Catalan Sheepdog at a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 45–55 cm
- Weight
- 16–20 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Exercise, Cats and small pets.
Is the Catalan Sheepdog right for you?
Like every breed, the Catalan Sheepdog is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You would prefer a dog that tends to shed little.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
- This would be your first dog.
How would the Catalan Sheepdog fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Catalan Sheepdog
The Catalan Sheepdog is an attractive, hardy, medium-sized dog, slightly longer than it is tall, with a rough, medium-length coat and a soft expression framed by dropped ears, a beard and long hair around the eyes. It is active and amenable: clever and sure of itself at work, loyal and lovable at home.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Medium
A mid-sized dog.
- Exercise
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Low
Tends to shed little, though every dog sheds some hair.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed comes from north-eastern Spain, where it was bred to herd and guard sheep in the Pyrenees and is still widely used for this work. In its home country it is known as the Gos d'atura Català. It is thought to share roots with the Briard, Picardy Sheepdog, Pyrenean Sheepdog and Beauceron.
For centuries the Catalan has been a versatile working dog, herding livestock, guarding farms and homes, and serving as a messenger and sentry in the Spanish Civil War. Numbers fell after the World Wars and as farms closed, but supporters revived the breed from the 1970s. It has also become popular as a family companion, although it is still a rarity in the UK.
Catalan Sheepdog temperament
Catalans are typically clever, quick-witted dogs that can work livestock on their own initiative. They take a while to warm up to strangers and keep a strong guarding instinct, but tend to keep a watchful eye rather than react aggressively.
They are sensitive, quick-thinking dogs that are happiest with a job to do, and they are likely to alert bark at anything suspicious, which can be a problem with neighbours. They may have issues with unfamiliar dogs but usually get along with dogs they know.
Size and appearance
The Catalan Sheepdog is medium-sized. Males typically stand 47–55 cm and females 45–53 cm at the shoulder, and adults weigh around 16–20 kg.
The coat is rough, harsh and of medium length, straight or slightly wavy, with a fine, dense undercoat that insulates against heat and cold. Colours include fawn, sable and grey, and black and tan.
How much exercise does a Catalan Sheepdog need?
Sources differ on how much exercise the breed needs. The Royal Kennel Club lists up to an hour a day, while Purina recommends two hours of walking plus training and games spread through the day. Either way, Catalans are energetic and are happiest with something to do, whether that is agility, obedience or flyball.
A rural or rural suburban home with a well-fenced garden suits them best, and they are probably not ideal for town living.
Training a Catalan Sheepdog
Training is usually easy if you use positive reinforcement and really engage with your dog. Catalans will work hard for someone they love, trust and respect, and there are few jobs they cannot learn.
- Use positive, reward-based methods.
- Socialise well with other people, livestock and pets.
- Train a very strong recall, as Catalans readily make their own decisions.
- Be clear and decisive, so they do not decide for you.
- Give them a regular job or activity to focus on.
Catalan Sheepdog grooming
The Royal Kennel Club lists grooming as once a week, while Purina advises a thorough brushing several times a week to clear dead hair and undercoat. The Royal Kennel Club notes the breed does not shed. Check the eyes, ears and paws after each walk, as the hairy coat picks up debris.
Living with a Catalan Sheepdog
For people familiar with independent herding breeds, the Catalan can be a very rewarding companion. Keeping one entertained takes significant time each day, so it is usually better suited to homes with older children or no children. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually happier in a house.
Garden
A garden is helpful.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Catalan Sheepdog health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Purina describes the Catalan Sheepdog as a generally healthy breed. The Royal Kennel Club recommends prioritising genetic diversity when breeding, and lists hip and eye testing as best practice.
Hip dysplasia
An abnormal formation of the hip joint that the breed can suffer from. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme.
Eye conditions
The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme before breeding.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Catalan Sheepdog home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Catalan Sheepdog cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Catalan Sheepdog home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Catalan Sheepdog
If you have decided the Catalan Sheepdog suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Catalan Sheepdog
Catalan Sheepdogs do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Catalan Sheepdogs looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Catalan Sheepdog adverts at the moment.
Find Catalan Sheepdog adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Border Collie
Intelligent, energetic, alert, lively, keen, attentive, sensitive and loyal.
View breed guide
Catalan Sheepdog FAQs
Is the Catalan Sheepdog good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Catalan Sheepdog live in a flat?
Usually happier in a house. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
Does the Catalan Sheepdog shed?
Tends to shed little.
How much grooming does the Catalan Sheepdog need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Catalan Sheepdog easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Catalan Sheepdog be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Catalan Sheepdog bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Catalan Sheepdog live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Catalan Sheepdog get?
Adults typically stand 45–55 cm at the shoulder and weigh 16–20 kg.