How to Identify a Catalan Sheepdog

The Catalan Sheepdog originated in Catalonia, located in Spain, and it is used for flock driving and guarding. [1] They may also be referred to as the "Gos d'Atura", and this breed's exact history is unclear. [2] While there are some characteristics that Catalan Sheepdogs have in common with other dog breeds, they also have many unique characteristics. This wikiHow will discuss these characteristics, and thus help you figure out whether a dog is a Catalan Sheepdog.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Body Structure

  1. Catalan Sheepdogs are typically somewhere between 17.5 to 21.5 inches (44 to 55 cm) tall, and they usually weigh anywhere from 35 to 40 pounds (16 to 18 kg). [3]
  2. Catalan Sheepdogs should have a head that is strong yet not heavy, and convex a little with a wide base area. Their head should be in proportion well with their body. [4]
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  3. Catalan Sheepdogs should have high-set, triangular-shaped ears that may be cropped if the dog was bred to work and are pointed and fine, with supple yet not thick insertion cartilage. The dog's ears should hang and they should carry them near their head. You should also notice long hair on the dog's ears that ends in fringes which are mobile. [5]
  4. Catalan Sheepdogs should have expressive eyes with an intelligent, alert gaze that are opened wide, round and dark amber in color. The dog's eyelids should have black-colored rims. [6]
  5. Catalan Sheepdogs should have a tail that is set quite low, and is either short, being shorter than 10 centimetres (3.9 in) or long and past the dog's hock. The dog may also have no tail, or if the dog was bred to work, a tail that is docked. When the dog is resting, their tail should simply hang, being in the shape of a hook in its lower area, or in a manner similar to a saber. When the dog is in motion, their tail should be raised in a cheerful manner, though you should not notice any rolling of the tail on to the dog's back. You should also notice that their tail is covered thoroughly with hair that is a little wavy. [7]
  6. Overall, Catalan Sheepdogs should appear balanced well with proportions that are medium. Their gait should be supple, similar to other shepherd dogs. It is usually a trot which is short, though in an area that is quite large, the dog may gallop. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Coat

  1. Catalan Sheepdogs should have a unicolor appearance when viewed from further away, though at the extremities, there may be shadings which are lighter in color. However, upon taking a closer look, you should notice that the hairs on the dog are actually a mixture with different-colored tones, including grey, white, black, fawn, and brown that is somewhat reddish. This mixture of hairs can create the following colors: [9]
    • Light, medium or dark fawn
    • Sable, which contains fawn, chestnut, black and white-colored hairs (this color may be also light, medium or dark)
    • Grey, which contains grey, black and white-colored hair as well as shadings that are anywhere from silver gray to blackgray in color. If the dominant color on the dog is black and it is mixed with white, the dog may appear to have a frosty color.
  2. Catalan Sheepdogs should have a coat that feels rough in texture. [10]
  3. Overall, Catalan Sheepdogs should have long hair that is either flat or wavy a very small amount, and on the body's back third, there should be a good amount of undercoat. On the dog's head, there should be a mustache, tuft, beard and eyebrows (which shouldn't affect the dog's sight). The tail and all of the dog's extremities should be covered well with hair. The dog also "moults" twice, first affecting the front of the dog's coat, making it appear as though there two different halves of dogs who have different coats. However, once this occurs on the back of the dog, their coat should once again appear uniform. [11]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Temperament

  1. Catalan Sheepdogs are known to be gentle and mild-mannered dogs who usually do well with children, though training and socialization from early on is helpful to ensure that they can get along. [12]
  2. Catalan Sheepdogs are known to form a close bond with their family, and as a result, they can be very protective, and good guard dogs. [13]
  3. The Catalan Sheepdog is known to be an eager to please dog who typically learns quickly. [14]
  4. Catalan Sheepdogs may try and "herd" other pets and children, meaning they may nip at their feet and heels or circle them. Training can be helpful to curb this behavior. [15]
  5. Catalan Sheepdogs typically need a good amount of exercise each day, through activities such as a walk, or even herding or agility trials. [16]
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      Tips

      • If you're wondering about your own dog's breed, consider dog DNA testing. This can help confirm whether or not your dog is a Catalan Sheepdog.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/087g01-en.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/catalan-sheepdog/
      3. ↑ https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/catalan-sheepdog/
      4. ↑ http://fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/087g01-en.pdf
      5. ↑ http://fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/087g01-en.pdf
      6. ↑ http://fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/087g01-en.pdf
      7. ↑ http://fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/087g01-en.pdf
      8. ↑ http://fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/087g01-en.pdf
      9. ↑ http://fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/087g01-en.pdf
      1. ↑ http://fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/087g01-en.pdf
      2. ↑ http://fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/087g01-en.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/catalan-sheepdog/
      4. ↑ https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/catalan-sheepdog/
      5. ↑ https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/catalan-sheepdog/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/catalan-sheepdog/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/catalan-sheepdog/

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