Origin
As their name implies, the Catalan Sheepdog (Catalan: Gos d’atura català) originated from Catalonia, Spain. They are possibly bred from the early Pyrenees dogs in the Pyrenean Valley.
These dogs have functioned as messenger dogs as well as guard dogs in several wars which includes the Spain Civil War. The breed’s population began to decrease until the 1970s when many Catalonian Sheepdog fanciers started promoting it.
This dog is bred in Europe, especially in Spain, Finland, Germany, and Sweden. However, the breed remains to be a rare breed outside of its native Spain.
Traits and Behavior
This wonderful breed is a hard-working and active dog that enjoys doing a lot of things that keep it busy. They have powerful instincts to guard, protect as well as herd. They are very courageous but have a very captivating character.
These dogs are also recognized for their faithfulness and commitment to those people that they love and especially to the ones who took good care of them.
They are ideal for families since they have a kind nature, they get along well with the other pets and they also love children.
These dogs are very easygoing but they also need to recognize who is superior.
Additionally, they are naturally calm but they also need a lot of exercises so they are not suitable as apartment dog.
They fit more in an environment where there is a lot of space like big gardens because they require daily exercise to keep them happy and fit. These dogs are also excellent guard dogs because they have an intense natural reflex to protect and guard.
Pet Care and Diseases
The Catalan dog has a long coat that is straight or wavy. Therefore, they need to have regular grooming to keep it from being matted or tangled.
Brushing them for a minimum of thrice to four times every week will remove loose or dead fur. This can help in keeping them off the carpets or furniture.
Since they are extremely active dogs, they must be fed with good quality and well-balanced nutritious foods.
The Catalan dog is identified as healthy dogs but they will tend to undergo some health problems including some dental issues, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, patellar luxation and hip dysplasia.
They should have a regular checkup most especially when they are getting older.
Appearance
The Catalan Sheepdogs have medium-sized, symmetrical and rectangular bodies. They are also well-muscled giving them strength and agility. Their heads are strong and well-proportioned and they have wide-set eyes that are dark amber in color which display an intelligent but alert expression.
Their muzzles are straight and their nose is colored black. They have triangular ears that are fairly high which hang close to their head and are covered with long hairs forming an appealing type of fringe.
Additionally, their neck is short and well-muscled and their chest is well-built. They have tails that are long and set low which forms a hook every time they are in a relaxed state but is raised upon moving.
Their coat is somewhat rough and has a dense undercoat. Their shedding happens in two phases, beginning at the front following at their back halves.
As a result, this breed displays two various coats at one point in their bodies. They can have a combination of numerous colors with hints of fawn, sable or grey.
General Information
The estimated lifespan of this breed is about 12-14 years. The average litter size is 3-6 puppies.
These dogs are also called Catalonian Sheepdogs, Gos d’ Atura Catala and Perros de Pastor Catalan.
Breed Club
Visit this dog club website dedicated to Catalan Sheepdogs. Click this link: http://www.catalansheepdogs.co.uk/