Catalan Sheepdog

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Catalan Sheepdog is a medium size hardy dog used as sheepdog. It is an efficient flock driver and guardian dog that originated in the Catalonian Pyrenees Mountains and is now being bred in Germany, Finland, Sweden and Catalonia.

This hardy and sturdy dog stands between 18.5 to 21.5 inches and weighs between 60-80lbs. Females are shorter and lighter. It is a well-balanced dog with a strong head and slightly longer than wide and doomed skull. Muzzle is short, straight and slightly tapering towards the tips having straight black nose. Eyes are wide, round and come in dark amber colour with an alert and intelligent expression. Ears are set high, triangular in shape and can naturally hang down the head or cropped. Neck is short but solid and mobile. The body shape is slightly elongated with wide and deep chest and curved ribs that allow for good capacity for work. Topline is straight and belly is tucked in. The body gives impression of power and agility.Tail is low set and reach below the hock. It is hanging low down when the dog is at rest and carried high when the dog is alert. The long coat is flat or slightly wavy and a dense undercoat. It comes in different shades of different colours. From a distance, the dog may look fawn in colour while black and tan colouring is also acceptable.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by UKC, FCI and KC(UK).

Color

The dog appears to be of solid colour with light shedding when viewed from a distance but close inspection reveals that a mixture of different coloured hair make up the coat; fawn, brown, reddish brown, black, grey and white make up the coat. These colours present in varying shades make three basic colour patterns for the dog; Fawn, from light to dark, Sable, from light to dark, Gray with a mixture of black, white and grey hair of different shades. Black and tan colouring is also acceptable as is little white markings on chest and upper toes.

Coat

The dog has a double coat that is long and flat or slightly wavy from outer side with dense and soft undercoat. Extra coat is present on head, tail and posterior body parts.

Personality

Care

The long coat may need to be brushed regularly to keep it shiny and tangle free.

Training

Being intelligent and obedient to its master, the Catalan Sheepdog is very trainable. The dog will respond well to gentle and positive training sessions and will thrive on praise and rewards. This dog is not difficult to train.

Activity

As with most working dog, the Catalan Sheepdog will need lots of physical and mental activities to keep it busy and active. The owner needs to take the dog for long daily walks as well as provide it with playing time and space. It can take part in dog agility, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking and doggy dance sports.