Catalan Shepherd: description of the breed, characteristics, content. Pyrenean Shepherd Dogs

The Catalan Shepherd is a calm and friendly dog, well tolerated by a volatile mountain climate. It 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 handsome men is Spain. They were taken out as assistants of shepherds, able to adapt to difficult climatic conditions. The ancestors of these animals are mountain pyrenean sheep dogs. In 1911 they were officially recognized as one of the national Spanish breeds. A few years later, the pedigree book has information about the first Catalan sheep dog named Piar. By 1923 there were only four representatives of this breed recorded.

These dogs rarely appeared at exhibitions, so they were not widely used by world dog breeders. And only after at the Paris exhibition held in 1974, the Catalan Shepherd named Ungos de Laketania won the title of world champion, this breed was seriously interested in many Spanish breeders.

general characteristics

These are hardy and efficient dogs that belong to a group of sheepdogs with shaggy wool. They perfectly adapt to any weather conditions, so they are equally well tolerated by snow, rain, heat and frost. These animals, whose ancestors are mountain pyrenean sheep dogs, can work in difficult circumstances and are able to settle for a very meager diet.

Since the formation of this breed took place in natural conditions, these dogs are accustomed to living in the environment of various animals and perfectly adapt to any situation. They are quite hardy and are distinguished by strong health. Excessive aggression depreciates these dogs, making them unfit for use as shepherds' assistants.

Catalan Shepherd Dog: breed description

This is a well-balanced strong animal with a slightly stretched body. The weight of an adult varies between 16 and 18 kilograms with an increase of 45-55 centimeters. On a relatively large, broad, but not heavy head are hanging, tightly fitting triangular ears. Large brown eyes are surrounded by dark-colored eyelids.

The muscular, strong and comparatively short neck of the animal smoothly passes into a well-defined withers and shoulders. The straight back with well developed musculature gradually flows into a slightly inclined groove, just below the level of the withers. The Catalan sheepdog has a wide chest with well curved, not flat ribs. The belly of the dog is slightly pulled up.

The strong harmonious body of the animal is covered with a long, slightly wavy coat with rough coarse hair. The thickest fur grows in the back of the case. On the head of Catalan sheep-dogs there are eyebrows, mustaches and beard. As for color, the long-haired dogs from afar seem to be monophonic. But actually it is not. The color of the animal depends on the hue of the tips of the hairspray. It can be yellow-red, sable, tiger, black or gray.

Features of behavior

The Catalan Shepherd, whose characteristic is considered in today's publication, is distinguished by a calm, balanced temper. It is an easily trained, intelligent and fairly independent dog. She is able to make independent decisions, is wary of strangers and has excellent shepherd qualities.

Representatives of this breed tend to always be close to their owner and are equally attached to all members of the host family. Of these brave dogs, good guardians and faithful companions are obtained. Representatives of this breed perfectly feel the difference between the imaginary and real threat. Therefore, they usually become reliable advocates.

Thanks to their patient and calm nature, these long-haired dogs become excellent partners in games for children. But sometimes shepherd instincts awake in them, and they can lightly bite their heels or just get under their feet. Such undesirable behavior without problems is removed with the help of timely socialization and training. These peace-loving dogs are tolerant of other animals, so they easily get along with not only their relatives, but also cats.

Catalan Sheepdog: content and care

These unpretentious dogs are ideal for living in the aviary. But if there is enough walking and heavy physical exertion, they will calmly react to the housing content. Care of the representatives of this breed is reduced mainly to the regular combing of long luxurious wool. Do this preferably at least three times a week with a special brush with a stiff bristle. This procedure not only prevents the formation of coils, but also helps to remove dead hairs.

The wool of the Catalan sheep dog has water-repellent properties. Therefore, the animal does not need frequent bathing. Wash the dog is recommended not more than twice a year with the help of special shampoos. In addition, representatives of this breed, like any other dog, should periodically be vaccinated and sanitized from external and internal parasites.

Feeding advice

Depending on the age, Catalan Shepherd puppies should be fed six to three times a day. Over time, the number of feedings decreases, and by the age of one year the dog is transferred to a double meal.

Representatives of this breed are unpretentious in everything that concerns food. Therefore, they can be given both industrial and natural fodder. In the first case, preference should be given to proven brands from well-known manufacturers. When choosing a dry food, you need to carefully study everything that is written on the package. In the composition of such products there should be no dyes or preservatives. It is important to watch that there is a sufficient amount of meat. Also in high-quality industrial feed there should not be corn and wheat.

Those who decided to give their Catalan Shepherd natural products, remember that the basis of the dog diet should be meat. It can be beef, chicken, turkey or lamb. Also in the menu of your pet should be present by-products, including liver, heart, scar and kidneys. A couple of times a week it is desirable to replace the meat component with fish. In addition, the ration of the animal must be supplemented with cereals. They can give rice, buckwheat and oats. It is strictly forbidden to boil manna and pearl gruel for dogs! 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 their independent character and high intelligence. If they are trained by a strong and self-assured person, they begin to show natural wit and quickly understand what is required of them. It is worth the master at least once to show weakness or uncertainty, as the dog will no longer obey his commands. In the learning process, it is important to use a technique based on positive reinforcement. Ill-treatment quickly turns a pliable dog into an unmanageable and self-willed creature.

Active Catalan Shepherds need great physical exertion. They need long walks, during which they can run a lot and throw out the accumulated energy.

Pyrenean Shepherd Dog

At the end of the article, I should say a few words about the closest relative of the Catalans. These two breeds are very similar to each other. The homeland of the Pyrenean sheep dogs is France. They were brought out specially for herding purposes. They are loyal, cheerful and efficient dogs. They differ bold and hard character.

The Pyrenean Shepherd is good at training. If desired, it is possible to raise an excellent companion and a reliable watchman from it. She is attached to one of the members of the family and considers her master until the end of her days.