Catalan Sheepdog
Catalonian Shepherd, Gos d'Atura Catalã, Perro de Pastor Catalãn
The Catalan Sheepdog is a herding breed that is most often used with sheep, but it can also work with cattle, horses and other livestock. During the Spanish Civil War they were co-opted as military dogs, working as dispatchers and locating wounded soldiers.
Catalan Sheepdog Standards
- FCI (Group 1)
- KC (Pastoral)
- UKC (Herding)
- 18-20"
- 39-41 lbs
- medium-sized herding breed
- hanging, triangular ears
- tail may be long, docked, bobbed, or tailess
- coat is long and either flat or slightly wavy
- black and tan
- fawns
- greys
- sables
History of the Catalan Sheepdog
It is believed that the Catalan Sheepdog has existed since at least the 18th century in northeastern Spain. This breed is likely a close relative to the Pyrenean Shepherd, possibly descending from the same root stock. There was once a short coated variety from the hotter, lowland districts, although it is likely extinct and most kennel clubs no longer have them listed in the breed standard.
Related Breeds: