The Catalan Shepherd Dog is a calm and friendly dog that tolerates the changing mountain climate. She has a rather unusual appearance and attracts the attention of others. Having become acquainted with today's article, you will learn about the main features of the representatives of this breed.
A bit of history
The homeland of these shaggy beauties is considered Spain. They were brought out as assistants to shepherds, able to adapt to difficult climatic conditions. The ancestors of these animals are mountain Pyrenean shepherds. In 1911, they were officially recognized as one of the national Spanish breeds. And a few years later in the stud book there was information about the first Catalan shepherd named Piar. By 1923, only four representatives of this breed were recorded there.
These dogs rarely appeared at exhibitions, so they were not widely used by world breeders. And only after the Catalan shepherd named Ungos de Lacketania won the world champion title at the Paris exhibition in 1974, many Spanish breeders became seriously interested in this breed.
general characteristics
These are hardy and efficient dogs belonging to the group of shepherd dogs with shaggy hair. They perfectly adapt to any weather conditions, therefore they tolerate snow, rain, heat and frost equally well. These animals, the ancestors of which are mountain Pyrenean shepherds, can work in difficult circumstances and are able to be content with a very meager diet.
Since the formation of this breed took place under natural conditions, these dogs are used to living surrounded by various animals and adapt perfectly to any situation. They are quite hardy and are in good health. Excessive aggression devalues these dogs, making them unsuitable for use as assistants to a shepherd.
Catalan Shepherd Dog: breed description
These are well-balanced strong animals with a slightly stretched body. The weight of an adult varies from 16-18 kilograms with an increase of 45-55 centimeters. On a relatively large, wide, but not heavy head are hanging, tight-fitting triangular ears. Large brown eyes are surrounded by dark-colored eyelids.
The muscular, strong and relatively short neck of the animal smoothly passes into a well-defined withers and shoulders. A straight back with well-developed muscles gradually flows into a slightly inclined croup, located slightly below the level of the withers. The Catalan Shepherd Dog has a wide chest with well-curved, not flat ribs. The belly of the dog is slightly tightened.
The strong harmonious body of the animal is covered with long, slightly wavy hair with coarse skeleton hair. The thickest fur grows in the back of the hull. On the head of the Catalan shepherd there are eyebrows, a mustache and a beard. As for the color, the long-haired dogs from afar seem monotonous. But actually it is not. The color of the animal depends on the shade of the ends of the outer hair. It can be yellow-red, sable, brindle, black or gray.
Behavior features
The Catalan Shepherd, a characteristic of which is considered in today's publication, is characterized by a calm, balanced disposition. This is an easily trained, intelligent and fairly independent dog. She is able to make independent decisions, she is wary of strangers and has excellent shepherd qualities.
Representatives of this breed tend to always be close to their owner and are equally strongly attached to all members of the owner's family. From these brave dogs, good watchmen and loyal companions are obtained. Representatives of this breed perfectly feel the difference between an imaginary and a real threat. Therefore, they usually become reliable defenders.
Due to their patient and calm nature, these long-haired dogs become excellent partners in games for children. But sometimes shepherd's instincts wake up in them, and they can nibble slightly on their heels or just get confused under their feet. Such unwanted behavior can be easily removed with the help of timely socialization and training. These peace-loving dogs are tolerant of other animals, therefore, they easily get along not only with their relatives, but also with cats.
Catalan Shepherd Dog: maintenance and care
These unpretentious dogs are ideal for living in an aviary. But in the presence of sufficient walking distance and great physical exertion, they will calmly react to apartment maintenance. Caring for representatives of this breed comes down mainly to regular combing of long luxurious wool. It is advisable to do this at least three times a week using a special brush with hard bristles. This procedure not only prevents the formation of tangles, but also helps to remove dead hairs.
Catalan shepherd wool has water repellent properties. Therefore, the animal does not need frequent bathing. It is recommended to wash the dog no more than twice a year with the help of special shampoos. In addition, representatives of this breed, like any other dogs, should be vaccinated periodically and undergo sanitization from external and internal parasites.
Feeding recommendations
Depending on age, Catalan Shepherd puppies should be fed six to three times a day. Over time, the number of feeds decreases, and by the age of one, the dog is transferred to a double meal.
Representatives of this breed are unpretentious in everything regarding food. Therefore, they can be given both industrial and natural feed. In the first case, preference should be given to trusted brands from well-known manufacturers. When choosing dry food, you need to carefully study everything that is written on the package. Such products should not contain any colorants or preservatives. At the same time, it is important to ensure that a sufficient amount of meat is contained there. Also, high-quality industrial feed should not have corn and wheat.
Those who decide to give their Catalan Shepherd Dog natural products should remember that the basis of the dog's diet should be meat. It can be beef, chicken, turkey or lamb. Also, offal should be on your pet's menu, including liver, heart, scar, and kidney. A couple of times a week, it is desirable to replace the meat component with fish. In addition, the diet of the animal must be supplemented with cereals. They can be given rice, buckwheat and oatmeal. It is strictly forbidden to cook dog semolina and pearl barley porridge! It is also important to ensure that your Catalan shepherd regularly receives vegetables, fruits, kefir and fresh cottage cheese.
Training and physical activity
Representatives of this breed are distinguished by an independent character and high intelligence. If a strong and confident person is engaged in their training, then they begin to show natural ingenuity and quickly understand what is required of them. Once the owner has at least once shown weakness or insecurity, the dog will cease to obey his commands. In the learning process, it is important to use a technique based on positive reinforcement. Abuse will quickly turn a malleable dog into an uncontrollable and wayward creature.
Active Catalan shepherd dogs require great physical exertion. They need long walks during which they will be able to run around enough and throw out the accumulated energy.
Pyrenean shepherd dog
At the end of the article, a few words should be said about the closest relative of the Catalans. These two breeds are very similar to each other. France is considered the birthplace of the Pyrenean Shepherd Dogs. They were bred specifically for herding purposes. These are faithful, cheerful and efficient dogs. They are distinguished by their bold and firm character.
The Pyrenees Shepherd lends itself well to training. If desired, an excellent companion and a reliable watchman can be raised from her. She becomes attached to one of the family members and considers him his master until the end of her days.