Group 1 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
Catalan Sheepdog
The Catalan Sheepdog, or Gos d’Atura Català, is a medium-sized Spanish herding dog with a long, mixed-colour coat and a beard. It is intelligent, loyal and hard-working, and watchful with strangers.
Health
There is no breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders) for this breed (yet). Without an approved breeding programme, no Flemish pedigree can be issued, but a lineage certificate can. Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen strongly recommends carrying out the health tests on the parent dogs.
View the official breeding programmes
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
There is no breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen for this breed (yet). Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen strongly recommends carrying out the health tests on the parent dogs. Ask the breeder which health tests the parent dogs have had, and ask for the results. A Catalan Sheepdog needs plenty of daily exercise and a job, such as herding or dog sports. Its long coat needs a thorough brush a few times a week.
Questions for the breeder
- Which health tests have the parent dogs had, and may I see the results?
- Will the puppy receive a pedigree or a lineage certificate, and from which association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
This sheepdog is clever and loyal, but watchful with strangers. Early socialisation and consistent training with enough challenge are important.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
