Catalan Shepherd Dog - calm and friendlya dog that tolerates 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.
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. And a few years later in the breeding book there was 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, sohave become widespread among the world's 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.
These are hardy and efficient dogs,belonging to the 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 be content with a very meager diet.
As the formation of this breed took placein natural conditions, these dogs are accustomed to live surrounded by various animals and perfectly adapt to any situation. They are quite hardy and are distinguished by strong health. Excessive aggression depreciates these dogs, rendering them unfit for use as shepherds' assistants.
This is a well-balanced strong animal withslightly stretched body. The weight of an adult varies between 16 and 18 kilograms with an increase of 45-55 centimeters. On a relatively large, wide, but not heavy head are hanging, closely fitting triangular ears. Large brown eyes are surrounded by dark-colored eyelids.
Muscular, strong and comparatively short neckThe animal gradually turns into a well-defined withers and shoulders. The straight back with well developed musculature gradually flows into a slightly inclined groin, just below the level of the withers. The Catalan Shepherd has a wide chest with well curved, not flat ribs. The stomach of the dog is slightly pulled up.
Strong harmonious animal body coveredlong, slightly wavy hair with rough coarse hair. The thickest fur grows in the back of the case. On the head of Catalan sheepdogs have 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 shade of the tips of the guard hair. It can be yellow-red, sable, tiger, black or gray.
Catalan Shepherd, whose characteristicsconsidered in today's publication, is characterized 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 benext to their owner and equally strongly attached to all members of the host family. From these brave dogs are obtained good watchmen and faithful companions. Representatives of this breed perfectly feel the difference between the imaginary and real threat. Therefore, they usually become reliable defenders.
Thanks to their patient and calm nature, theselong-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.
These unpretentious dogs are ideal forlife in the aviary. But in the presence of sufficient walking and large physical exertion, they will calmly react to the housing content. Care for 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 haswater-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.
Depending on the age, the puppies of the CatalanShepherds 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,as for 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 sheepdognatural foods, you should remember that the basis of the canine diet should be meat. It can be beef, chicken, turkey or lamb. Also in the menu of your pet must 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 oatmeal. It is strictly prohibited 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.
Representatives of this breed are differentindependent character and high intelligence. If they are trained by a strong and confident 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 insecurity, as the dog will cease to 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 will be able to run a lot and throw out the accumulated energy.
At the end of the article, we should say a fewwords about the nearest congeners of 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.
