Catalan Sheepdog

The roots of the Catalan Sheepdog stretch back for centuries, and its ancestors were most likely various mountain herding dogs from the Iberian Peninsula. It is believed that the long-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog had a significant influence on the breed’s formation, with which the Catalan shares common traits in both appearance and working abilities. The first stable breed type began to form in the 18th century, when shepherds purposefully selected dogs best suited to the harsh mountain conditions and effective work with flocks. The main criteria were stamina, intelligence, obedience, and the ability to make independent decisions.

Official recognition came to the breed much later. In 1911, the Catalan Sheepdog was recognised as one of Spain’s national breeds. A major milestone was when this breed’s standard became the first Spanish standard to be recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). This opened the door for the Catalan Sheepdog to international shows and helped to popularise it outside its homeland. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), these dogs demonstrated their versatility and courage by serving as messengers and sentries, delivering messages and guarding important sites.

The Catalan Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog with a strong, but not heavy, build and well-developed musculature. The body shape is slightly elongated, meaning the length of the torso slightly exceeds the height at the withers. This gives the dog the agility and stamina needed for long periods of work.

The head of the Catalan Sheepdog is strong, wedge-shaped, and proportional to the body. The skull is slightly domed, with a moderate stop (the transition from forehead to muzzle). The muzzle is straight and slightly shorter than the cranial part. A characteristic feature is the thick eyebrows, beard, and moustache, which give it a somewhat stern but intelligent expression.

The eyes are large, round, very expressive, and dark amber in colour, indicating a lively intellect.

The ears are triangular, set high, and mobile. They can be pricked or semi-pricked with dropped tips that lie close to the head.

The nose is always black.

The coat is one of the main features of the breed. It is long, straight or slightly wavy, and quite harsh to the touch, with a dense undercoat that provides reliable protection from bad weather. On the head, the hair forms the characteristic eyebrows, moustache, and beard. The moult occurs twice a year and is quite specific: the front part of the body sheds first, followed by the rear. There is also a rare short-haired variety, but the long-haired dogs are more typical representatives of the breed.

The colouring of the Catalan Sheepdog is very diverse and is usually the result of a mix of different hair shades: fawn, reddish-brown, grey, and black. From a distance, the dog may appear to be a single colour, but up close, it’s clear that the tips of the hairs often have a darker shade. The main typical colours are:

• Fawn: from light sandy to a rich red, often with darker hair tips (a charcoal overlay).
• Sable (red with black-tipped hairs): creates a darkening effect along the back and on the head.
• Grey: a mixture of black, grey, and white hairs, resulting in various shades from light to dark grey.
• Black and Tan: occurs less frequently, with characteristic tan markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, chest, and limbs.
• Brindle: also possible, though less common.

White patches are not permitted, except for a small marking on the chest or toes, but a solid white coat is a disqualifying fault.

The Catalan Sheepdog has a bright, lively temperament, yet it is also wonderfully balanced and thoughtful. This is not a hyperactive dog that wastes energy chaotically, but a smart and observant companion. It is always ready for action but knows how to wait and analyse a situation. This breed combines the playfulness of a puppy with the seriousness and responsibility of an adult dog. It’s one of those breeds that, much like the Rough Collie, impresses with its intelligence and trainability.

Intelligence and cleverness are the calling cards of the ‘Catalan’. They are quick learners, easily memorise commands, and are capable of making independent decisions, which was crucial for their herding work. This trait can sometimes manifest as a degree of stubbornness if the dog believes its decision is the right one. Therefore, consistency and fairness in training are key.

Devotion and attachment to the family are other outstanding traits. The Catalan Sheepdog is very human-oriented and strives to be a full member of the ‘pack’. It treats all family members equally well, including children, towards whom it shows incredible patience and gentleness. It usually gets along well with other pets, especially if it has grown up with them. It is cautious with strangers but without unprovoked aggression. It makes an excellent watchdog that will always warn of an intruder’s approach with a loud bark but will not bark without reason.

