Overview
The Catalan Sheepdog is a medium-sized, long-coated herding dog from Catalonia, used to drive and guard sheep in the Pyrenean foothills. It has a rough, wavy coat in fawn, grey or sable that covers the face with a beard, moustache and fringe over the eyes. The Kennel Club recognises it in the Pastoral group, though it remains uncommon in Britain.
Temperament is friendly, lively and intelligent, with the herding dog's attentiveness and a bit more independence than a Border Collie. They are good with people once introduced, keen to learn and happiest when busy.
Exercise and walking needs
Ninety minutes a day in two walks with some off-lead time suits an adult. They have good stamina and enjoy a long, varied walk with training and games woven in.
A bored Catalan barks and invents jobs. A few minutes of fetch, heelwork or scent searching on each walk keeps the mind as tired as the body.
On the walk
- Recall: Usually good and improves with reward. Running animals and cyclists can trigger the herding instinct, so call early.
- Coat: The long coat picks up burrs, seeds, mud and water. Avoid brambles and expect a towelling session at the door.
- Other dogs: Friendly and playful, though some try to herd the group. Suits active group walks.
- Weather: Weatherproof in cold and rain. Heat gets trapped in the coat, so carry water and avoid midday walks in summer.
Tips for professional walkers
- Build training into the walk; a herding dog settles better after thinking than after running.
- Ask whether the fringe is tied back; a dog that cannot see well startles more easily.
- Comb out burrs and look between the toes after walks through long grass.
- Clip the lead on before you reach any field with sheep in it, however reliable the dog seems.
What to ask the owner
- Does the dog herd children, cyclists or other dogs, and how does the owner manage it?
- What grooming routine is the coat on, and should mud be avoided before an appointment?
- Any hip or eye problems hidden under the hair that you should look out for?