Catalan sheepdog

Catalan sheepdog Breed description: Character & Co

Catalan sheepdog

Dogs/Active

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.

Banner: Shutterstock / Smrm1977
Catalan Shepherd Dog Breed Description black catalan shepherd dog, big dog with long coat, dark coat, long coat in dog, dog herding sheep Catalan shepherd puppy runs across the sand by the sea Catalan shepherd dog running in the forest, big dog with brown fur, long coat
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

Catalan sheepdog mixes

News/Active

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.

young catalan shepherd dog with woolly coat, dog similar to sheep, dog with woolly coat, young dog, puppy
Spain

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.

Hintergrund
Catalan Shepherd Dog Breed Description, Temperament

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 ♂ 47 - 55 cm
Weight ♂ 15 - 25 kg
Suitable For -

Colors

Catalan shepherd puppy runs across the sand by the sea
Catalan shepherd dog running in the forest, big dog with brown fur, long coat
young catalan shepherd dog with woolly coat, dog similar to sheep, dog with woolly coat, young dog, puppy

Sources and relevant links

FCI-Rassestandard

Accessed on 11.04.2023

Eva-Maria Krämer (2019). KOSMOS eBooklet: Schäferhunde und Treibhunde - Ursprung, Wesen, Haltung. Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-GmbH & Company KG.

Club Gos d'Atura Català Deutschland e.V.

Accessed on 11.04.2023

Eva-Maria Krämer (2017). Der KOSMOS-Hundeführer. Franckh-Kosmos Verlags-Gmbh & Company KG.

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