Energy and need for activity. This is a very active breed that requires regular and long walks with the opportunity to run off-lead (in safe areas). They need not only physical but also mental stimulation. Games, training, and participating in dog sports (such as agility) will help channel their energy in the right direction. A bored Catalan Sheepdog might find its own entertainment, and its chosen activities may not always be to the owner’s liking.

The herding instinct in Catalan Sheepdogs is very strong. Even if the dog lives in a city, it may try to ‘herd’ family members, especially children, or other animals by gently nipping at their heels or by running around them to direct them. This is not a sign of aggression but an innate behaviour that can be managed with proper training.

Coat Care

The magnificent long coat of the Catalan Sheepdog requires regular and thorough grooming. To prevent mats and keep the coat healthy, it needs to be brushed at least 2-3 times a week, and daily during moulting periods. Special attention should be paid to the areas behind the ears, on the neck, under the armpits, and on the ‘trousers’ (the long hair on the hind legs), where mats form most often. Use good quality brushes and combs suitable for long hair. The dog should be bathed as needed, usually no more than once every 2-3 months, or if it gets very dirty. Use special shampoos for long-haired dogs that do not dry out the skin and coat. After a bath, the coat must be thoroughly dried with a hairdryer while being brushed.

The Catalan Sheepdog moults twice a year, and it has an interesting feature: the front part of the body (head, neck, front legs, chest) sheds first, and after a while, the rear part (back, belly, hind legs, tail) follows. During this period, daily brushing becomes a necessity.

General Care

• Ears: Regularly inspect and clean the ears with a special lotion for dogs to prevent the build-up of dirt and the development of infections. The long hair around the ear canal may need occasional trimming for better ventilation.
• Eyes: Check the eyes daily for any discharge. If necessary, wipe them with a clean, damp cloth or a special lotion.
• Teeth: Regular brushing with a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste will help prevent tartar build-up and gum disease.
• Nails: If the nails do not wear down naturally during walks, they need to be trimmed with a nail clipper about once a month.

Activity and Living Conditions

The Catalan Sheepdog is a very energetic breed that requires significant physical exercise. Daily long walks (at least 1.5-2 hours a day) with the opportunity for free running are essential. This breed is perfectly suited for active people and families who love spending time outdoors. It will be an excellent companion for runs, bike rides, or hikes.

Thanks to its thick coat, the Catalan Sheepdog tolerates the cold well and can live in a flat as well as a house with a kennel. However, even when kenneled, it needs regular interaction with its owner and active walks outside the enclosure. It is not suited to life on a chain. In a flat, the ‘Catalan’ behaves quite calmly, provided its needs for activity and mental stimulation are met. Otherwise, out of boredom, the dog may start destroying things or barking excessively.

The Catalan Sheepdog is generally considered a healthy and hardy breed with an average lifespan of 12-14 years, and sometimes longer. This is a result of natural selection and a life spent in harsh mountain conditions. However, like any breed, it is prone to certain genetic diseases.

The most common health problem in Catalan Sheepdogs is hip dysplasia. This is a hereditary condition where the head of the femur does not fit correctly into the hip socket, leading to pain, arthritis, and lameness. Responsible breeders test their breeding stock for hip dysplasia to reduce the risk of passing this disease on to offspring. When choosing a puppy, it is important to ask about the parents’ test results.

Other potential issues include:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A hereditary eye disease that leads to a gradual loss of vision. Genetic tests are available to identify carriers of this disease.
• Elbow Dysplasia: Less common than hip dysplasia, but it can also cause lameness and pain.
• Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures. It may have a hereditary component.
• Skin Problems: Due to the thick coat, especially with inadequate grooming or in a hot, humid climate, dermatitis or fungal infections can occur.

Prevention:

• Proper Nutrition: A balanced diet that matches the dog’s age and activity level is the key to robust health. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, which can worsen joint problems.
• Regular Physical Exercise: Helps to maintain muscle tone and joint health. However, for puppies and young dogs, it is important to avoid excessive strain (like jumping from heights) to prevent damage to developing joints.
• Veterinary Check-ups: Regular preventative check-ups with a vet (at least once a year) will help to detect and prevent diseases in a timely manner. Timely vaccinations and parasite treatments are essential.
• Choosing a Responsible Breeder: Buy a puppy from breeders who care about the health of their dogs and perform the necessary genetic tests.

