El Catalan Sheepdog It is one of the most intelligent, friendly and charismatic races that exist. Those lucky enough to have lived with this pet are truly privileged of all the wonderful experiences that this animal can share with its master.
Many may remember that the movie "Back to the Future" had a great impact on the popular culture of the time and its protagonists and characters became references for several generations. The spectators will not be able to forget the adventures in the time of Marty, Dr. Brown and Einstein.
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Einstein, the mascot of the inventor of the time machine, became the first to use the famous “Delorean”. As well, This dog belonged to the intelligent breed of Catalan Sheepdog.
When it comes to tracing the origins of a breed of dog, researchers run into difficulties stemming from canine prehistory. In the case of dogs, the prehistory corresponds to the period where there is no documentation of the breed.
It is important to consider that modern dog breeds are registered, their standards established and officialized by international organizations such as the Kennel Club. Many are the result of the effort of breeders conscious of maintaining the pure characteristics of a particular breed.
The Catalan Sheepdog is no stranger to all these circumstances that various dogs have gone through throughout history. It should start by clarifying that shepherd and hunting dogs are among the oldest dog breeds. This is deduced by the work that they carried out since ancient times, with hunting and herding the first activities of human survival.
Mountainous regions have long relied on herding work for which they have availed themselves of the valuable collaboration of their dogs. They have developed instincts of the trade that they have transmitted genetically, among which are intelligence to follow instructions, instinct for protection, courage, patience, need for physical activity, leadership and territoriality.
The Catalan shepherd dog known in Catalonia as: Gos d'Atura Català, It is a breed of dog native to the Pyrenees that performed the function of daytime shepherd dog. Remains of dogs with 4000 years old have been found that coincide in physical characteristics with this specimen.
Characteristics and temperament of the Catalan Shepherd
The appearance of this breed is quite nice due to the coat that covers it. It is considered as a medium breed whose height is between 45 and 53 cm for the female and from 47 to 55 cm for the male. In weight there is no variety between genders, since both must weigh around 18 kg.
The body is robust in appearance, taller than it is long. The back is straight and the neck is short, muscular and vigorous.. It supports a strong head with a broad and well proportioned base. The muzzle is straight with an always black nose, as are the lips and palate.
The Catalan shepherd's gaze is very lively, her eyes are wide and dark amber. They have a rounded shape and are expressive. The ears are triangular and end pointed. They have high insertion and soft cartilage. They are covered in long hairs with a bangs at the end.
Regarding the body, they have a long and strong trunk that gives them agility. Its back is straight, a little raised on the rump. The chest is broad and well developed as in all mountain dogs. The lungs are protected by wide ribs.
The front limbs of the Catalan Shepherd are straight, regardless of whether they are seen from the front or in profile. The ratio of the distance from the elbow to the withers is the same as that from the elbow to the ground. The legs are oval shaped, with hard black pads just like the nails.
The hind limbs are agile and powerful with long thighs and strong bones. These characteristics give the Catalan Shepherd a smooth short trot gait. They gallop in large spaces when they feel free and the hind legs are the same as the front, with a double bone spur.
This dog's fur is thick, well pigmented, and taut on the head and body. It is covered with a long coat with a good fall and a rough and smooth texture in some cases. The back third undercoat is abundant.
The body parts that are covered in hair in addition to the body are the beard, eyebrows, mustache, and tail. They shed their fur in two parts, first the front and then the rear. For a while it makes them look funny, since the difference is noticeable.
The first impression of the color of this breed is to be monochromatic, however and when they are detailed different pigmentations are noted. The coat mix is reddish, gray, white and black..
Care, health and diseases
The basic rules for caring for a pet always begin with an initial visit to the vet. The guidelines should be followed when it comes to feeding and hygiene of the dog, as it is vital to administer the vaccines on the corresponding date and apply the recommendations against parasites.
The health of this breed is truly exceptional and they can live between twelve and fourteen years. Food care prevents digestive problems and hip dysplasia, common in medium or large dogs.
Coat care is essential, so it should be combed with a brush indicated for the breed on a daily basis. Your baths should not exceed one a month and then it must be ensured that it is well dry. Haircuts in strategic areas such as the face must be done with caution.
The Catalan Sheepdog is a very intelligent pet that requires physical activity. It can be adapted to urban life as long as its owner adapts to the physical needs of your pet. Games and walks are essential to maintain the physical and psychological balance of this.
It is necessary to remember that the social skills of this breed depend on the education they receive from puppies. Your training is easy Thanks to their intelligence and they get along very well with children and it is not recommended for owners who have a sedentary lifestyle, instead, they are ideal for active people.
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