Catalan Sheepdog
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| Other names | Gos d'Atura Català Catalonian shepherd Catalonian sheepdog |
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| Country of origin | Spain Andorra |
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| Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | |||||||||||||
The Catalan sheepdog is a breed of Catalan pyrenean dog used as a sheepdog. The dog is bred in Europe, especially in Catalonia, Finland, Germany, and Sweden.
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[edit] Description
[edit] Appearance
Catalan sheepdogs range in size from 17 to 19 in (45 to 55 cm) in height and 60 to 80 lb (20 to 27 kg) in weight for males, with females being smaller. Their coat is long and either flat or slightly wavy, and ranges from fawn to dark sable and light to dark grey. There is also a short-haired version of this breed, but is nearly extinct
[edit] Size and weight
Size: from 45 cm to 55 cm. Weight: around 20 kg
[edit] Hair and hair color
Long and limp and a little curled.
[edit] Temperament
This breed is used for herding and as a companion. Because of its intelligence, the Gos D'Atura, like most sheepdogs, are easy to train. This cheerful dog excels at dog-sports, such as agility and doggy-dance. In spite of its appearance, this courageous dog is also used as a watch-dog. An "all-around-dog" and great companion.
They guard sheep without needing instruction. Enough (outdoor) action and distraction makes this dog a quiet and well-balanced home companion. The breed is appropriate for people with firm techniques and who can give the dog enough exercise. Early socialization is important, particularly if the dog will be around children. The dogs defend their family and become attached to it.
[edit] Activities
The Gos D'Atura can compete in dog agility trials, obedience, showmanship, flyball, tracking, and herding events. Herding instincts and trainability can be measured at noncompetitive herding tests. Catalan sheepdogs exhibiting basic herding instincts can be trained to compete in herding trials.[1]
[edit] Health
Catalan sheepdogs are prone to hip dysplasia. Their average life span is 12 to 14 years.
[edit] Catalan Sheepdog in Popular Culture
- Coronel from One Hundred and One Dalmatians and 101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure is a Catalan Sheepdog
- Einstein from Back to the Future is a Catalan Sheepdog
[edit] References
- ^ Hartnagle-Taylor and Taylor, Jeanne Joy, Ty. Stockdog Savvy. Alpine Publications. ISBN #978-157779-106-5.
