Open AccessMilk production in Brazil is complex, as it depends on a wide base of small-scale producers employing diverse strategies. In recent years, the supply chain has undergone considerable structural changes, increasing the need for knowledge and characterization of milk-production activities. Therefore, the objective proposed in this study was to characterize rural properties according to various aspects of production in order to identify the dairy cattle production systems of Western Paraná. To this end, 735 interviews were conducted through semi-structured questionnaires administered to dairy farmers using a questionnaire tab for the diversity of management practices in production systems. Data were tabulated and processed by SPSS-v.18, using multiple correspondence analysis: ACM and cluster analysis (hierarchical cluster). The first two dimensions grouped 71.9% of the total variance: DIM1 as 49.4% and DIM2 as 22.5%. Using cluster analysis, five distinct and homogeneous groups (G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5) of production systems were formed. These systems shared the common feature of small properties and were supported primarily by manual labor performed by family members. It is concluded that various milk producing groups exist in the city, with respect to the characteristics of production systems: ownership structure, squad, and how producers mobilize and act on the factors of production. The typology carried out from these characteristics demonstrates a useful tool for action and technical assistance in developing strategies for the industry.