Catalan sheepdog Breed description: Character & Co
Facts & Origin
Catalan Sheepdog - the origin
The Catalan Sheepdog is called Gos d'Atura Català in the Catalan language. "Gos" means "dog" in Catalan and "d'Atura" means that the dog is used with herds and is a herding dog.
This originated in the Catalan Pyrenees and spread to the different areas of the Catalan sheepdog. The official recognition by the International Cynological Federation (FCI) as the first Spanish dog breed took place in 1929. The breed belongs to Group 1 (Herding and Cattle Dogs), Section 1 (Sheepdogs without working test).
Catalan Sheepdog - Characteristics of the breed
If you are thinking of getting a Catalan Sheepdog, then you should know the breed characteristics. Generally, this is an active and intelligent dog breed that prefers to be outdoors. The dogs are hardy and not very susceptible to diseases. They need a lot of exercise and activity, preferably in the fresh air. Cold and even heat do not bother the frugal animals.
| Alternate Name | - |
| Origin | Spain |
| Life expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Care requirements | high-maintenance |
| Activity level | high |
| FCI group | Sheepdogs |
| AKC group | Herding Group |
| KC group | Pastoral Group |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
What are the typical characteristics of the Catalan Sheepdog?
Catalan Sheepdogs are considered intelligent and docile. They have many typical characteristics of a herding dog and are docile, active and independent. At the same time, they are reserved and initially suspicious of strangers and generally very alert.
With good socialization and training, however, the Catalan sheepdog is a well-balanced and social companion dog that is also suitable as a family dog.
If you want to buy a Catalan sheepdog, the following advice is especially important: The animals absolutely need enough exercise and occupation and must be kept busy. Daily long walks are a must, but also joint sports activities are recommended. Jogging, cycling, hiking or horseback riding are good options here. Dog sports are also highly recommended for the Catalan sheepdog.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
What are the typical diseases of the Catalan sheepdog?
When you get a Catalan sheepdog into your home, you usually don't have to worry about any hereditary diseases or health sensitivities. Since the dogs are rather light in weight, they are not susceptible to the common hip dysplasia.
Since it is a rather rare breed with a small distribution area, the animals have so far been largely spared from overbreeding.
Catalan Sheepdogs are nature boys with low demands. Bad weather with wind and rain, but also extreme temperatures with cold or heat do not bother them. In terms of nutrition, the dogs are also undemanding. Food with a high meat content is generally recommended. The animals generally have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Catalan Sheepdogs - the breeding: where, how, what?
You are interested in a Catalan sheepdog puppy? Then some information about the breeding is valuable to be on the safe side when buying. Outside of Spain it is still quite a rare breed. Accordingly, the number of breeders in Germany is also small and moves in the low two-digit range. Serious breeders are generally characterized by a comprehensive and competent advice, in addition, the animals should have complete papers.
The external characteristics of the Catalan sheepdog
The dogs are medium-sized with a height at the withers between 45 and 55 centimeters. The weight is between 15 and 25 kilos.
The hair of the animals is long, straight or slightly wavy, rough with a rich undercoat. A two-phase coat change in spring and autumn is typical: first the front half of the body changes coat, then in the next phase the back half of the body. Thus it makes the impression during the coat change, as if the dog possessed two halves with different hair.
Generally the following coat colours occur, which are caused by a mixture of different hair colours:
- tan (light, medium and dark),
- sandy yellow (from grey, white and black hairs),
- grey (from white, grey and black hairs),
- black-grey (from black, white and tan or reddish hairs).
| Fur length | long |
| Fur | flat coated |
| Ear shape | Floppy Ear |
| Tail | fanned out |
| Anatomy | rugged, massive, strong |
| Size ♀ | 45 - 55 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 15 - 25 kg |
| Size ♂ | 45 - 55 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 15 - 25 kg |
| Suitable For |
Colors
Other medium dogs
Useful Articles
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