Catalan Sheepdog

Also called Gos d'Atura Català, Perro de Pastor Catalán, Catalonian Sheepdog, Gos d'Atura

Recognised breedFCI group 1Short profile

From Spain, the Catalan Pyrenees, later spreading across the grazing lands of Catalonia.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male20 to 25 kg2

Weight, female17 to 21 kg2

Height, male47 to 55 cm1

Height, female45 to 53 cm1

Lifespan12 to 14 years2 3

Sizemedium

The FCI standard does not set a weight; figures from Wikipedia.

clever and quick to learn

steady, devoted herder

cheerful family companion

1 2 3

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, flat or slightly wavy, with undercoat

A long coat that lies flat or has a gentle wave, with plenty of undercoat over the rear of the body. The face sports a beard, moustache and eyebrows, and the body is a little longer than it is tall.1 2

Coloursfawnsable (light to dark)grey (light to dark)1 2

Personality what they are like

Composed, alert and bright, it is deeply loyal to its shepherd or family and a little cautious with strangers. It works with real courage and copes well with harsh weather.1 2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Around an hour of exercise a day plus a job to do; it shines in herding, agility and other dog sports.3 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush about once a week, more often during the seasonal moult.3

Home where they are happiest

Adapts to family life if it gets enough exercise; happiest with outdoor space and activity.3 2

Company who they like around

A people-oriented dog that thrives on involvement with its family; early socialisation helps it relax with strangers.2 1

The story where it all began

It descends from the long-haired herding dogs of the Pyrenees and spent centuries moving and guarding flocks in Catalonia. A first written standard appeared in 1929 and the FCI took it on in 1954. A dedicated breed club formed in the 1980s to build on the revised 1982 standard.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It moults in two stages, front half first and then the back, so for a while it looks like a dog in two different coats.1
2
Cobi, the mascot of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, is a Catalan Sheepdog drawn in a Cubist style by Javier Mariscal.4
3
Up close the 'single' colour turns out to be a mix of fawn, reddish brown, grey, black and white hairs.1
4
It has double dewclaws on the hind legs.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Gos d'Atura Català' comes from Catalan, where 'Gos' means 'dog' and 'Atura' refers to 'herding' or 'stopping the flock', so the breed name translates to 'Catalan Herding Dog'.2

Name ideas for your new friend

PepLlunaRocNuriXicFoguerMontserratGarbíCimBruixaTramuntanaPastoret

A day in the life told by a Catalan Sheepdog

I start my day by checking my flock, the family, and giving each one a gentle nudge to wake up. Then I patrol the yard, ears perked for any strange sounds. My favorite part is when we go for a walk in the hills; I trot ahead, looking back to make sure everyone's safe. At home, I curl up at my human's feet, keeping one eye open for trouble. When the kids play, I join in, herding them into a giggling bunch. At night, I sleep by the door, a loyal guardian.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 87, Group 1 Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs, Section 1 Sheepdogs; standard of 26.05.1982, revised 13.09.2004. FCI adopted the breed internationally in 1954 per Wikipedia.1
The Royal Kennel Club: Pastoral group; not a vulnerable native breed.3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Catalan Sheepdog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Catalan Sheepdog, and at what times?

It varies by age; adult Catalan Sheepdogs typically do well with two meals a day, but for exact times and amounts ask your vet.5

What should a Catalan Sheepdog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced commercial dog food is ideal; avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol as listed by ASPCA.6

How often should I bathe a Catalan Sheepdog?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath about every 70 days, which is roughly every two and a half months.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Catalan Sheepdog need brushing?

Brush about once a week, but Furry Diary suggests every three days, and daily during heavy shedding.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Catalan Sheepdog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor; cut a little at a time and avoid the quick.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Catalan Sheepdog need?

Your Catalan Sheepdog needs about an hour of exercise daily plus a job or activity like herding or agility to stay happy.3 2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Catalan Sheepdog's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week with dog toothpaste; check ears every two weeks and clean gently without going into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Catalan Sheepdog live?

The Catalan Sheepdog typically lives between 12 and 14 years.2 3

Is a Catalan Sheepdog good with children and other pets?

With proper socialisation, this loyal dog is wonderful with children and can get along with other pets, though its herding instinct may lead it to try to herd small children or animals.2 1

Can a Catalan Sheepdog be left alone?

This people-oriented breed does not enjoy being left alone for long periods; it thrives on family involvement and may become anxious if isolated.2 1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.