The Catalan Sheepdog is a very intelligent and clever dog, which makes the training process quite easy and enjoyable. They are quick to grasp new commands and are eager to please their owner. Obedience is a characteristic trait of this breed. However, their intelligence and ability to make independent decisions can sometimes manifest as a degree of stubbornness or attempts to ‘outsmart’ the owner. Therefore, it is important to establish clear rules from the very beginning and be consistent in your demands.

Early socialisation is extremely important for the Catalan Sheepdog. Introduce the puppy to different people, sounds, places, and other animals (after the appropriate vaccinations). This will help to raise a confident and well-adjusted dog that will not show excessive fear or aggression. A well-socialised Catalan Sheepdog reacts calmly to new situations and easily finds common ground with its surroundings.

Training Methods: The best approach is to use methods based on positive reinforcement – praise, treats, and toys. Harshness and physical punishment are unacceptable, as they can undermine the dog’s trust and lead to behavioural problems. Catalan Sheepdogs are very sensitive to their owner’s mood and respond well to affection and encouragement. Training sessions should be short, interesting, and varied to keep the dog from getting bored.

This breed excels in various dog sports, such as agility, obedience, and flyball. Participating in sports not only provides the necessary physical exercise but also stimulates the dog’s mental activity and strengthens the bond with the owner. In 1974, at a show in Paris, a Catalan Sheepdog named Ungos de Laketania won the title of World Champion, highlighting the breed’s high potential.

It is important to remember their herding instinct. If you do not plan to use the dog for working with livestock, this instinct may manifest in games or attempts to ‘herd’ family members. Teach the dog a ‘leave it’ or ‘enough’ command, or redirect its energy to other activities.

The Catalan Sheepdog is not particularly fussy about its food, but to maintain its health, energy, and beautiful coat, it is important to provide a balanced and high-quality diet. The type of diet (natural food or commercial kibble) is chosen by the owner based on their capabilities and preferences, but in either case, certain rules should be followed.

Commercial Food: If you choose dry kibble or wet food, give preference to premium or super-premium brands for active, medium-sized dogs. Pay attention to the ingredients: meat (chicken, beef, turkey, fish) should be listed first, not grains. The food should contain a sufficient amount of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Avoid foods with a large number of artificial colourings, preservatives, and flavourings.

Natural Diet: The basis of a natural diet should be meat (about 50-70%) – lean beef, chicken, turkey, and offal (heart, liver, tripe – previously frozen or boiled). Also included in the diet are:

• Grains: buckwheat, rice, oats (cooked in water or meat broth).
• Vegetables: carrots, pumpkin, courgettes, beetroot (raw or stewed).
• Fermented dairy products: kefir, low-fat cottage cheese, yoghurt (without additives).
• Eggs: 1-2 times a week (cooked).
• Sea fish: (cooked, deboned) 1-2 times a week instead of meat.
• Vegetable oil: (flaxseed, olive) 1 teaspoon per day for a healthy coat.

Feeding Schedule: An adult Catalan Sheepdog is fed 1-2 times a day, while puppies are fed more frequently (3-5 times, depending on age). Portions should be sized so that the dog eats everything within 15-20 minutes and does not leave food in the bowl. It is important not to overfeed the dog, as excess weight can lead to health problems, especially with the joints. Always ensure the dog has access to fresh drinking water.

Forbidden Foods:

• Chocolate and cocoa
• Onions and garlic
• Grapes and raisins
• Cooked poultry or fish bones
• Smoked meats, sweets, spicy and fatty foods
• Low-quality, cheap commercial foods

Pros:

• High intelligence and cleverness: Easy to train, understands its owner instantly.
• Loyalty and friendliness: An excellent companion for the whole family, gets along well with children.
• Good watchdog qualities: Will always warn of danger, but without unnecessary aggression.
• Energetic and playful: An ideal partner for active people and outdoor games.
• Adaptability to different conditions: Tolerates both cold and moderate heat well (with access to shade and water).
• Relatively robust health: Rarely gets ill with proper care and nutrition.
• Not prone to excessive barking without reason.
• Striking appearance: The long, beautiful coat is eye-catching (though it requires maintenance).

