Catalan Shepherd Dogs: how to look and how to contain them?

Catalan Shepherd has long been a true friend of the shepherds. She coped well with the duties assigned to her: she protected cattle, did not allow him to scatter, participated in the search for the missing sheep, etc. During herding, the dog independently developed her own strategy of behavior, thanks to which the sheep did not scatter in different directions.

Far ancestors of the Catalan shepherd lived in Catalonia (Spain). They were used for grazing sheep in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The period of active breeding of these dogs falls on the XVIII century.

Due to the fact that the shepherds did not participate in exhibitions where the registration of shaggy pets took place, in 1923 the book contained data on only four representatives of Catalan shepherd dogs. The official world recognition took place in 1954. It was then that the breed recorded the International Cynological Federation.

Despite the official statement about yourself, Catalan Shepherd Dogs are rare visitors to exhibitions. They even faced the threat of extinction. The nursery of the University of Madrid, which operates at the Department of Zootechnics of the Veterinary Faculty, successfully engaged in the restoration of the population.

The first champion title was obtained in 1974. At the exhibition, held in Paris, the prize winner was a dog named Ungos de Lakitania. Thanks to this event, breeders from around the world became interested in the Catalan shepherd dogs.

Catalan Sheepdogs are medium sized. The maximum height at the withers is 53–55 cm, the minimum is 45–47 cm. At the same males just above bitches. The average dog weight is 20 kg. Life expectancy is from 12 to 14 years.

A large cone-shaped head sits on a sturdy neck. Marked severity of the frontal bones and eyebrows. The nose is straight. Bryley no. Large white teeth form a scissor bite. The color of the lips and sky is black. The chest is wide, the ribs are well arched, have a non-planar shape. The back of the straight back can be located just below the withers. The animal has strong forearm and paws, between the fingers of which there are peculiar membranes. Claws rounded.

The tail of dogs of this breed is different: long, short, slightly curved. There are even tailless representatives. Usually, the owners of the Catalan Shepherd Dogs specifically stop the tail. Animals have round eyes. Their color is amber yellow. The black color of the eyelids serves as a spectacular eye frame.

This is a strong beast that is not afraid of negative environmental conditions. Its characteristic feature is a thick, long, slightly wavy fur. Because of this, hanging triangular ears are almost invisible. In the back of the wool is the most fluffy and thick. This breed has a beard, mustache and bangs. The process of molting occurs in stages: first, it affects the front part, and then the rear part.

The color of the Catalan Sheepdogs varied. At the same time, the color of the undercoat and the tips of the hairs is different: the yellowish-red shade turns into reddish-brown or sable. There are animals black, gray.

The Catalan Sheepdog is easy to learn and trainable. This is a smart and faithful dog. Over time, he becomes very attached to all members of the family in which he lives.If you need a reliable guard and protector - the best option is not found. Breed virtue is that Her representatives are well-versed in the situation. They can independently determine and understand the level of the threat posed by a dangerous object.

The dog is calm and patient. She takes part in games with children. Not very fond of the neighborhood with other animals (cats), but courageously tolerate their presence. Note that the Catalan Sheepdog needs free space: it needs an active warm-up in fresh air lasting several hours.

Intellect and natural acumen are the distinctive features of this breed. If during training the host gives “weakness”, the dog will react instantly and will cease to obey. The dog must feel that the person is self-confident. Canine experts recommend using the method of positive reinforcement. Do not be cruel to the animal, do not be rude. Otherwise, it will become uncontrollable and capricious.

"Catalan" unpretentious, it can successfully be kept in the aviary on the street. Due to the thick wool, he is not afraid of the cold. Maintain an active lifestyle of the animal: get out with it on nature, where he will be able to enjoy plenty of jogging and game. Those who keep the beast in an apartment in the city are encouraged to attach the pet to various kinds of dog sports: frisbee (catching a disc), agility (overcoming an obstacle course), and dancing.

If there is no proper physical exertion, the animal becomes disobedient and may even sometimes behave aggressively towards the owner.

Comb your pet special comb several times a week. Otherwise, fallen lumps form, as a result of which the animal will look ugly. Combing should be done daily during shedding.

A Catalan who lives at home needs bathing once a month. Living on the street individuals wash less. Use for this purpose only special shampoos for dogs. You can always buy them at any specialty store. Be sure to clean the eyes and ears, trim the claws. Dogs, like people, need to brush their teeth. In order for your pet to react normally to such a procedure, begin to accustom him to this from childhood.

Despite the fact that the Catalan Sheepdog is impressive in size, it does not eat very much. The dog is not picky about food, therefore it is not required to invent any delights from the owner. The best option - ready-made food, whose composition is balanced and contains the necessary vitamins and minerals. Acquire only high quality blends that are free of dyes, preservatives, wheat and corn.

If you do not give preference to ready-made feeds, then keep in mind that cereals (rice, rolled oats, buckwheat), meat of several varieties, vegetables, a complex of vitamins and minerals should be present in the diet. Meat is the main component, which is the basis of a complete nutrition of the dog. You can include in the menu offal (heart, kidney, liver). Semolina and barley porridge is contraindicated. Twice a week arrange fish day. The dog also needs cottage cheese and kefir. To feed an adult "Catalan" you need in small portions 2 times a day without overfeeding. Puppies eat 3-6 times a day.

All about the Catalan Shepherd look in the next video.