The Uruguay dog breeds are medium to large compared to other dog breeds. As for their appearance, these vary quite a bit; some have colors that range from brindle spotted, and others have albinism, which manifests as cream or bay colors. The vast majority of specimens have a black muzzle and a docile temperament.
Very cunning and jealous of his environment, he makes an excellent watchdog. But if you want to learn more about this breed, you’ve come to the right place to learn more.
History and Origin of the Uruguay Dog Breeds
The history of the origins of the Uruguay wild dog goes back hundreds of years, during the colonization of the new American lands. Although there are still some uncertainties due to the lack of accurate records, it is believed that the breed originated from the breeding and survival of the strongest dog specimens.
The strongest were brought as companions by settlers to these latitudes and later escaped or were left to their fate, causing the breed to evolve by natural selection of the most challenging characteristics.
In the lands of Uruguay and Argentina, the use of dogs for livestock management has been vital, thanks to their geological and productive characteristics. It was a custom of the Spanish conquerors to free cattle on the lands they arrived at, which made this practice even more necessary.
In this way, cattle reproduced and grew with great freedom, populating the entire territory and guaranteeing food for the settlers and the population in general.
Note: This breed has been recognized for its purity category since 1989 and has been provisionally included by the Fédération Cinologique Internationale (FCI) since February 21, 2006.
It originates from Uruguay, where it is the only internationally recognized native breed. Their ancestry comes from the dogs that settlers initially brought to Uruguay and later became feral, which allowed them to develop great instincts and skills to survive.
All of this made them the country’s national army mascot and dog, coming to be considered the country’s unofficial national breed.
The Behavior of the Uruguay Dog Breed
This Uruguay breed is commonly used as a guard dog as it is a function it performs very effectively. Indeed, the dog can give everything without hesitating for a second to defend the family with which he lives, as well as the territories he considers his own.
Mistrustful
By nature, it is a suspicious dog towards strangers, so it is essential to receive intense training for good socialization. Especially if it’s a dog that’s going to live in a house surrounded by other people and kids.
In this way, you will know and can quickly identify which people are close to you whom you can trust and which ones can pose real threats to security and integrity.
Inappropriate Behavior
Although it is not a breed that carries this inherent aggression, it may develop inappropriate and dangerous behaviors if it does not receive a good education.
Their barks can be far more threatening than the bite itself, but their power should not be underestimated.
Balance
This breed of dog has a generally balanced and sociable character if it is carefully educated and accustomed to dealing with other animals and people.
Insurance
They are dogs with great self-confidence and courage that they do not hesitate to show in situations that require it.
Focused and determined
This breed never gives up once they set a goal, which can lead to behaviors that are somewhat difficult to control due to their stubbornness.
A Bit Territorial
Being a breed bred to be guards and hunt, territorial issues can arise.
And if that happens, they can show aggression.
Good with Children
As for living with children, it is possible. Of course, as mentioned, education at this stage is key. But despite this, it is also necessary that you both have constant supervision. No matter how docile a dog is, it should never be left alone with children.
Note: Having evolved in environments of large savannahs and plains, it is a breed better prepared to live in very open and vast spaces.
Although this does not prevent him from living quietly in small apartments, as long as he is guaranteed adequate training and sufficient daily physical activity.
The Temperament of the Uruguay Dog Breed
As this breed is primarily used for work, little is known or available about its coexistence and behavior outside of this area. In many cases, he is a dog attached to his family and loyal, even if he is not recommended to people new to the canine world.
In addition, they are dogs that require a lot of attention and patience. In addition, for its correct maintenance, perseverance is necessary on the part of the adopter, and it is preferable to have previous knowledge and experience in treating dogs.
Likewise, it is a dog that can develop a solid dominant character. And it is precisely because of this characteristic that there is a chance of potentially developing aggressive behavior, including possessiveness, and predation, among others. Of course, proper training can help control these extremes.
Bighorn Dog Physique
The Uruguay wild dog is very similar to other species of the Molossian family. They are distinguished by their vast size, which gives them an athletic appearance supported by large muscles that make them strong and resistant. Despite everything, a dog retains its agility, which is necessary for the tasks of the guard.
