Catalan Sheepdog
A Spanish herding dog with a long, shaggy coat, the Catalan Sheepdog is intelligent, balanced and very close to its family.
History and origins
The Catalan Sheepdog, or Gos d'Atura Català, has herded and guarded flocks in the Catalan Pyrenees and the plains of Catalonia for centuries.
It also served as a messenger dog during the Spanish Civil War and remains a valued farm dog in Spain.
Temperament
Lively, attentive and affectionate, the Catalan Sheepdog is a good family companion, patient with children. It is watchful and reserved with strangers.
Intelligent and cooperative, it learns well with positive methods.
Health
This is a hardy breed with no major known problems. Hip dysplasia can occur.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a breeder who screens their dogs are still advisable.
This is general information. For any question about your dog's health, consult a veterinarian.
Feeding
Good-quality food matched to its activity suits it.
Keep an eye on its weight under its thick coat.
Exercise
It needs at least an hour of daily activity, ideally varied: walks, games, obedience and agility.
It enjoys working with its owner.
In summer: outings during the cool hours, shade and water. It prefers a house with a garden to an apartment.
Grooming
Its long, shaggy coat needs thorough weekly brushing. It sheds in a distinctive way, in two stages (front half, then back half).
Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed back.
