Miniature Australian Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison

The Catalan Sheepdog, known also as the Gos d’Atura, hails from Catalonia, Spain. It is believed that the dog is related to the Portuguese- and Pyrenean Sheepdogs.

The standard for this breed was formulated in 1929. The sheepdog developed during Roman Empire times between 200 and 100 BC already, being used as livestock guard dogs. With the breed dwindling in the 1970s, Catalonian Sheepdog lovers started promoting it, but it remains a rare breed.

Unlike some miniaturized pure dog breeds, the Miniature Australian Shepherd is a breed of its own. The American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club recognize that the miniature Australian Shepherd is the same as the miniature American Shepherd.

Certain breeding programs to develop the Miniature Australian Shepherd have been established and this dog is a small version of the Australian Shepherd. You can say that the Mini Australian Shepherd was developed in the 1960s and hails from the USA. American ranchers bred small Australian Shepherd dogs to create smaller replicas of the breed.

The Catalan is a medium sized dog but gives the impression of being bigger than he actually is. He stands from 45 – 55cm in height and weighs between 20 to 25kg.

This breed also has double dew claws on the hind feet. He has a long coat which is slightly wavy and available in different shades such as fawn to brownish to dark grey to black. He has floppy, feathery ears and a fairly long, feathery tail. He has quite a bit of hair on he face too, so you’ll notice a beard, moustache as well as hair which covers the eyes somewhat.

Temperament

Brave and courageous, the Catalan Sheepdog is also intelligent, active and hardy. He has a round face with a friendly, amicable expression. He is totally pleasant and sweet natured. However, in his role as guardian of sheep he took his role seriously, forming a strong relationship with both shepherd and sheep.

He is wary of strangers. Early socialization and training is always important, and while he makes a wonderful family pet, this training and socialization makes him more relaxed and obedient and he gets on well with children in the home as well as with other pets. While he is a placid, docile and gentle pet, he is also looked upon as a protector, and will defend his family.

The Miniature Australian Shepherd’s coat is medium-length and is straight or wavy. It comes in a range of colors such as blue or red merle and red or black tricolor. There are white or tan markings as well. He is a small dog, standing at 33 - 46 cm in height and weighing 6 – 16kg.

They have blue or brown eyes but some will even have one eye blue and the other brown. The ears are semi erect, semi floppy and the tail, while essentially left long and feathery, is sometimes docked.

Temperament:

Miniature Australian Shepherds are easygoing dogs who love being with their human families. They get on well with children in the home and are always willing to jump right in for a game.

They’re lively and agile and if its not games they’re busy with, they want to be on a walk. They’re loving and loyal and also eager to please, sensing what their owner wants.

They’re intelligent dogs too and easy to train so it is sure to go well with training and socialization, which is important for any dog. This training and socialization can actually help with problems a dog has such as being very nervous or being too active indoors. They become obedient and manageable wherever they are.

He is also willing to get on with other pets in the house. Just like the larger dog, the mini Australian Shepherd loves to be active and at work.

The Catalan Sheepdog is such an amicable character – he is going to make an awesome pet. He is an intelligent and obedient dog and is easily trained.

He has been used for guarding- and herding work and as a family pet makes a excellent guard dog as well. Capable of being gentle too, he is everything his human family wants him to be and just becomes a regular member of the family.

The wonderful friendly nature’s of these dogs make them excellent family pets, especially when they have been trained and socialized. They can live in the city or country but they will certainly require being exercised as they are an active breed, wanting to be busy with his human family.

You can’t describe these dogs as low maintenance as they have long, thick hair that sheds and which will also need to be brushed regularly.

If you’re able to provide a good home for this beautiful, lively dog, then he will make you a splendid pet.

The Catalan Sheepdog is a fairly healthy breed and has a life expectancy of 12, 13 or 14 years. Nonetheless you will still need to watch out with common dog ailments with him, particularly hip dysplasia.

Hyp Dysplasia:

This is a joint and hip disease which can start with symptoms from 6 months of age already. Your dog will be hesitant to play and jump, doesn’t like to go upstairs, tires easily during a walk and develops a hop-like way to walk. You’ll notice that when he lies down, he battles to- or is reluctant to get up again.

X-rays may be required to confirm the diagnosis of hip dysplasia. There are different treatment options, all with the wellbeing of your pet in mind. You don’t want him to have a life of pain and lameness.

Your Miniature Australian Shepherd can enjoy good health if you make sure he has a nutritious diet, he is well exercised and he is happy and content because of the attention you give him. He can easily reach 13 years of age.

Also, say what you like, human beings constantly tampering with animals to produce certain looks has its drawbacks and can create health problems in dogs.

As a pure breed however, these dogs will be more susceptible to some common canine health problems such as hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, obesity, hip dysplasia, vision problems and cancer.

Exercise:

The Catalan Sheepdog is a working breed, so he is going to need plenty of exercise. While he adapts easily to city- or country life, it will be to his benefit to have a garden to romp in. You will still need to take him for walks and play ball- and rope games with him. This will prevent boredom and destructive behavior from him.

Grooming:

The Catalan Sheepdog has long hair so he will need to be brushed twice a week to avoid matting. This will help to remove loose hair too, but also distribute natural oils through his coat, keeping his hair and skin healthy and free from skin rashes and itchiness.

This brushing ensures other benefits as you can simultaneously check him for parasites such as fleas and ticks.

Diet:

If you feed him commercial dog food, make sure its a high quality one. He is an active breed so will require high protein. Give him some homemade rice, vegetables and meat, and include raw meat in his food from time to time too. Always ensure that there is fresh, cool water constantly within reach.

Grooming:

The mini Australian Shepherd has a long coat with seasonal shedding. You will need to give the coat a good brush twice a week to keep it untangled and to remove loose hair.

Other grooming for your pet will be to check his eyes and ears for infection, check for unusual lumps when you brush him and check for fleas and ticks. Keep his nails trimmed and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to avoid plaque build up.

If you’re wondering how to keep your dog well groomed for the enhancement of this health, people such as your vet or professional groomers will do these grooming tasks for you.

Diet:

Top quality commercially manufactured dog food packed with vitamins and minerals needs to be your choice if you're going to be using these dog foods. Avoid the cheaper brands that use lots of fillers, sugar, salt, colorants and preservatives.

Home-made food is a wonderful treat for a dog and delicious, nutritious and simple ingredients such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables chopped up into his dry kibble from time to time will do him wonders.

Sometimes it will also be good to add in a little bit of raw meat too. Make sure there is a bowl of fresh, cool water available to your pet constantly.