Tail
The tail length of these dogs is medium, although it is usually quite thick. This is maintained in vertical curvature when it is in motion.
Head
The head is narrower and more finely lined than other breeds of hounds, with the skull proportionate in size to the rest of the body, although a little wider. The muzzle is relatively long, almost the same length as the skull.
Muzzle
Her upper lips completely conceal her lower lips, although they do not hang down. The bite they exhibit is scissor-like, unlike other Molossian species, which bite in a stinging manner.
Ears
The ears of the Cimarrón Uruguayo dog usually have a rounded cut that resembles those of pumas, although they should retain at least half their natural length.
However, the natural size of the Uruguay Wild Dog‘s ears is medium length (in proportion to the head) with a triangular shape, falling without hanging down on both sides of the skull, giving them a confident, inquisitive, and powerful expression.
Fur
In general, the coat of these dogs is typically short, dense, and smooth, with an inner coat that exhibits these characteristics much more prominently than the outer coat.
Colors
The official colors that Uruguayan wild dogs must have to comply with breed purity rules must be bay and brindle. These may have different masks or be carbonated, white spots being acceptable if present only in the region of the throat, lower jaw, belly, chest, or legs, but without those- these do not reach the wrist joints.
General health care of a wild dog
Being a breed that evolved from a feral breed that was able to adapt admirably to harsh environments and the elements, feral dogs generally do not show significant problems and therefore have excellent health.
However, this does not mean that they are entirely immune to suffering from certain conditions, such as:
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, which prevents the production of thyroid hormones, is essential for the proper balanced functioning of the metabolism. This results in constant exhaustion, weight gain, and thinning of the skin, among others.
Elbow Dysplasia and Gastric Torsion
Another possible condition that commonly affects these dogs is elbow and hip dysplasia and gastric torsion. This can be avoided with a balanced diet according to weight and height and a good exercise program.
Problem with Testicles
Similarly, it can happen that during the dog’s development, one (or both) of his testicles does not descend correctly into the scrotum from inside the body.
If so, it remains in the groin, which can be a considerable risk due to the high likelihood that they are cancerous. In addition, it alters the blood supply, which causes the testicle to be strangulated, making the dog sick quickly.
Obesity
They are dogs with a very active metabolism and require good physical activity to avoid obesity and other health problems. The same goes for avoiding overeating.
This breed lived for hundreds of years throughout the South American pampas before being adopted by ranchers for use in grazing duties. All of this has made them into hard-working dogs, so they should have intense physical activity or a minimum of 45 minutes daily.
Although due to its metabolism, the most recommended and optimal thing is that it remains active for several hours a day. This peculiarity makes this dog unsuitable for life in the city and confined or small spaces.
Hygiene and Brushing
This breed is relatively healthy in general and does not usually require constant special attention in terms of coat and grooming. Maintaining a regular brushing of his coat usually goes quite well. He must be educated and accustomed from an early age to regular baths and adapt to the cuts of his nails.
Uruguay Dog Breeds Training
It is a brilliant animal trained and educated by Uruguay farmers, making them very efficient in carrying out their work. And thanks to this, you get a swift and accurate response from them.
As part of his training, he is trained to have high levels of obedience. This is a daunting task as the breed is generally very independent and acts according to its interests.
This is why the Uruguay maroons have a difficult temperament and behavior; they become very stubborn and, on many occasions, even defiant. However, this does not mean that this training cannot give the desired results.
Of course, adopters of these dogs must spend more time and effort to achieve this with absolute success. This is why specimens that exhibit better adaptive behavior are much more valued.
These dogs also have an obvious and differentiated class and position status within the pack, so they will not follow orders or allow themselves to be dominated by those they consider to be of lower status than them.
In this sense, puppies must be accustomed to socializing with children and other dogs and people. Otherwise, an accident may end up happening.
Brief Conclusion
As we mentioned earlier, breed-owned dogs are unsuitable for people who have never owned a dog. This breed requires much effort, perseverance, and discipline to adapt to life with its family and other animals. And, of course, you can also perform your work tasks correctly.