Catalan Sheepdogs are known for their intelligence, courage, and cheerful nature. Well-socialized, they make a great family companion and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. Catalan Sheepdogs have a high prey drive, but they can do well with other smaller family pets as long as they are introduced properly or have grown up around them. These dogs are playful, energetic, and affectionate with their families.

Due to their herding background, they make excellent watchdogs and guard dogs, but their high prey drive also gives them an urge to chase and herd. They will become attached to their family and can be protective. Early and ongoing socialization is important for any dog breed and the same is true for the Catalan Sheepdog. Proper socialization can help make them less wary of strangers and help them grow into a well-balanced dog.

This dog breed is moderately adaptable. They are best suited to homes with a fenced-in space for them to run freely. Because they have an urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas or once they have mastered recall and basic commands like “come” and “leave it”.

They are not well suited to apartment living, but they can adapt if they are given plenty of attention and daily exercise. Due to their thick double coat, they can be sensitive to heat and will tend to prefer more moderate or cooler climates. Because they tend to become attached to their family and have a natural instinct to watch over them, they do not like to spend a lot of time alone.

Potential health issues to be aware of in Catalan Sheepdogs can include hip dysplasia, congenital deafness, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, glaucoma, and allergies. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in Catalan Sheepdog puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done.

The Catalan Sheepdog is highly intelligent and highly trainable. They tend to pick up on training quickly and are eager to please their owners. One of the facts about Catalan Sheepdogs is that they can have an independent streak and do require a more experienced dog owner familiar with training techniques and this dog’s needs. A novice dog owner can be a good fit for this dog breed, but training and obedience classes are highly recommended in order to gain the confidence needed to train an independent working dog.

Catalan Sheepdogs have a long coat that is either flat with a slight curl at the end or slightly wavy. Common coat colors range from dark sable to fawn and include both light and dark gray fur. They can have a coat that appears to be one solid color or can have a more mixed-color coat. This dog has a double coat and will shed moderately year-round with two heavier seasonal shedding sessions.

What’s interesting about the Catalan Sheepdog is that they look like they’re shedding in two parts. Oftentimes, their front half will shed and then their back half will shed, instead of it happening all at once. During this time, a Catalan Sheepdog will sometimes look like two dogs joined together. Also, don’t be surprised if your dog’s coat changes colors after one of these “molting” sessions – a color change is completely normal.

Brushing this dog’s coat a few times a week will help remove tangles and prevent matting. Professional grooming a few times a year will also help keep this dog’s coat healthy. Overall, a Catalan Sheepdog’s coat is not high maintenance and only requires a bath as needed. In addition to coat care, it’s also important to care for your Catalan Sheepdog’s nails, ears, and teeth.

Trimming your dog’s nails once or twice monthly is usually sufficient to keep them from getting too long. Checking your dog’s ears regularly and cleaning them carefully as needed prevents the buildup of too much wax, dirt, moisture, or debris, which can help prevent ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs is also important.

It’s also one of the most overlooked grooming tasks, which is why dental diseases, like gum disease and tooth decay, are one of the most common health issues in dogs. Thankfully, it’s easy for you to help keep your dog’s mouth healthy. Brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day prevents tartar buildup and helps prevent dental disease in your dog.

In addition to cleanings at the vet when needed, you can also use dental hygiene chews, a specially-formulated dental diet, and more to supplement your dental care efforts. It’s also a good idea to get your Catalan Sheepdog used to having their paws, mouth, and ears handled as a puppy. This, paired with rewards, keeps grooming sessions a positive experience for your dog and a much easier process for you both as your dog grows.

The Catalan Sheepdog is a working dog with a lot of energy. They are happiest when they have a job to do and are being active with their family. A few walks a day in addition to some time to run and do other activities will keep this dog breed happy and healthy.

Your Catalan Sheepdog may enjoy trips to the dog park, going on a hike with you, or even swimming. They’re also a great fit for training and competing in dog sports like agility, flyball, herding, tracking, and more. However, you do need to be careful about overexercising this dog as a puppy.

Their joints and bones are still growing and developing, so overexertion or too much pressure during this time can cause damage and result in joint problems later in life. Your vet can recommend good low-impact activities for puppies and let you know when puppies finish growing. For large dog breeds, this is around 2 years of age, but your vet can help you determine when it is safe for your dog to take on higher-impact activities.

Fully-grown Catalan Sheepdogs usually stand 17-22 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 35-60 pounds.

Catalan Sheepdogs generally live for 12-14 years on average.

The 1992 Summer Olympics occurred in Barcelona and the official mascot was a Catalan Sheepdog named Cobi.