Catalan Sheepdog
Other names : Gos d'Atura Català, Catalan Shepherd, Catalonian Sheepdog
The Catalan Sheepdog is a breed of Pyrenean mountain dog. The breed originates from the Spanish province of Catalonia and has since found a home in other countries including Finland, Germany and the UK. It is a droving dog that is taught to use its initiative in the course of its work. Intelligent, loyal and easy to train (if not a little stubborn) the Catalan Sheepdog would make an excellent household pet.
|
Life expectancy |
The Catalan Sheepdog has a life expectancy of between 13 and 15 years |
|
Temperament |
|
|
Size |
Medium
|
|
Adult size |
Female
Between 18 and 21 in
Male
Between 19 and 22 in
|
|
Adult weight |
Female
Between 35 and 44 lb
Male
Between 40 and 57 lb
|
|
Coat colour
This dog’s coat can be of various different colours including fawn, black, sable, grey and reddish brown. |
Black
Blue
Sand
Red
|
|
Type of coat
A flat and wavy top coat above an abundant but rough undercoat. |
Long
|
|
Eye colour
Dark amber |
Brown
|
The Catalan is known to suffer with allergies either caused by food additives or the environment. If you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction (paw-licking, scooting, coughing, sneezing) you should consult a vet to find out what are the best remedies of the ailment.
More details about the Catalan Sheepdog
Catalan Sheepdog: Origins and history
The Catalan Sheepdog is thought to have been brought to Spain by the armies of Rome over two thousand years ago. Dogs of the breed were used as military messengers during the First and Second World Wars when they joined armies involved in European conflicts. By the 1970s the breed was almost extinct; it still remains rare today.
FCI classification of the Catalan Sheepdog
-
Group 1 - Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)
-
Section 1 : Sheepdogs
Catalan Sheepdog: Characteristics
The Catalan Sheepdog has a pleasant personality and is exceptionally affectionate.
This dog likes to please its owner but can be a bit of a show off; sometimes silly as well.
Exercising this dog regularly keeps its temperament cool, calm and well-balanced.
This is a very intelligent dog; it wears an expression that suggests clarity of mind.
Catalan Sheepdogs are not hunters; they are herding dogs. They do not have a high prey drive.
Catalans tend to be reserved and timid around strangers, but with some coaxing will soon relax.
Because it is a herding dog, the Catalan is prone to independence and willfulness.
Catalan Sheepdog: Behaviour
Catalan Sheepdogs do not tolerate solitude. They are hungry for human company.
Exceptionally easy to train is the Catalan. Training however must be carried out by a confident master who is consistent and who varies their style of training; Catalan Sheepdogs get bored easily.
The Catalan does not bark to excess if properly trained to know when to stop. It is likely to bark at visitors during its first meeting with them.
Consistent training will ensure that your Catalan will respond to your voice outdoors and not run away.
If it finds itself at home for long periods of time without human company the Catalan Sheepdog will be destructive.
Catalans are prone to obesity if fed too many treats or too much human food.
Catalan Sheepdogs are alert to new and unfamiliar sounds and people. They will not hesitate to bark to warn you of an approaching visitor.
Training a Catalan Sheepdog
Exceptionally easy to train is the Catalan. Training however must be carried out by a confident master who is consistent and who varies their style of training; Catalan Sheepdogs get bored easily.
Catalan Sheepdog: Lifestyle
The breed requires a large and securely fenced garden in which to exercise. As long as it is given plenty of time outdoors, a Catalan’s indoor living space does not have to be huge.
An energetic dog is the Catalan. With a dog such as this you need to be willing to devote time to long walks.
Once trained, a Catalan Sheepdog is exceptionally obedient and comfortable with travel.
Breed compatibility Catalan Sheepdog
Although a Catalan Sheepdog is not known for its high prey drive it will still be interested in small scurrying animals and will enjoy chasing anything that moves. This dog will soon become accustomed to living with a cat.
Catalan Sheepdogs get on well with other dogs.
Young children that run around the house of a Catalan may find themselves being herded like sheep. Catalans enjoy the chase, whether of animals or people.
The Catalan Sheepdog may not be the perfect choice of dog for someone of senior years due to the dog’s want of lots of exercise.
A good first dog in terms of its companionability, the Catalan Sheepdog needs to be challenged physically and mentally in order to stay out of trouble.
Catalan Sheepdog: Purchase price
Buying a purebred puppy will cost you around £1,000. Cost of care will be £70 to £120 per month.
Catalan Sheepdog: Shedding
Heavy !
Catalans do shed and shedding usually peaks throughout spring and autumn. These dogs shed in two stages: first at the front and then at the rear.
Catalan Sheepdog: Grooming
Brush regularly once or twice a week to prevent the dog’s coat from becoming tangled and matted. Bathe this dog only when necessary.
Catalan Sheepdog: Health
Having been successfully bred for centuries, the Catalan Sheepdog is generally healthy and robust. It's life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.
A Catalan Sheepdog outdoors will not care what the weather is like and is not quick to complain.
The Catalan Sheepdog does not tolerate hot weather overly well.
The double coat of the Catalan Sheepdog keeps the dog warm even when walking in snow.
Weight gain can be a feature of the Catalan. If your Catalan is not exercised as regularly as it should be and is fed too much human or substandard food it will become obese.
- Congenital deafness
- Dental problems
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Do you want a Catalan Sheepdog dog ?
Is the Catalan Sheepdog right for you?
take the test