Cons:

• Requires regular and thorough coat care: Brushing several times a week, especially during moulting season.
• High need for physical exercise: Not suitable for inactive people or those who don’t have time for long walks.
• Needs early socialisation and consistent training: Otherwise, it can show stubbornness or excessive wariness of strangers.
• Strong herding instinct: May try to ‘herd’ family members or other animals, which requires correction.
• Can get bored and exhibit destructive behaviour if left alone for long periods without sufficient activity and attention.
• Prone to some hereditary diseases (e.g., hip dysplasia).
• The twice-yearly moult can be intense.

Breeds with similar needs for activity and coat care, but with different character nuances, include, for example, the White Swiss Shepherd Dog or some representatives of the Majorca Shepherd Dog, although the latter has more pronounced guarding qualities.

1. Olympic Mascot: A Catalan Sheepdog puppy named Cobi was the official mascot of the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. His stylised image became one of the most recognisable Olympic mascots.
2. Messenger Dogs: During the Spanish Civil War, Catalan Sheepdogs were used as messenger and guard dogs due to their intelligence and stamina.
3. “Two-Phase” Moult: The unique feature of the Catalan Sheepdog’s moult is that the front half of the body sheds first, and then the back half. It looks as if the dog is made of two different parts.
4. Variety of Names: In Spain, the breed is called Gos d’Atura Català. “Gos” means “dog,” “d’atura” means “to stop” (the flock), and “català” means “Catalan.”
5. Masters of Camouflage: Their varied colouring helped them blend in with the mountain landscape, which was useful for both herding work and protection from predators.
6. Independent Thinkers: When working with flocks in the mountains, Catalan Sheepdogs were often far from the shepherd and had to make decisions independently. This trait has been preserved to this day.
7. A Breed Almost Lost: After the Second World War and the Spanish Civil War, the breed’s numbers declined significantly, and it was on the verge of extinction. Thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts, the breed was successfully restored.

Is the Catalan Sheepdog suitable for living in a flat?

Yes, a Catalan Sheepdog can live in a flat, but only on the condition that it is provided with a sufficient amount of daily physical exercise (long walks, active games) and mental stimulation. Without this, the dog can become bored and exhibit destructive behaviour. It needs space to move, so a small flat may not be the best option.

Does the Catalan Sheepdog shed a lot?

Yes, the Catalan Sheepdog sheds twice a year (in spring and autumn), and the moult can be quite intense. During this period, daily brushing is required. At other times, regular brushing (2-3 times a week) will help to reduce the amount of hair in the home.

Does the Catalan Sheepdog get along well with children and other animals?

Usually, yes. Catalan Sheepdogs are known for their patient and gentle attitude towards children, especially if they grow up together. They can also get along well with other pets (cats, other dogs), especially with proper socialisation from an early age. However, their herding instinct can sometimes manifest in attempts to ‘herd’ children or animals.

Is the Catalan Sheepdog’s coat difficult to care for?

Coat care requires regularity and time. The long coat is prone to matting, so it needs to be brushed thoroughly several times a week. If you are not prepared to devote enough attention to this, you might want to consider another breed.

Is this a noisy breed?

Catalan Sheepdogs are not prone to barking without reason. They bark to warn of approaching strangers or something unusual, fulfilling their watchdog duties. With proper training and sufficient activity, they will not be excessively noisy.

What level of activity does a Catalan Sheepdog need?

A very high level. This breed needs daily long walks (a minimum of 1.5-2 hours) with the opportunity to run and play. They are ideal for active people who love sports and the outdoors.

Is the Catalan Sheepdog easy to train?

Yes, thanks to their high intelligence and desire to please, they are quite easy to train. However, they require consistency, patience, and the use of positive reinforcement methods. Their cleverness can sometimes lead to attempts to manipulate, so it is important to be a firm but fair leader.