Sakhalin Husky 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.

Known also as the Karafuto-Ken, the Sakhalin Husky is a dog that has been used as a sled dog, but which is now almost extinct.

Hailing from Japan, it is believed that in 2011, there were only two surviving members of the breed in Japan. There isn’t much history on these dogs, but we do know that it is an old breed. They've been used by explorers to the South Pole. One such explorer was Robert Falcon Scott.

They’re extremely tough dogs, known for enduring in the snow under extreme conditions. The dog breed isn’t recognized as a standardized breed by any of the major kennel clubs.

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.

This is a medium sized dog standing at between 56 and 66cm in height and weighing between 30 and 40kg. His coat is thick and can be in a number of colours such as brown, tan, cream, grey or black. The ears are small and pointed and slightly tilted forwards. The tail is long and sometimes curls over the back while at other times it is held straight or down.

Temperament:

These dogs are known for their loyalty, affection and bravery. The dog is highly intelligent and will respond well to training and socialization.

It's a rare dog breed, calm and confident. A perfect example of their amazing characteristics is seen in the film ‘Eight Below’ where these wonderful dogs were left behind on a scientific expedition that went wrong.

The dogs had to struggle for survival in the frozen wilderness. The Sakhalin Husky just wants to please, and is alert and intelligent, doing well in a family where there are children.

Statues have been erected to honor these Sakhalin Huskies who died on some of these ill-fated expeditions.

These dogs are totally devoted to their owners and they’re full of confidence, they’ve got immense strength and they need a lot of physical stimulation every day.

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.

When you bring these dogs into your home, you’re bringing in lots of excellent characteristics.

He is loyal, affectionate and smart. With his above average intelligence, you can easily train him. He is also a playful breed and the kids will enjoy him as a good playmate.

They’re gentle dogs too and will do well in a home where people are fair, patient, kind and consistent with their handling of him. Known to be an excellent therapy dog, having this dog in your home will enhance your quality of life.

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.

The brave Sakhalin Husky can live to be between 12 and 14 years of age but these dogs can succumb to quite a few of the common dog diseases there are -

Corneal Dystrophy:

This is a hereditary disease of the cornea. You’ll see small white dots in his cornea and the dog can experience hazy vision.

Hip Dysplasia:

This problem with the hips can be debilitating for your sled dog, and both hips can be affected. It can be painful for your dog as arthritis sets in. It is important to see that your dogs don’t put on weight as this puts pressure on the joints. Your dog will need to see the vet, and surgery might be a treatment option.

Follicular Dysplasia:

This is a condition that affects Huskies between 3 and 4 months of age and can result in hair loss or problems with the skin. It is actually fairly rare in dogs and diagnosed by microscopic examination of the hair shaft. You will need to get your pet to the vet because it can lead to alopecia.

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.

Diet:

Feed your Sakhalin Husky a commercially manufactured dog formula that caters to his energy and digestive needs.

Choose high-quality dog food with natural ingredients. Try and include some home-made food into your dogs diet. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach will do him wonders and you can chop it up and add some into the dry kibble as a treat twice a week.

Some raw meat occasionally is also important to prevent skin problems. Be sure that cool, fresh water is available for your pet at all times.

Exercise:

This will require regular exercise. Walks are always good, but he will require something more hectic such as long hikes and frisbee or ball throwing games.

Grooming:

A Husky’s dense double-coat must be brushed at least twice a week as he is a fairly heavy shedder.

His nails grow quickly and these will need to be trimmed. Even though he has erect ears, you will need to check inside for cleanliness to avoid canine ear infections.

Check inside his mouth as well for bad teeth as these can have a detrimental affect on his health