El Gos d'Atura Catalá or Catalan Shepherd Dog He is strong, affectionate and active, perfect for living with children. It stands out for its dense coat and pleasant appearance, as well as its good character. Agile and muscular, he is intelligent and somewhat distrustful of strangers, but very faithful to his own. We will tell you some details about the history and the main characteristics of this breed.
Its origins are somewhat unclear, although it is believed that descended from the Tibetan Terriers, introduced in Europe during the barbarian invasions around 150 BC. Over time, and due to miscegenation and adaptation to different weather conditions, different varieties of this breed emerged. It is believed that what we know today as the Catalan Shepherd Dog was born in the Catalan Pyrenees, and that at that time it served as herding and guarding.
However, after World War II its popularity declined to the brink of extinction. It would be in the 70s when a group of breeders worked to recover the breed, and although today there are hardly any specimens outside of Spain, its population is gradually increasing.
Regarding its appearance, it stands out its long and rough fur, and can be straight or wavy. Their beard and mustaches are especially striking for their great abundance. However, there is a very rare short-haired variety. Their shades are usually beige, white, black or gray, almost always combined. It is curious that the shedding occurs in two stages, first renewing the hair on the front half of the body, and then the rest.
Regarding his behavior, the Gos d'Atura Catalá usually independent, active and intelligent. He is able to learn commands quickly, although he can also be somewhat domineering and headstrong. Due to its high energy, this dog must engage in physical activity often to feel physically and mentally balanced.