The Catalonian Shepherd was developed in Europe, especially in such countries as Spain, Sweden, Finland and Germany. It is thought that the dogs have been in existence since the 1700s when it was commonly used to herd sheep, horses and cattle. They were favored over many other dogs due to their shaggy coats that enabled them to blend in with sheep. While the dogs were mainly used as sheepdogs, during the Spanish Civil War, they were also often used to carry important messages across battle lines and to find wounded soldiers. Catalonian Shepherds are most likely the results of crosses between Long-Haired Pyrenean Shepherds and Portuguese Sheepdogs.
The Catalonian Shepherd is a large dog that can weigh anywhere from 60 to 80 pounds fully grown. They are known most for their long shaggy hair that comes in a variety of colors including black, fawn, grey, brown and red. They have long tails that are heavily plumed, medium-length drop ears and hair that cascades over the eyes.
Personality
The Catalonian Shepherd is a delightful breed that was developed in Europe to herd flocks of sheep. However, although this is primarily a working breed of dog, due to its gentle temperament, it makes a great companion and family pet as well. If you choose to add one of these dogs to your home, you will want to make sure that it has plenty of space to run and play. The Catalonian Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed of dog that is extremely easy to train. It is also a cheerful and gentle dog that makes a wonderful companion and loving pet for families with children. However, if you choose to bring one of these dogs into your home, you will want to make sure that you provide it with plenty of exercise.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 - 14 years |
| Nicknames: | Catalonian Shepherd, Catalan Sheepdog, Catalonian Sheepdog, Gos d'Atura Catala, Perros de Pastor Catalan |
Catalan Sheepdog Build Information
The Catalonian Shepherd is a large dog that can weigh anywhere from 60 to 80 pounds fully grown. They are known most for their long shaggy hair that comes in a variety of colors including black, fawn, grey, brown and red. They have long tails that are heavily plumed, medium-length drop ears and hair that cascades over the eyes.
| Size: | Large |
Behaviour and Personality
The Catalonian Shepherd is a delightful breed that was developed in Europe to herd flocks of sheep. However, although this is primarily a working breed of dog, due to its gentle temperament, it makes a great companion and family pet as well. If you choose to add one of these dogs to your home, you will want to make sure that it has plenty of space to run and play. The Catalonian Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed of dog that is extremely easy to train. It is also a cheerful and gentle dog that makes a wonderful companion and loving pet for families with children. However, if you choose to bring one of these dogs into your home, you will want to make sure that you provide it with plenty of exercise.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very kid friendly |
Appearance
Due to the nature of the Catalonian Shepherd's coat, you will need to brush its hair every day to prevent any tangles from developing. Typically, you should only need to bathe your pet about once every other week unless it becomes especially dirty. When brushing your dog, check its ears for any excess wax and clip its nails with a pliers-type nail clipper if necessary.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Moderate |
Catalan Sheepdog Common Health Conditions
Just as with most any other breed of dog, the Catalonian Shepherd can be prone to various health issues including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, patellar luxation and dental problems. There have also been some isolated cases of glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA. Nevertheless, a healthy Catalonian Shepherd can live anywhere from 12 to 14 years of age.
Catalan Sheepdog Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
Get a Free Pet Insurance Quote
Breed Talents and Facts
Einstein, the dog in Back to the Future, was a Catalonian Shepherd. The official mascot of the 1992 Summer Olympics was a Catalonian Shepherd named Cobi. Because of its strong herding instinct, the Catalonian Shepherd may feel a need to herd your children or other household pets. The Catalonian Shepherd is a somewhat large breed of dog that was developed in various parts of Europe to herd sheep. It is known by several different names including the Catalonian Shepherd, Catalan Sheepdog, Catalonian Sheepdog, Gos d'Atura Catala and Perros de Pastor Catalan.
| Training: | Very easy to train |