Catalan Sheepdog

The Catalan Shepherd is a Spanish working dog breed originating from the region of Catalonia, known for its intelligence and ability to work with livestock. This breed is one of the oldest in Spain, with documents dating back to the 15th century.

General details

The breed has a medium size, with a weight that varies between 15 and 20 kilograms, and a height that ranges between 46 and 52 centimeters. Its life expectancy is 12 to 13 years. The Catalan Shepherd belongs to Group 2 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which includes Pinscher and Schnauzer type dogs, Molossers and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.

Breed history in brief

The Catalan Shepherd is a breed of dog originating in the Pyrenees, where it has existed since the 15th century. This breed was bred to guard and herd livestock, becoming an integral part of the local economy. Today, the Catalan Shepherd remains a popular breed for agricultural and hunting use, but has also become an excellent companion for families.

Breed characteristics

Its appearance is that of a robust dog, with short legs, large head with a not very wide muzzle and large, drooping ears. His eyes are rounded, dark amber in color with an intelligent look. Its coat is rough and dense, with a soft undercoat, and the most common colors are black, white and brown, although it can also be found in other colors such as gray. This breed is characterized by being very intelligent and obedient, which has made it one of the most popular breeds for livestock guarding. In addition, it is a very energetic and hardy working dog, capable of enduring long days of work without rest, which makes it an excellent guard dog and an ideal companion for those looking for an active dog.

Common health problems

The main diseases that Catalan Shepherd dogs can suffer from are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes syndrome, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand's disease, congenital cardiac anomalies and osteochondritis dissecans.