerous. In the eighteenth century, attacks on livestock and even humans resulted in the dogs being hunted, with Bounty (reward) paid by the government for each dog killed. However, many remained, especially in the highlands of Cerro Largo Department. Ranchers in the area would capture and tame the dogs, using them as guard dogs.The Cimarrón's survival story and fierceness has made it something of a national symbol in Uruguay, and the breed is the mascot of the National Army of Uruguay.The Kennel Club Uruguayo (Uruguayan national kennel club) recognised the Cimarrón Uruguayo after some twenty years of work by fanciers and breeders in documenting the breed. In addition, genetic studies are being done on the breed by the Universidad de la Republica Oriental del Uruguay college of Veterinary Medicine.The Cimarrón Uruguayo was provisionally recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale on February 21, 2006, in Group 2, Section 2 Molossoid breeds-Mastiff type.
The breed has been exported to the United States, and is recognised there by the United Kennel Club in the Guardian Dog Group.
Health
The Cimarrón Uruguayo should be tested for hip and elbow Hip dysplasia (canine) before breeding.Often the ears are Docking (animal) short when the dogs are very young. This is alleged to be in homage to the days when they were hunted (the ears were presented for the bounty.) Most fighting dog breeds have their ears severely cropped.
